Marrying and Sponsoring a New Zealander Citizen
Listen to this articleMarriage to a New Zealander Citizen
Every country has its own laws that apply to its citizens marrying a person from a different country. Getting married to a New Zealander citizen with the goal of eventually bringing them to Canada to live is a process with many steps. The New Zealander government imposes strict requirements on foreigners who marry New Zealanders as an indirect way of discouraging New Zealander citizens from moving to other countries.
If you want to bring your New Zealander spouse or partner to live in Canada, you must then file a sponsorship application for them to become a permanent resident. If they would like to visit you in Canada while their application is in process, they must also apply for an Electronic Travel Authorization. For more information, please see our family sponsorship page and our eTA article.
New Zealander Marriage Basic Requirements
Types of Marriage Ceremonies in New Zealand
There are two types of marriage ceremony:
- A ceremony solemnized by a Registrar of Marriages in a Registry Office. Registry Office ceremonies are not open to the public; and
- A ceremony solemnized by an authorized Marriage Celebrant at a place other than a Registry Office. There is no legal requirement that a ceremony before a marriage celebrant be open to the public.
Registry Office ceremonies take place during normal office hours, but you can have a marriage celebrant perform your marriage ceremony at any time, on any day of the week.
Planning of the Marriage
1. Deciding when and where you want to get married
You will need to know when and where you want to get married when you complete your application for a marriage license. You should also choose an alternative venue in the event that the weather prevents you from marrying at your primary venue.
2. Choosing a Marriage Celebrant
In New Zealand you must be married by an appointed marriage celebrant. This may be a Registrar of Marriages, an independent marriage celebrant, a minister of a church or a person connected with an approved organization. Contact a Registrar of Marriages for a list of appointed marriage celebrants.< /p>
You will need to contact your marriage celebrant and agree on a time and place before applying for your marriage license.
3. Getting a Marriage License
To get a license you will need to complete a Notice of Intended Marriage application form. If either of you have been married or in a civil union before, and the marriage or civil union has been dissolved, you may be asked to produce evidence of the dissolution (e.g. Divorce/Dissolution Order) when you give notice to the Registrar. If your previous spouse or partner has died you do not have to produce evidence of their death, but you will have to give the date of death on the Notice of Intended Marriage.
You will need to get a marriage license from a Registrar of Marriages. To apply for a marriage license one of the parties to the marriage must fill out the appropriate form.
- If you live in New Zealand or will be in New Zealand at least three days before you intend to be married (either the bride or groom, or both) complete the Notice of Intended Marriage (BDM 60) form. You cannot complete the form online, as either the bride or the groom must complete a statutory declaration which is part of the form. The statutory declaration must be made in the presence of a Registrar of Marriages. This must be done in person.
Making a Statutory Declaration
As part of completing the application form for a marriage license, you need to make a statutory declaration. Either you or your partner will need to make a formal statutory declaration that there is no lawful impediment to the marriage (i.e. no legal reason that you both cannot be married), that the details given are true, that the bride and groom are not within the “prohibited degrees of relationship” and that consent has been given (where relevant).
Consent to Enter into a Marriage
To get married both parties to the marriage must be at least 16 years of age. If either party is 16 or 17 years of age, they must obtain consent:
- You must obtain consent’ from each of your guardians (usually your parents) unless they cannot be located or are, as a result of incapacity, unable to give consent.
- If none of your guardians are able to give consent, you must obtain consent from a relative acting in place of a guardian, or from a Family Court Judge.
- If your parents or guardians refuse consent, you can apply to a Family Court Judge for consent to get married.
The completed ‘Consent to Marriage of a Minor’ must be submitted with the ‘Notice of Intended Marriage’ form.
Marriage conducted at the Registry Office
If you wish for your marriage to be conducted by a Registrar of Marriages at the Registry Office, you must pay a fee of NZ$173.70 when you send in or hand over the completed Notice of Intended Marriage form. This includes the fee for the marriage license and the ceremony.
A marriage license is normally issued no sooner than three calendar days, (it may sometimes be four or five days) after the completed Notice of Intended Marriage form is submitted and the fee has been paid.
