The Ultimate Guide to Proposing in Christchurch, Lake Tekapo, Queenstown & Throughout Canterbury
- Jan 22
- 4 min read
Updated: Jan 27
Proposing is one of those once‑in‑a‑lifetime moments — the breathtaking moment when your story takes a beautiful next step. Whether you’re dreaming of a quiet lakeside surprise at Lake Tekapo, a mountain‑framed sunset in Queenstown, or an intimate city‑edge proposal in Christchurch, Canterbury offers a stunning palette for love. From iconic vistas to hidden gems, every backdrop can be deeply meaningful — and with thoughtful planning, the story of your proposal will be told for a lifetime!
At The Event Boutique, we specialise in crafting proposals that feel personal and beautifully styled, so all you need to focus on is how you're going to ask that big question!
Why Christchurch, Canterbury & Banks Peninsula are perfect for your Proposal
Christchurch and the wider Canterbury region offer a stunning mix of landscapes and settings for an intimate proposal. From beautiful gardens and quiet seaside spots in Christchurch, to private countryside venues across Canterbury, there are countless ways to create a proposal that feels personal, relaxed, and unforgettable.
For those seeking epic scenery and absolute seclusion, Banks Peninsula is a standout choice. Its rugged coastlines, hidden bays, and elevated viewpoints provide dramatic backdrops for marriage proposals that feel truly private and magical. These locations are ideal if you want something utterly special, romantic, and without the need for long travel.
Why Proposing in Lake Tekapo or Queenstown is so special
For couples looking to combine a proposal with a scenic getaway, Lake Tekapo and Queenstown provide iconic, bucket-list-worthy backdrops. Tekapo’s turquoise waters and lupins (from late November to January), or Queenstown’s dramatic mountains and lakes, make for magical moments. Marriage Proposals here feel unexpected, memorable, and can turn an ordinary trip into the best holiday ever — a moment you’ll never forget.
Whether you imagine popping the question — there’s a location here in New Zealand that will make your proposal uniquely yours.
Proposing while holidaying in New Zealand - make it your best holiday memory ever!
Proposing while on holiday in New Zealand has become a truly sought-after experience, and it’s one we regularly help couples plan. There’s something magical about combining a romantic trip with a carefully planned proposal — the element of surprise feels effortless, the surroundings are breathtaking, and the memory becomes part of an unforgettable adventure.
Whether it’s a lakeside proposal at Lake Tekapo, a sunset mountain moment in Queenstown, or a hidden gem near Christchurch, holiday proposals create moments that feel unexpected, deeply personal, and completely extraordinary — and will become your best holiday ever!
Planning the Perfect Proposal: Tips & Advice
Here are a few tips to help you plan a moment that feels meaningful and truly personal:
Choose the Time of Day
Golden hour — the soft light just before sunset or right after sunrise — gives you romantic light and fewer people around. Lake Tekapo and Queenstown both glow spectacularly during these times, making them ideal for photos and the moment itself.
Consider a Photographer
Having a photographer there to capture genuine reactions can make the memory even richer. Whether it’s discreetly hidden or part of the surprise, photos will help you relive the moment forever.
Think about the Experience
We find the best proposals are woven into what would typically be a 'normal' daily experience or what you would do together. A quiet walk, a garden tour, watching the sunset, or arriving back at your accommodation - planning for an unexpected surprise will make the moment feel intimate and joyful.
Explore Unexpected Spots
The lakes, hillsides and quiet countryside around Canterbury, Queenstown, Tekapo are full of quieter, less obvious proposal locations. Sometimes the most heartfelt moments happen where you least expect them — a secluded beach, a hidden garden, or beneath a flowering trail.
How The Event Boutique Makes Your Marriage Proposal, in New Zealand - Utterly Extraordinary
You bring the ring — we take care of everything else.
At The Event Boutique, we are experienced marriage proposal planners based in Christchurch, designing and delivering romantic proposal moments across the South Island — from Lake Tekapo to Queenstown and everywhere in between.
Here’s how we can support you:
Tailored Proposal Design
Whether you want something simple and heartfelt or lavish and styled, we work with you to design a marriage proposal that fits your partner’s personality and your love story.
Location Scouting & Logistics
We find the perfect spot — from romantic gardens and lakesides to private mountain scenes and stunning accommodation — we manage all the details so you don’t have to stress about anything on the day.
Styling & Setup
Choose from our most popular settings designed for romance, or we can custom create a setting to suit your location and your vision. We'll provide all the furniture and decor, create stunning floral installations, candle and rose petal walkways to personalised signage and special touches all to set the scene for you to propose!
Optional Add‑Ons
You can include extras like a gourmet picnic, personal photos, a photographer, videographer or content creator— all arranged to elevate the moment and capture all the beauty and the joy!
Popular Proposal Settings We Love
Some of the most memorable proposals we’ve created include:
Lupins at Lake Tekapo: A seasonal favourite, walking through vibrant lupins toward a private lakeside moment.
Garden Romance in Christchurch: A surprise setup amid blooms and warm candlelight.
Secluded Lakeside Settings near Lake Tekapo or Queenstown: A panoramic backdrop for the big question.
Each proposal can be fully tailored — from the design and location to the moment itself.
Final Thoughts: Make the Moment Yours
Proposing in New Zealand means choosing a place that reflects you as a couple — whether that’s a peaceful shore, a high‑altitude vista, walking through a vineyard, staying at a secluded cabin, or immersed in nature. The landscape here isn’t just beautiful — it’s an emotional canvas for your love story.
And when you choose The Event Boutique, you don’t just get beautiful styling and thoughtful planning — you get a partner in shaping a moment that feels genuine, unforgettable and entirely you.
If you’re ready to create a proposal that will take their breath away, learn more about what we offer and our pricing guide HERE - or get in touch to talk through your ideas and give you a proposal story that'll be told forever!
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