If you and your partner are all about the great outdoors, epic views, and like to do things a little differently, then listen up... Yes, I'm talking about hiking elopements in Queenstown. Trust me, this is not your average walk down the aisle—it's a trek into the extraordinary.
I’ve had the pleasure of photographing many hiking elopements, and as a fellow outdoor lover and avid hiker, I have plenty of tips and tricks to help make your adventure wedding dreams come to life.
Planning a hiking elopement is easier than you might think. Let’s dive into it…
Why Hiking Elopements?
Forget traditional venues with four walls and a chandelier. With a hiking elopement, your backdrop is the great outdoors. It’s a chance to exchange your vows in a place where the air is fresh, the views are breathtaking, and every step feels like a new adventure. It's intimate, it's personal, and it's totally unique.
And here's the best part: it's just the two of you, a celebrant and photographer. No seating arrangements, no distant relatives asking awkward questions or complaining about the food, just you, your partner, and the beauty of Queenstown.
Why Queenstown?
Queenstown is New Zealand's adventure capital, tucked away in the Southern Alps. Think soaring mountains, crystal-clear lakes, and more trails than you can count. It's basically a giant playground for outdoor enthusiasts. So if you and your partner are the type who'd rather trade tuxedos and formal gowns for hiking boots and puffer jackets, you've come to the right place.
Top Trails for Eloping in Queenstown
Wondering where to start? Queenstown is teeming with epic trails that are perfect for an elopement. Here are a few favorites:
Ben Lomond Track: If you want panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables, this is your trail. The hike can take 4-6 hours, depending on your pace, but the scenery at the summit is so worth it.
Queenstown Hill: A shorter hike that still packs a visual punch. The trail is about 2-3 hours round trip, making it ideal if you're planning a quick ceremony and some stunning photos.
Lake Alta: A short walk from The Remarkables ski base lies Lake Alta, a stunning alpine lake surrounded by huge jagged peaks. Lake Alta is a great option for couples who would prefer a shorter walk but don’t want to sacrifice the views. Allow up to 2 hours round trip.
Routeburn Track: For couples who want to turn their elopement into a multi-day adventure, the Routeburn Track is a top pick. The landscapes are insanely beautiful, with waterfalls, alpine meadows, and snow-capped peaks.
Dart Valley: This stunning hike starts in beautiful New Zealand native forest. Around an hour in, on a relatively flat track, you’ll arrive at a gorgeous alpine meadow, complete with wildflowers, streams, towering mountains and glaciers. The Dart Valley is truly a special place.
Beyond Queenstown
Hooker Valley: a 3.5-hour drive from Queenstown brings you to Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, here lies the iconic Hooker Valley trail. This 3-hour round trip trail winds up an alpine valley surrounded by NZ’s biggest mountains. The track finishes at Hooker Lake and Glacier, with epic views of NZ’s tallest peak.
Mueller Hut: This is one for the more adventurous couples. Also in Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park, Mueller Hut sits 1100m above the National Park. Getting here is no easy feat, a steep track winds up the side of Mt Olivier, with epic views around every corner. Around 4 hours of climbing will bring you to the famous red, Mueller Hut. Needless to say, the views are out of this world!
Gertrude Saddle: Fiordland National Park, home to the world-famous Milford Sound. Fiordland is unlike anywhere else in NZ, and Gertrude Saddle perfectly encapsulates this incredible part of the world. A 2-3 hour hike from Milford Road brings you to the stunning saddle, overlooking the epic Fiordland rain forest and towing granite peaks. The perfect place to tie the knot.
Tips for Planning a Hiking Elopement in Queenstown
Timing is Everything: Queenstown has four distinct seasons, so pick your date wisely. If you want clear trails and warmer weather, aim for late spring or summer. For snowy vibes, winter is your best bet.
Pack Smart: Hiking gear is a must, even for a wedding. Sturdy boots, weather-appropriate clothing, and a good backpack are essential. Don't forget a compact first-aid kit and plenty of water.
Hire a Local Photographer: Trust me, you're going to want photos of this epic day. I specializes in outdoor and adventure shoots—I know the best spots and how to capture your moment without it feeling staged. I also allow a backup date in case of adverse weather on your preferred date.
Hire a celebrant: Here in Queenstown, we’re lucky to have some amazing and adventurous, outdoor loving marriage celebrants. Your celebrant will handle all of the legal paperwork and provide you with a beautiful and heartfelt ceremony.
Permits and Legalities: Make sure you have the right permits for your chosen location, and check with local authorities such as DOC about any specific requirements for getting married on conservation land. This is also something that I can assist with.
Ready to Take the Leap?
If you're craving an elopement that's as unique as your love story, Queenstown is calling your name. The scenery is unparalleled, the adventure is non-stop, and the memories will last a lifetime. So grab your boots, pack your bags, and get ready to say "I do" on top of the world. It’s not just a hike—it’s the start of the greatest journey of all.
Now, who's in? 🏔️
