Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands

The Copthorne Hotel and Resort Bay of Islands sits on Tau Henare Drive between Paihia and Waitangi, spread over acres of subtropical grounds that run down to the water next to the Treaty Grounds. It is a full-service resort set up for weddings, with its own coordinators to run the day. Ceremonies can be held on the lawns with uninterrupted bay views, and the Waitaha function venue takes up to 300 for a reception, with a deck that looks out over the ocean. Smaller weddings use the Treaty rooms, which can be split or combined to suit the guest list. Catering, drinks and the styling are handled in house, and packages fold in overnight accommodation across the resort so guests can stay put. Being right on the waterfront, the setting does plenty of the work for photos. It suits couples who want a Bay of Islands wedding with room for a decent guest list, on-site rooms and a team to manage the details.