Eloping in New Zealand is a dream for many couples, with its breathtaking landscapes and stunning natural beauty. However, it's crucial to remember that these pristine environments are delicate and require our care and respect. Leave No Trace (LNT) is a set of principles for nature-loving individuals to ensure that nature remains as beautiful and pristine as it was before we enjoyed it. Here's a guide for eloping couples on how to embrace these principles and preserve the stunning ecosystems of New Zealand.
Stick to designated paths and trails to avoid damaging the fragile ecosystem. Venturing off-trail can harm native plants and disturb wildlife habitats. Stick to the rocks is my motto, perfect for standing on and they have limited impact on the ecosystem.
Be mindful of where you step. Stay within the trail boundaries to protect the delicate vegetation and prevent soil erosion. Often by just stepping off to the side of the trail we are making it wider and wider as more people follow in those footsteps and overtime this is detrimental to the environment.
Take everything you bring with you back out, including food wrappers, tissues, and any other waste. This helps maintain the natural beauty and cleanliness of the environment for other users.
If you encounter gates on your hike, ensure they are securely closed after you pass through. This helps protect livestock and maintain the integrity of the landscape. It’s best to not upset the landowners while we are making use of their property.
Admire livestock and wildlife from a distance. Feeding animals can disrupt their natural behavior and diet, leading to long-term negative impacts on their health. I know they can seem so cute and cuddly *sometimes but it's best to leave the animals to themselves.
Remember that other people are also out exploring nature to enjoy the views. Be considerate and share photogenic spots with other nature enthusiasts.
Unless it is biodegradable, avoid using confetti in nature. Plastic confetti does not belong in the environment, and it's nearly impossible to collect every piece. We don’t want wildlife, especially the birds, eating it. Opt for eco-friendly alternatives or skip confetti altogether.
While a champagne pop is a classic celebration moment, remember that corks do not degrade in nature. Ensure that you collect and pack out any corks to keep the environment clean. My suggestion would be to pop a bottle of sparkling water and then drink the champagne. The photos look equally as good and then you have more champagne to enjoy.
Avoid scattering non-native flower petals in natural areas. These can disrupt local ecosystems. If you must use petals, ensure they are native to the area or choose biodegradable options. If you see wildflowers, leave them where they grow. Picking them can deplete the local flora and reduce the beauty for others. Capture their beauty in photographs to cherish the memory without harming the environment.
With drier seasons, it is important to not bring anything that may cause a wildfire. If you like the look of lanterns or candles, use battery operated versions instead of lighting anything on fire. This also goes for sparklers. It seems like a common tread lately is to have a "sparkler send off" however these are extremely hazardous and could cause a fire in a dry area.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) works tirelessly to maintain and preserve New Zealand's beautiful hikes and trails. Show respect for their efforts by following signs and adhering to any warnings or guidelines. This helps ensure that these natural treasures remain protected for future generations to enjoy.
Eloping in New Zealand offers a magical experience amidst some of the world's most stunning landscapes. By embracing Leave No Trace principles, you can ensure that these natural wonders remain pristine and beautiful for everyone. As you plan your special day, keep in mind that preserving nature is a shared responsibility. Enjoy your elopement while doing your part to protect the environment.
Happy eloping, and remember to leave no trace!
For more information on Leave No Trace principles please check out https://leavenotrace.org.nz.
