Choosing the perfect garden venue for your wedding in New Zealand means embracing breathtaking natural beauty, from lush subtropical flora to elegant European-inspired landscapes. Here’s a curated list of ten incredible locations that promise an unforgettable “I do.”
Markovina Estate (Kumeu, Auckland, North Island)
A family-owned gem, Markovina Estate is a celebrated garden venue located in the heart of the Kumeu wine region. It’s a true hidden paradise, meticulously designed over decades to create a series of interconnected, lush garden areas. This venue is renowned for its romantic and intimate atmosphere, making it a favourite for couples seeking a picturesque and tranquil setting.
Garden Features
Serene ponds and water features, enchanting wisteria-covered archway, cherry blossoms, jacarandas, a beautiful ceremony gazebo surrounded by native and exotic plants, and expansive lawns perfect for mingling. The gardens are illuminated at night, creating a magical ambiance.
Capacity & Amenities
Offers a stunning all-weather ceremony area, with reception dining under a canopy of vines and vintage lights. It can cater to both small, intimate weddings and larger celebrations, with a focus on delivering a high-quality, personal experience.
Vibe
Romantic, fairytale-like, whimsical, family-run, intimate.
Why It's Great
The sheer beauty and unique design of the gardens, combined with its all-weather facilities and personal touch along with incredible flexibility for couples, makes it a premier choice for couples who want a seamless and unforgettable garden wedding experience.
The TreeChurch and Gardens (Ohaupo, Waikato, North Island)
A truly unique and magical venue, the TreeChurch is a living, breathing church structure made entirely from trees. It’s an enchanting and peaceful oasis set within beautiful gardens.
Garden Features
The venue’s main feature is the living church itself, but it’s surrounded by tranquil, meticulously maintained gardens. This includes a “Gantry” for indoor events, and the gardens are a major highlight for photos.
Capacity & Amenities
The venue is suitable for weddings and events of up to 100 guests. There’s also on-site boutique accommodation available, making it an all-in-one location. They have an indoor venue, The Gantry, as a wet-weather option.
Vibe
Whimsical, magical, and deeply spiritual. It’s a place that feels like it’s straight out of a fairytale, perfect for a couple who wants a truly unique and memorable ceremony.
Why It's Great
Its distinctiveness is unmatched. The living church provides a one-of-a-kind backdrop for the ceremony, and the surrounding gardens create a serene and intimate atmosphere.
Old Forest School (Rotorua, North Island)
This charming and unique venue offers a rustic yet enchanting garden wedding experience. Originally a 1930s primary school, Old Forest School has been lovingly restored and transformed into a whimsical wedding destination set amongst established gardens and native bush.
Garden Features
Mature trees, established flower beds, sprawling lawns, a charming schoolhouse, and repurposed vintage elements that add character. There are numerous nooks and crannies perfect for photos.
Capacity & Amenities
Ideal for medium-sized weddings, offering various outdoor and indoor spaces including a restored chapel, reception hall, and even glamping/accommodation options.
Vibe
Rustic chic, whimsical, intimate, nostalgic, bohemian.
Why It's Great
It offers a distinctive character and a relaxed atmosphere that appeals to couples looking for something a bit different and personal.
Boomrock (Wellington, North Island)
Perched dramatically on the cliffs overlooking the Tasman Sea, Boomrock offers a truly spectacular setting. While not a traditional “garden” in the sense of manicured flower beds, its expansive lawns and natural clifftop flora provide an unparalleled natural garden experience with breathtaking panoramic views.
Garden Features
Wild coastal grasses, rugged native plants, expansive manicured lawns for ceremonies, and the vast, ever-changing seascape as a backdrop.
Capacity & Amenities
Offers state-of-the-art facilities for both ceremony and reception. Known for its exceptional cuisine and service.
Vibe
Dramatic, luxurious, exclusive, wild beauty, contemporary.
Why It's Great
If a “garden” means embracing New Zealand’s unique natural landscape, then Boomrock provides an awe-inspiring, unforgettable clifftop “garden” wedding experience.
The Hunting Lodge (Waimauku, Auckland, North Island)
This historic property has been transformed into a modern winery and event venue, featuring beautiful gardens and vineyards that create a relaxed yet sophisticated atmosphere. It’s a fantastic option for couples looking for a vineyard garden setting close to Auckland.
Garden Features
Established vineyards, sprawling lawns, beautiful flower beds, a formal entrance garden, and mature trees providing shade and charm.
Capacity & Amenities
Versatile spaces for both ceremonies (among the vines or in the gardens) and receptions. Offers award-winning food and wine.
Vibe
Vineyard chic, modern rustic, relaxed sophistication, food and wine focused.
Why It's Great
The combination of stunning vineyard views, well-maintained gardens, and excellent food and wine makes it a highly sought-after venue.
Cable Bay Vineyards (Waiheke Island, North Island)
A short ferry ride from Auckland, Waiheke Island is famous for its vineyards and stunning coastal scenery. Cable Bay Vineyards offers a truly world-class experience, with incredible views, award-winning wines, and beautifully designed gardens.