Your marriage license is valid for three months from the date on which it is issued. During that period you are free to marry at the place or places specified on the marriage license.
If you change your venue before the marriage has taken place, you must advise the Registry Office from where your license was obtained.
At the conclusion of the ceremony you will be handed a signed copy of one of the ‘Copy of Particulars of Marriage’. The other copy will be returned to the issuing Registrar by your marriage celebrant.
Where a couple are in a civil union and are eligible to marry, they may change the form of their relationship to a marriage with the same partner without having to formally dissolve their civil union. To do this, you will need to complete a Notice of Intended Marriage, change of relationship from civil union (BDM 59) form. This form can only be signed before a Registrar of Marriages in New Zealand
The address for the Registrars of Marriage in the town in which you wish to be married can be found in the local telephone directory. It is usually listed under “Justice Department” or “Births, Deaths and Marriages”. In smaller towns the Registrar is located in the Court House
Addresses of Registrars of Marriage in major cities are:
Auckland Registry of Births, Deaths and Marriages
3 Kingston Street
Auckland
New Zealand
Tel: +64 9 309 7654
Fax: +64 9 302 7655
Wellington District Office of Births, Deaths and Marriages
117-125 Lambton Quay
Wellington
New Zealand
Tel: +64 4 473 9166
Fax: +64 4 473 2659
Christchurch District Office of Births, Deaths and Marriages
48 Peterborough Street
PO Box 25211
Christchurch
New Zealand
Tel: +64 3 379 6006
Family Members
If your New Zealander spouse has dependent children, this does not affect the New Zealander Marriage document application.
If you have dependent children, they have no effect on the application to marry a New Zealander citizen.
List of New Zealander Consulates in Canada
Calling New Zealand from Canada
To make a direct call to New Zealand from Canada, you need to follow the international dialling format given below. The dialling format is the same when calling New Zealand mobile or land line from Canada.
011 – 64 – Area Code – local number
- 011 – Exit code for Canada, and is needed for making any international call from Canada
- 64 – ISD Code or Country Code of New Zealand
Area Codes
| Auckland | 9 | North Island (southern and eastern parts) | 6 | Taranaki | 6 |
| Bay of Plenty | 7 | Northland | 9 | Taumarunui | 7 |
| Chatham Islands | 3 | Otaki | 4 | Waikato | 7 |
| Gisborne | 6 | Ross Dependency | 2 | The Wairarapa | 6 |
| Hawke’s Bay | 6 | Scott Base | 2 | Wellington Region | 4 |
| Manawatu-Wanganui | 6 | South Island (majority) | 3 |
Cell phones use area code 2.
Calling Canada from New Zealand
To make a direct call to Canada from New Zealand, you need to follow the international dialling format given below. The dialling format is the same when calling Canada mobile or land line from New Zealand.
