Looking for an elopement in New Zealand? Check out our beach elopement package in Northland. Grab your sandals or go barefoot on the pristine sands of Mangawhai and climb to the top of the dune with us!
Starting at Pacific Road beach, we walk together along the water’s edge until we reach the sand dune and begin our dune climb. Once at the top, you have 360 degree views of the ocean, town, estuary and mountains in the distance.
Your ceremony will take place anywhere you choose once on top of the dune and, if selected, your optional styled picnic set up and grazing platter will be ready for you to celebrate immediately afterwards.
If you’re feeling it, take a dip in the ocean on your way back!
Program length: 8 hours
Participants: 2 guests can join apart from the couple
Experience: getting ready photos sand dune walk, sand tobogganing, ceremony and beach sand dune, swimming, golden hour photos
Sightseeing: Mangawhai beach, sand dunes
Climate: Oceanic climate: Mild wet summers, mild and wet winters.
Available: All year round
Recommended months: We recommend the summer/warmer months (October to May), January, February)Â to avoid heavy rain (there are no undercover areas on this hike/walk).
Activity level: Moderate – Few hours hike or walk. Can include some outdoor experience such as kayaking or sailing, trying diving for the first time.
Those with severe exercise induced asthma should be cautious when booking this experience.
About the Hosts of your New Zealand Elopement at the beach
Hi there!
We are Amy and Ricky. Congratulations on your upcoming wedding plans and your Elopement in New Zealand! We are thrilled that you are interested in having us join you for the best day of your life!
We are a husband and wife photography team that started our photography journey in Australia followed by exploring the Canadian Rocky Mountains for 2 years, cameras in hand, and now set up in beautiful Northland, NZ for the past two years. We know love when we see it, pride ourselves on capturing raw and candid moments, and would LOVE to be a part of your big day!
Itinerary of your New Zealand Elopement
1 pm – Meet at getting ready locations/accommodations to begin photography of the day
3 pm – Leave accommodations and drive to Pacific Road Beach meeting point
– optional swimming
– walk back to Pacific Road Beach
8pm – Leave Pacific road beach to dinner location
8.30 pm – 9 pm – Dinner Photos
Comments about your New Zealand Elopement Package
If the weather conditions make it dangerous to proceed with parts of your New Zealand elopement, the itinerary might be adjusted. There is a possibility to reschedule your elopement in New Zealand by +-2 days under the condition that all vendors involved have availability.
An alternative option to the golden hour photos on top of the Sand Dune, is to drive to Te Arai Point Reserve and get photos on top of the rock. If this is desired, the ceremony will need to commence earlier so that there is time to walk back to the car and drive to Te Arai Point Reserve in time for golden hour at 7 pm. There is the option for swimming also at Te Arai Point Reserve.
We would remove the dinner photos (8.30 – 9pm) and add the time at the start of the day to allow for coverage and travel time of the Te Arai Point golden hour photography.
What is included in your New Zealand Elopement Package
Photography of Bride preparation (Amy as your Photographer)
Groom preparation (Ricky as your Photographer)
First look photos (if applicable)
Ceremony
Post ceremony couple and/or guest photos
Dinner photography
Total 8 hours photography coverage
Sneak peek gallery provided within 2 days after
Private online gallery of minimum 700 high resolution images with unlimited downloading
We are happy to find suitable vendors to recommend to you for your day.
We are happy to offer recommendations of places to stay locally, at no extra charge!
What is not included in your New Zealand Elopement Package
Meals. A grazing platter can be purchased as additional add on for the picnic set up for after the ceremony. We are also happy to book a local restaurant of your choosing for after the wedding.
Alcohol/drinks
Travel and travel insurance to Mangawhai.
What to bring to your New Zealand Elopement
Bring your swimmers if you want to swim, warm clothes for the evening (perhaps matching bride and groom jackets?), clothes for dinner (if changing out of wedding gown/suit). Wear sunscreen, sunglasses, hats or an umbrella for shade. You can still get sunburned at 5 pm!
Champagne if you want champagne popping photos.
Shoes/sandals for the dune climb.
Bottles of water.
Any extra snacks you want.
How to prepare for your New Zealand Elopement
The climb up the sand dune can be steep and hot, so we recommend having a good level of fitness and some sandals or shoes to stop your feet from burning on the sand if it is a hot day.
The closest airport is Auckland airport and car rental services are available here if needed. There are nearby campsites if you wish to hire a van and camp overnight.
Optional Add-ons to your New Zealand Elopement Package
Guests (up until 2 persons) can come at no extra charge
Picnic set up for 2 – 4 people (USD 200; Includes pallet table, festoon lights, themed tableware & flowers, a picnic hamper containing a UE boom speaker, a complimentary locally made scented candle and local Bennetts Chocolates, alongside your table – cushions, throws and rug, complete set up and dismantling