Garden Features
Lush lawns, sculptural gardens, olive groves, and panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf, Auckland city, and surrounding islands. The different terraces offer unique perspectives.
Capacity & Amenities
Can host both intimate and larger weddings with diverse ceremony spots and elegant reception spaces. Known for its fine dining.
Vibe
Sophisticated, coastal chic, vineyard luxury, breathtaking views.
Why It's Great
It combines the allure of a destination wedding with incredible food, wine, and one of the most stunning garden-with-a-view settings in New Zealand.
Stoneridge Estate (Queenstown, South Island)
A luxurious lodge, event venue, and boutique vineyard located just outside of Queenstown. It offers a stunning alpine retreat feel.
Garden Features
Stoneridge Estate is set amidst sprawling gardens and vines with panoramic views of Lake Hayes and the surrounding mountains. The gardens are beautifully landscaped and provide a dramatic backdrop. They also have a stone chapel for ceremonies.
Capacity & Amenities
This is a luxury venue that offers a range of packages for both elopements and full-day celebrations. They have multiple spaces for ceremonies and receptions, as well as on-site accommodation.
Vibe
Alpine-chic, luxurious, and scenic. The stunning views and high-end amenities create an unforgettable experience.
Why It's Great
The breathtaking views of the lake and mountains combined with the meticulously crafted gardens and buildings make it an incredibly sought-after location for couples who want both luxury and spectacular natural scenery.
The Rippon Hall is a breathtaking venue located on a hill overlooking the historic Rippon vineyard, Lake Wanaka, and the Southern Alps. The building itself is crafted from materials sourced from the land, giving it a deep connection to its surroundings.
Garden Features
The main garden feature is the natural amphitheatre, a beautiful grassy space with views stretching across the vines to the lake. This provides a stunning and uniquely “Central Otago” feel for a ceremony. The surrounding vines and landscape are the main garden attraction.
Capacity & Amenities
The Rippon Hall is a “blank canvas” venue, allowing couples to customize their event. It can accommodate a variety of guest numbers for ceremonies and receptions. Amenities include the hall itself, outdoor terraces, and access to the vineyard and lakefront.
Vibe
Rustic, natural, and awe-inspiring. The connection to the land and the vast, open views create a peaceful and majestic atmosphere.
Why It’s Great
This venue is all about the landscape. It’s ideal for couples who want their wedding to be defined by the stunning natural beauty of Central Otago, with a focus on an epic outdoor ceremony with a view.
Larcomb Vineyard (Rolleston, Christchurch, South Island)
Located just outside of Christchurch, Larcomb Vineyard is a picturesque venue that combines rustic charm with modern elegance. The property features a notable red barn, manicured gardens, and lush vineyards, creating a beautiful and versatile backdrop for a wedding.
Garden Features
The venue’s “garden wedding” appeal is centered around its expansive outdoor spaces. Ceremonies can be held on the front lawn, which offers a rustic country garden backdrop, or for a more elegant touch, in the vineyard rows with natural greenery and beautiful lighting. The venue also features a lavender hedge and mature trees, providing multiple options for photos and outdoor gatherings.
Capacity & Amenities
Larcomb Vineyard is a full-service venue with a variety of spaces to suit different guest numbers. The Big Barn can accommodate up to 250 seated guests for a reception, while the Small Barn, the original winery building, is ideal for more intimate gatherings of up to 60. They also have a historic space called The Stables for smaller groups. Amenities include on-site catering by G&T Catering, a full sound system, and a dedicated venue coordinator to help with planning and on-the-day logistics.
Vibe
Rustic, elegant, and flexible. The red barn and vineyard create a beautiful country aesthetic, while the professional service and manicured grounds elevate the experience. The atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming, allowing couples to personalize their day without feeling restricted.
Why It's Great
Larcomb Vineyard is highly praised for its flexibility and all-inclusive service. The variety of outdoor and indoor spaces ensures a beautiful wedding regardless of the weather. Couples love the transparent pricing, the ability to tailor their menu with G&T Catering, and the convenience of having everything from setup to coordination handled by an experienced team. It’s a great choice for those who want a charming, rustic garden wedding with the ease of a full-service venue.
Mona Vale (Christchurch, South Island)
A historic homestead set on four hectares of stunning gardens on the banks of the Avon River in Christchurch. Mona Vale is a timeless and elegant venue that reopened in 2016 after a major rebuild.
Garden Features
The extensive grounds feature manicured lawns, romantic bridges, a lily pond, and a historic Bath House. The iconic homestead provides a classic English garden feel.
Capacity & Amenities
The venue can cater to both large and small events, with a variety of spaces available. It specializes in hosting functions with a personal touch and offers exquisite catering.
Vibe
Classic, romantic, and elegant. It evokes old-world glamour and sophistication.
Why It’s Great
Mona Vale offers a unique blend of heritage charm and natural beauty. It’s a perfect choice for couples wanting a classic and timeless wedding in a central city location.