00 – 1 – Area Code – local number
- 00 – Exit code for New Zealand, and is needed for making any international call from New Zealand
- 1 – ISD Code or Country Code of Canada
List of area codes in Canada
| Province | Code | Province | Code |
| Alberta | 403 / 587 (southern Alberta)
587 / 780 (central and northern Alberta) |
Nunavut | 867 |
| BC | 236 / 250 / 778 (majority of BC)
236 / 604 / 778 (Metro Vancouver) |
Ontario | 226 / 519 (southwestern Ontario)
249 / 705 (northeastern Ontario) 289 / 365 / 905 (Greater Toronto Area) 343 / 613 (eastern Ontario) 416 / 647 (Toronto) 807 (northwestern Ontario) |
| Manitoba | 204 / 431 | PEI | 782 / 902 |
| New Brunswick | 506 | Quebec | 418 / 581 (eastern Quebec)
438 / 514 (Montreal) 450 / 579 (Greater Montreal) 819 / 873 (remainder of Quebec) |
| Newfoundland and Labrador | 709 | Saskatchewan | 306 / 639 |
| Northwest Territories | 867 | Yukon | 867 |
| Nova Scotia | 782 / 902 |
Time Difference
New Zealand Time is GMT+12. New Zealand practices Daylight Saving Time at the opposite time of year than Canada, so that makes finding out the time difference complicated:
| Canadian Time Zones | Time of Year | Second Sunday of March to First Sunday of April and Last Sunday of September to first Sunday of November
Only (DST) |
November-March
(New Zealand DST) |
April-September (Canada DST) |
| Pacific Time | New Zealand is 20 hours ahead | 21 hours ahead | 19 hours ahead | |
| Mountain Time | New Zealand is 19 hours ahead | 20 hours ahead | 18 hours ahead | |
| Saskatchewan Time | New Zealand is 19 hours ahead | 19 hours ahead | 18 hours ahead | |
| Central Time | New Zealand is 18 hours ahead | 19 hours ahead | 17 hours ahead | |
| Eastern Time | New Zealand is 17 hours ahead | 18 hours ahead | 16 hours ahead | |
| Atlantic Time | New Zealand is 16 hours ahead | 17 hours ahead | 15 hours ahead | |
| Newfoundland Time | New Zealand is 15.5 hours ahead | 16.5 hours ahead | 14.5 hours ahead | |
Emergency Information for Canadians in New Zealand
High Commission of Canada in Wellington125 The Terrace Postal Address: Telephone: 64 (4) 473-9577 |
View Larger Map |
Other Emergency Numbers in New Zealand
| Emergency Services | Telephone |
| Police (General Emergency Call) | 111 |
| Ambulance and Rescue | 111 |
| Fire | 111 |
| Health line (Medical Emergency Call) | 1800 611 116 |
| Coast Guard New Zealand | 09 489 1510 |
| Wellington Air Rescue Centre | 04 387 9591 |
| Auckland Air Ambulance Base | 09 257 1442 |
The Government of Canada’s Travel Alerts for New Zealand
New Zealand Money
The New Zealand dollar is the currency of New Zealand. It is divided into 100 cents.
It is normally written with the dollar sign $, or NZ$ to distinguish it from other dollar-denominated currencies. In the context of currency trading, it is often informally called the “Kiwi”, since kiwi are commonly associated with New Zealand and the $1 coin depicts a kiwi. It is one of the 10 most-traded currencies in the world being approximately 1.6% of global foreign exchange market daily turnover in 2010.
Coins
When the dollar was introduced, coins came in denominations of 1c, 2c, 5c, 10c, 20c, and 50c. The 1c and 2c coins were bronze, the others cupro-nickel. To ease transition, the 5c, 10c and 20c were the same size as the sixpence, shilling and florin that they respectively replaced.
In 1986, New Zealand adopted Raphael Maklouf’s new portrait of the Queen. The 1c and 2c coins were last minted for circulation in 1987, with collector coins being made for 1988. The coins were demonetized on 30 April 1990. The lack of 1c and 2c coins meant that cash transactions were normally rounded to the nearest 5c (10c from 2006), a process known as Swedish rounding.
On 11 February 1991, aluminium-bronze $1 and $2 coins were introduced to replace existing $1 and $2 notes.
On 11 November 2004 the Reserve Bank announced that it proposed to take the 5c coin out of circulation and to make the 50c, 20c and 10c coins smaller and use plated steel to make them lighter. The changeover period started on 31 July 2006, with the old coins usable until 31 October 2006. The old 50c, 20c, 10c and 5c pieces are now no longer legal tender, but are still redeemable at the Reserve Bank. Prior to the change over these coins were similar, save for the legend and reverse artwork, to international, Commonwealth coins of the same British-derived sizes, which led to coins from other currencies, particularly older coins, being accepted by vending machines and many retailers.
