Top Wedding Venues in New Zealand for 2020

If you’ve already said “yes” to the one, planning the wedding is likely the next step. We know it can be stressful, with finding the right dress, the budget, invitations, and the future mother-in-law to contend with. On top of all that, is the burning question of where you will get married?

It’s our mission at rentabus to understand and anticipate the needs of our clients. As specialists in group transport, we’re passionate about helping wedding guests make it to the chapel on time. We have scoured New Zealand from top to bottom for the best wedding venues of 2020. This year’s winners list features sites on both islands, with an eclectic mix of styles, moods, and themes.

We chose these venues because of their willingness to go the extra mile for their couples. Your wedding day is a celebration of your love. It’s a day filled with anticipation, laughter, tears, excitement, and passion. We believe these venues will make your special day all the more magical.

Kauri Bay Boomrock

Say “I do” in one of the most picturesque spots to get married in New Zealand, Kauri Bay Boomrock. The staff there really take their couple’s ideas and visions into consideration and turn them into the perfect wedding day. Couples marry on-site with stunning panoramic views of the Hauraki Gulf surrounded by their family and friends. 

Aside from its idyllic setting, we put Kauri Bay Boomrock on the list because they help their newlyweds organize and plan even the minor details. From specialised menus, table settings, arrangements, and entertainment options, they tailor each wedding to suit your guest’s needs. Couples will have a wedding team to help plan the big day. The venue can accommodate up to 200 guests seated or 250 in a cocktail environment.

Cable Bay Vineyards

Have your dream wedding with one of the best-uninterrupted views on Waiheke Island. Overlooking striking ocean views of the Hauraki Gulf, at Cable Bay Vineyards, couples can recite their nuptials surrounded by olive trees and vineyards that the venue transforms into a perfect wedding location. 

It doesn’t matter if you have a spring, summer, winter, or autumn wedding, one thing’s for sure – your wedding photos will be majestic. The changing colours in the vineyards, the sunset, and the romantic atmosphere at Cable Bay make it an ideal place to tie the knot. You can also serve your wedding guests award-winning Cable Bay wines paired with exceptional catering, offering both New Zealand fusion and Mediterranean cuisine. Luxury accommodations, award-winning wine, and ocean views? Sounds great to us!

Jonkers Farm

They know how to host a rustic, boho-chic wedding, and do it right. Jonkers Farm is the ideal place for couples who love live bands, chilled atmospheres, and festival vibes. 

This private, quiet, isolated farm boasts twin coast views of Muriwai and Bethells Beach, a handcrafted totara gate, long grass, the film set from Black Beauty and Mahana, and vintage 1940’s sheds and farm buildings.  Pretty cool, right? Dance the night away with your new spouse, friends, and family under the moon and garland lights in the “Chic Canopy,” the “Rustic Tipi,” or in “The Shed.” If you want your band to play bangers from the vintage barn, you’ll have to act fast. Jonkers Farm only hosts a limited number of their charming, boho-chic weddings per season. 

Ataahua

Up next on the list is, Ataahua, which translates to ‘beautiful’ in Te Reo Maori. Couples can have a dream European-inspired wedding, without having to book a flight. You can tie the knot in exquisite gardens that create the perfect mix of elegance, nature, and stunning bursts of colour. 

We love that the folks at Ataahua are dedicated to making your wedding as stress-free as possible, with individualised support leading up to and during your wedding day. The team is friendly, professional and will listen to their client’s requests to create magical wedding day memories. Another awesome thing about Ataahua, is that the scenery is beautiful at any time of the year. For couples looking for a casually elegant venue, we think you should check them out!

The Olive Grove

Have you ever wanted to arrive via helicopter to your wedding? At The Olive Grove, you can get a venue for the ceremony, helicopter access to the site, and a space for a party tent.

Be surrounded by nature in an intimate garden as you agree to forever under a stylish Marquee celebration. This one-of-a-kind wedding venue offers a Wanaka Wedding Ceremony and Full Marquee Reception Venue.

Wed in the open air, under the stars, sip champagne and take in all the natural beauty at The Olive Grove. They’re also an all-weather venue, so if you wed your special someone in winter, they have you covered.
The venue has connections with Wanaka’s best caterers and Marquee providers, meaning if you can dream it, they’ll likely be able to source it.

The Duke of Marlborough Hotel

Celebrate your wedding in the enchanting Bay of Islands. The Duke of Marlborough Hotel is a New Zealand icon, as the first licensed hotel in the country, and they’ve upheld their high standards to this day. Your special day won’t be more memorable and impressive, than when you choose this classic, dreamy, romantic venue. 

We love that The Duke is an all in one venue. Wedding guests can stay at the hotel while the bride and groom can treat themselves to a stay in the ultra-luxurious bridal suite. Wedding guests will be wowed by the exquisite award-winning cuisine and incredible service. They also have an on-site wedding coordinator to help make your big day completely personalized. The hotel can accommodate more intimate weddings as well as more grandiose affairs. 

Glendhu Station

Who says romance is dead? Marry your loved one at the rusticly unique historic Glendhu Station Woolshed. The venue is on the picturesque shores of Lake Wanaka. We loved this venue because the McRae family, who have hosted wedding receptions on the property for over 15 years, make it their mission to ensure the couple getting married get their absolute dream wedding. 

Also, this place is huge. They have different sections on the property like Lake Side and Mountain Side, where the band can play, and The Wool Room that’s a rustic bar-style area. It’s wheelchair friendly, it has renovated toilets (more important than you may think), and it can seat up to 160 guests for banquet style parties and up to 200 for a cocktail/bar setting. 

The Red Barn

The Red Barn, conveniently located in the heart of the Waikato, is known for its friendly Kiwi hospitality, unique atmosphere, and incredible in-house catering options. We loved that they offer an on-site wedding manager to work with couples to understand their wedding vision. You can put a ring on it at the picturesque 500-acre farm with panoramic views of the beautiful surroundings. 

This is ideal for couples who love the ambience of the great outdoors. You can raise a glass in style at this iconic venue. Wedding guests will be treated with incredible food, stellar views, and a wedding they’ll never forget. The wedding party will enjoy dancing under the fairy lights, sipping drinks from the bar, and chowing down on some delicious treats. 

Tantalus

If you can picture yourself walking down the aisle surrounded by botanical courtyards, a chilled atmosphere, and a comfy lounging area, Tantalus may be just what you’re looking for. Couples choose this venue to say “I do” because of its expansive tasting room, bright function room, and intimate private dining room. We loved this venue because they can accommodate a large-scale wedding with up to 200 guests or an intimate ceremony and dinner with just your closest family and friends. 

No matter how many people you want on your big day, every guest will be treated like royalty. The venue is surrounded by olive groves, macadamia trees, boardwalk, and vines that create a whimsical fairytale-esq vibe. This place checks off all the boxes, good food, great vibes, and stunning scenery.