Banknotes
In 1967, notes were introduced in denominations of $1, $2, $5, $10, $20 and $100, with all except the $5 replacing their pound predecessors. The original series of dollar notes featured on the obverse a portrait of Queen Elizabeth II wearing Queen Alexandra’s Kokoshnik tiara, King George’s VI festoon necklace, and Queen Mary’s floret earrings, while the reverse featured native birds and plants. The notes were changed slightly in 1981 due to a change of printer. The most noticeable difference being the portrait based upon a photograph by Peter Grugeon, in which Queen Elizabeth II is wearing Grand Duchess Vladimir’s tiara and Queen Victoria’s golden jubilee necklace. The $50 note was added in 1983 to fill the long gap between the $20 and the $100 notes. $1 and $2 notes were discontinued in 1991 after being replaced with coins.
A new series of notes was introduced in 1992. The obverse of each note featured a notable New Zealander, while the reverse featured a native New Zealand bird and New Zealand scenery. In 1999, polymer notes replaced the paper notes. The designs remained much the same, but were changed slightly to accommodate new security features, with the most obvious changes being the two transparent windows.
$5
The New Zealand’s $5 note depicts Sir Edmund Hillary, Aoraki/Mount Cook on the front. Sir Edmund Percival Hillary was a New Zealand mountaineer, explorer and philanthropist. On the back it depicts Hoiho (Yellow-eyed Penguin) together with Campbell Island scene.
$10
The New Zealand’s $10 banknote depicts Kate Sheppard and White camellia flowers on the front. Katherine Sheppard was the most prominent member of New Zealand’s women’s suffrage movement, and is the country’s most famous suffragette. On the back it depicts Whio (Blue Duck) and River scene
$20
The New Zealand’s $20 banknote depicts Queen Elizabeth II and the New Zealand Parliament Buildings on the front. On the back it depicts Karearea (New Zealand falcon) and New Zealand alpine scene
$50
The New Zealand’s $50 banknote depicts Sir Apirana Ngata and Porourangi Meeting House on the front. Sir Apirana Ngata was a prominent New Zealand politician and lawyer. On the back it depicts Kōkako (Blue wattled crow and) Conifer broadleaf forest scene
$100
The New Zealand’s $100 banknote depicts Lord Rutherford of Nelson and the Nobel Prize medal on the front. Lord Rutherford of Nelson was a New Zealand-born British chemist and physicist who became known as the father of nuclear physics. He won a Nobel Prize in 1908. On the back it depicts Mohua (Yellowhead) and South Island lichen moth (Declana egregia) Beech forest scene
Wedding Traditions in New Zealand
Church weddings are the most traditional marriage celebrations in New Zealand. The bride wears a white wedding gown and is attended by bridesmaids. The groom wears a gray or black suit with a white shirt and tie, and he is supported by a best man and groomsmen. According to custom, the groom should not see the bride before she joins him at the front of the church on their wedding day.
Since New Zealand is a British Commonwealth member, New Zealand’s marriages have many customs of Great Britain marriage traditions. Irish and Scottish weddings are also performed in New Zealand. Many of the wedding ceremony and reception traditions also are the same as those of the Western world generally. In New Zealand, for example, the traditional wedding ceremony exchange of rings, the wedding cake and the reception attended by friends and extended family are mainly of the Western world.
Traditionally New Zealand’s wedding ceremonies and receptions include all members of the bride’s as well as the groom’s families. The reception is always held at a venue often hired for this sole purpose by the couples. Sometimes New Zealand’s wedding receptions may sometimes take place in the home of the bride or groom.
The New Zealand’s wedding is always characterized by music, dance, songs, food and drinks. The speeches and toasts are always undertaken by the father of the bride, best man and the groom. It is the duty of the best man to read out telegrams, letters cards and faxes from absent well-wishers on this occasion.
Weddings in New Zealand may also reflect the traditional culture of the island. Maori weddings will include a ceremonial welcome to the bride and groom, known as a Powhiri, and a traditional warrior challenge. The Maori are the native people of New Zealand and their customs and traditions are held in high esteem by many New Zealanders. The wedding ceremony will be conducted by a tribal elder and the couple will be blessed in the Maori language.
Wedding rings made of carved bone or greenstone is also popular amongst those wishing to include the ancient culture of the Maori people in their wedding. There is no Maori-flavoured Oceania wedding would be complete without the “infinity loops” placed around the necks of the bride and the groom, symbolizing never-ending love.
Traditional Maori Wedding Procedures
Te Karanga (Welcome Call)
Before entering the Maori Village / Location, a Traditional Maori Welcome Call echoes across the courtyard inviting the Bride and Groom on to the sacred land.
Te Powhiri (Traditional Song and Dance)
Having entered the Maori Village / Location, the local tribes then perform a traditional song and dance for the bridal party. This will be followed by the Hongi (touching of the nose) a tribal gesture that seals the friendship and goodwill between both parties
Te Marena (Wedding Ceremony and Vows)
The Maori Priest commences ceremony, couple exchange vows and are serenaded with famous Maori love song “Pokarekare ana” (an emotional and heart moving experience)
Te Manaakitanga (Priest’s blessing upon couple)
At the completion of the ceremony, the Maori Priest then pronounces a blessing upon Bride and Groom in the form of a prayer, following this the presentation of a Taonga (Gift) to the couple, symbolizing new beginnings and happiness, and finally completing the ceremony with the Hongi (touching of the nose).
Te Haere Atu (Departure)
As Bridal Party departs, they are farewelled in style with Traditional Maori Song and Dance.
Te Hakari (Wedding Feast and Celebrations)
Preparations are made to celebrate the couple’s wedding day before the actual day arrives. There is a night of entertainment and traditional Hangi feast. On this special evening, the Maori tribe will honour the Bride and Groom. In particular the Groom will be honoured as a Rangatira/Chief. After the groom has been honoured, then there will be celebrations and feasting throughout the night.
Wedding Food
Kumara
Kumara is a rich orange sweet potato that is a favourite throughout New Zealand.
Buttercup Pumpkin
Pavlova
Pavlova is a traditional dessert in New Zealand
Religion in New Zealand
New Zealand has no state religion and freedom of religion has been protected since the signing of the Treaty of Waitangi. Religion in New Zealand is dominated demographically by Christianity, at just over half of the population as per the 2006 New Zealand Census although regular church attendance is probably closer to 15%. Prior to European colonisation the religion of the indigenous Maori population was animistic, but the subsequent efforts of missionaries resulted in most Maori converting to Christianity. More recently the number of adherents of non-Christian religions has increased dramatically due to immigration and dispersal of culture, to around 5% in 2006. Roughly one-third of New Zealanders claim no religious affiliation.
Christianity
After the arrival of large numbers of European immigrants (most of whom were British) Maori enthusiastically adopted Christianity in the early 19th century, and to this day, Christian prayer (karakia) is the expected way to begin and end Maori public gatherings of many kinds. Christianity became the major religion of the country, with the Anglican, Catholic and Presbyterian churches all establishing themselves strongly. The arrival of other groups of immigrants did little to change this, as Pacific Islanders and other primarily Christian ethnic groups dominated immigration until the 1970s.
The five largest Christian denominations in 2001 remained the largest in 2006. The Catholic and Methodist denominations increased, while Anglican denomination, the Presbyterian, Congregation and Reformed denomination, and undefined Christian denominations decreased. While smaller groups, there were larger percentage increases in affiliations with other Christian denominations between 2001 and 2006: Orthodox Christian religions increased by 37.8 percent, affiliation with Evangelical, Born Again and Fundamentalist religions increased by 25.6 percent, and affiliation with Pentecostal religions increased by 17.8 percent.
Despite strong affiliation to Christianity throughout its history, church attendance in New Zealand has never been high compared to other Western nations. Estimates of church attendance today range from 10–20%, while research by the Bible Society of New Zealand in 2008 indicated that 15% of New Zealanders attend church at least once a week, and 20% attend at least once a month.
St Augustine’s Church
Saint Paul Church, Paihia
The Holy Trinity Cathedral in Parnell, Auckland
St. Anne’s Church Geraldine, South Canterbury, N.Z
Burnside Church, Wairarapa, New Zealand
Other Religions
At the 2006 census around 5% of the New Zealand population affiliated to a non-Christian religion. Statistics New Zealand report that about 80% of the largest non-Christian religious groups are composed of immigrants, almost half of whom have arrived in New Zealand since 2000. The exceptions to this are traditional Maori religion, Judaism (24% immigrant) and Bahá’í (20% immigrant)
Māori religion
Traditional Māori religion, that is, the pre-European belief system of the Māori, was little modified in its essentials from that of their tropical Eastern Polynesian homeland, conceiving of everything, including natural elements and all living things as connected by common descent through whakapapa or genealogy. Accordingly, all things were thought of as possessing a life force or “mauri”. Very few Māori still identify themselves as adhering to traditional Māori beliefs (2,412 people at the 2006 Census).
Sikhism
The Sikhs have grown 83.0% between 2001 and 2006 and compose 0.2% of the population. There are thirteen gurdwaras (the Sikh place of worship) in New Zealand
Judaism
The history of the Jews here begins in the 1830s including noted early settler Joel Samuel Polack and continued to grow from immigration. Among the prominent New Zealand Jews include nineteenth century Premier Julius Vogel and at least five Auckland mayors, including Dove-Myer Robinson. The current Prime Minister, John Key of the National Party is of part Ashkenazi Jewish descent, although he does not practice Judaism. Currently, the Jewish population is estimated at around 7,000 out of the total New Zealand population of 4.2 million. The majority of New Zealand Jews reside in Auckland and Wellington, though there is also a significant Jewish community in Dunedin which is believed to have the world’s southernmost permanent synagogue. In 2006, 0.2% of the population identified as Jewish/Judaism
Islam
Islam in New Zealand began with the arrival of Muslim Chinese gold prospectors in the 1870s. The first Islamic organization in New Zealand, the New Zealand Muslim Association, was established in Auckland in 1950. 1960 saw the arrival of the first imam, Maulana Said Musa Patel, from Gujarat, India. Large-scale Muslim immigration began in the 1970s with the arrival of Fiji Indians, followed in the 1990s by refugees from various war-torn countries. In April 1979 the three regional Muslim organizations of Canterbury, Wellington and Auckland, to create the only national Islamic body, the Federation of Islamic Associations of New Zealand. Early in the 1990s many migrants were admitted under New Zealand’s refugee quota, from war zones in Somalia, Bosnia, Afghanistan, Kosovo and Iraq. At the 2006 census 0.9% of the population, or 36,072 people, identified themselves as Muslim
Canterbury Mosque
Ponsonby Mosque
Waikato Muslim Association’s Hamilton Mosque
Buddhism
Buddhism is the third largest religion in New Zealand, at 1.3% of the population. In 2007 the NZ$20 million Fo Guang Shan Temple was opened in Auckland for the promotion of Humanistic Buddhism. It is the largest Buddhist temple in New Zealand.
Hinduism
The 1st New Zealand Hindu Youth Conference was organized on 2 May 2009. More than 130 delegates participated in the conference. Several parliamentarians including Pansy Wong, Minister for Ethnic Affairs and the Minister of Women’s Affairs addressed the delegates. At the last census, Hindus made up 1.6 percent of the population.
This collection of religious beliefs is represented by around 0.5% of the New Zealand population
Romantic, Historic and Scenic Places in New Zealand
Hotels
The George – Christchurch
Located picturesquely in the heart of Christchurch overlooking its very own “Central Park,” this very individual boutique hotel is just a step away from all the key attractions including the tram, arts market, restaurants, theatres and gardens.
Boasting two world class restaurants that rate amongst the best in New Zealand, visitors come from far and wide to savour the delicious cuisine in both Pescatore and 50 on Park.
Accommodation at the hotel consists of 55 spacious luxury guest rooms including seven premier suites and a gracious residential villa retreat designed with the most discerning traveller or honeymoon couple in mind.
Hotel Off The Square – Christchurch
Hotel Off The Square is a stylish 38 room boutique hotel, located in the new Cathedral Junction Development, one of the best locations in Christchurch and just 20 minutes from the airport. Developed from a historic tramway building, the hotel has a Manhattan style feel, just metres from Cathedral Square, major business houses, convention facilities and prime attractions. The hotel features local artworks and is acknowledged as the newest HIP, Highly Individual Place, a unique status in New Zealand.
The Farm at Cape Kidnappers – Hawke’s Bay
Set on a 6,000-acre sheep and cattle farm, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers is located in Hawkes Bay on the North Island, surrounded by towering cliffs and stunning Pacific views. The rustic décor and historic location make this charming retreat ideal for a unique getaway. With a range of activities designed to relax and stimulate, The Farm at Cape Kidnappers offers something for every type of vacation-seeker.
In addition to being a prime golfing destination, Hawkes Bay is one of New Zealand’s three major wine-making regions. Indulge in the aromas and flavours of wine country by taking a tasting tour or sampling some of the Te Awa Winery’s famed wines at the hotel bar.
Relax and enjoy the stunning scenery on the hotel’s golf course and visit the golf shop selling designer label accessories to meet all of your golfing needs, or take a dip in the Jacuzzi and outdoor swimming pool.
Treetops Lodge And Estate – Horohoro
Treetops Lodge offers the ultimate in world class luxury accommodation and is located in the heart of the trout fishing capital of the world and famed therapeutic thermal region, Rotorua, New Zealand.
Nestled amidst magnificent native forests and valleys, Treetops Lodge & Estate offers a uniquely New Zealand experience. The Lodge with its’ elegant architectural style derived from this country’s pioneering past. Timber and stone finishes echo the beauty and simplicity of the great outdoors at Treetops Lodge.
A sanctuary and retreat of breathtaking terrain in 2,500 acres of secluded native forest and game reserve, seven trout streams, four lakes, over 70 kilometres of hiking trails, mountain bike riding, horse riding and the ultimate in tranquillity and splendour.
The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs – Matauri Bay
Set on 6,000 acres near Matauri Bay, Northland, The Lodge at Kauri Cliffs affords spectacular 180-degree views of the Pacific Ocean. Cape Brett and the offshore Cavalli Islands are part of the panorama which can be viewed from the verandas, lounge, card and dining rooms. Kauri Cliffs consists of eleven outlying guest cottages, each with two guest suites providing twenty-two accommodation units at Kauri Cliffs. Every suite offers its own private porch, comfortable bedroom with sitting area and open fireplace, walk-in his and hers wardrobes and a bathroom with a shower, bathtub and his and hers vanities. The cottages are nestled on the edge of a native forest overlooking the ocean and golf course.
The Grand Chateau – Mount Ruapehu
Blanket Bay – Otago
New Zealanders have dubbed Queenstown as the country’s adventure centre but the world acknowledges this area of the Southern Alps to be singularly spectacular. Mirrored in Lake Wakatipu, among the golden tussocks and sheltered by the high peaks is Blanket Bay. The resort is brand new, created to place the finest, most up-to-date microcosm of civilization into the grandeur of its Alpine surroundings. Blanket Bay Lodge and chalets offer superbly-appointed lakeside rooms and suites each with their own balcony or terrace; the suites are phenomenal and so spacious as to make visitors comfortable. At the heart of the Lodge is the 30 ft high Great Room with its vaulted timber beams and vast panorama windows.
Whare Kea Lodge & Chalet – Otago
Perched on a hill overlooking Lake Wanaka and New Zealand’s Southern Alps, Whare Kea Lodge is a little private corner of paradise. Floor-to-ceiling windows offer stunning vistas out across Mount Aspiring. Accessible only by helicopter, the high alpine Chalet is a new addition exclusive to guests who wish to spend a night away on their own.
The lodge has three lounge spaces so if booked as a couple, you can snuggle on the sofa uninterrupted. Open fires warm cold feet whilst the library is great for guests looking to bury their head in the spine of a good book. There is a communication centre and outdoor entertaining areas for when the weather is right. Visitors can hop in the outdoor Jacuzzi and can also take a helicopter ride to the Chalet and indulge is some incredible views on the scenic flight.
Millbrook Resort Hotel – Queenstown
Surrounded by some of the world’s most spectacular scenery, Millbrook Resort is designed to embody the relaxed New Zealand country lifestyle. Unwind in a tranquil atmosphere of unrivalled luxury and beauty, where the indulgences of a more modern age sit in harmony with an historic, pioneer past. Millbrook Resort is a year round, recreational paradise, each season featuring its own character, colours and leisure pursuits. The Resort is located on the outskirts of historic Arrowtown and is only a 20 minute drive to Queenstown and 10 minutes to Queenstown airport by courtesy shuttle. Situated close to an abundance of world renowned attractions from award winning wineries and boutique art galleries to adrenalin adventures such as jet boating, helicopter sightseeing and four wheel drive tours into Lord of the Rings territory. Millbrook Resort’s spectacular par 72 championship golf course, designed by New Zealand’s renowned master golfer, Sir Bob Charles, is enjoyed by enthusiasts from around the world.
Huka Lodge – Taupo
Founded in the 1920s, Huka Lodge is an iconic New Zealand retreat, consistently ranked amongst the very finest in the world. The Lodge is nestled amongst 17-acres of mature and manicured gardens on the banks of the mighty Waikato River, upstream from the Huka Falls.
Cuisine defines the legendary hospitality of the property along with over 20 private dining venues, both indoors and outdoors, which are truly sublime and deliberately romantic. The Lodge grounds enclose a tennis court, a heated swimming pool, spa pools, pètanque and croquet courts as well as many a quiet secluded corner to contemplate nature at its most generous.
InterContinental Wellington
InterContinental Wellington is the only internationally branded 5 star service hotel in New Zealand’s capital and just 8 kilometres from the airport. This stylish contemporary hotel is located opposite Wellington’s Harbour and at the centre of Wellington’s political, commercial and corporate worlds. InterContinental Wellington is minutes from the government sector, botanical gardens, has excellent city shopping right on the door step, and it’s just a short walk to leading attractions, such as Te Papa and Westpac Stadium.
Beaches
Karekare – Auckland
Easily accessible from Auckland, Karekare was immortalized in 1993 film, “The Piano”. As seen in the movie, a grandiose sweep of black sand stretches as far as the eye can see, with bush-clad hills backing an isolated, wild beach. Karekare tends to be less inundated with tourists than nearby Piha. If you prefer a quieter beach, this is the one for you.
Mission Bay – Auckland
With its bustling feel, vibrant restaurants, ice cream parlours, cafés and pubs, Mission Bay is definitely a city beach. A short drive from Auckland’s central business district, on a sunny day this best New Zealand beach entry hums with people playing Frisbee, taking walks and paddling in the ocean.
Piha Beach – Auckland
The birthplace of Malibu board riding in New Zealand, Piha is the country’s most famous surfing beach as well as one of the best among New Zealand’s beaches.
Wainui Beach – Gisborne
Near the city of Gisborne, Wainui Beach is surrounded by reserves and protected land.
It’s a huge beach, with everything you could possibly need for a day by the ocean — car parks, idyllic picnic spots, walking and jogging tracks, secluded spaces for sunbathing and easy put-ins for boats.
The beach is popular with local surfers, as well as wedding parties.
Kaiteriteri Beach – Nelson
Golden sand and the highest rate of sunshine hours in New Zealand mean Kaiteriteri Beach has all the prerequisites for an idyllic seaside experience.
Whale Bay – Raglan
A quiet and environmentally minded coastal community situated between Mount Karioi and the ocean, Whale Bay is just five minutes’ drive south of Raglan.
The hills are covered with native trees, while the beach itself is world-renowned for its surf. The left-hand point break is a favourite for surfers.
Sponsoring Your New Zealander Spouse to Canada
The sponsorship process is long and complicated. To learn more about applying, click the button below:
Sponsorship Review
Immigroup will review your completed spousal sponsorship application.. Immigroup will make sure you have not made any mistakes on your application or in gathering the documentation of your relationship. We will assess your sponsorship letter and give you peace of mind that you are submitting an application with a very good chance of success. Don’t lose sleep at night worrying about whether you’ve done enough. Call us at 1-866-760-2623 for a review.
