Eloping in Dunedin — Painting New Zealand's South Island

Some places choose you. Dunedin chose us.

I have 3 new paintings which go with a story, so settle in and enjoy the adventure. Having already had our commitment ceremony 10 years prior with family and friends, we booked a treat for our anniversary celebrations to visit New Zealand's South Island. As the time got closer, the mystery of Dunedin called us, and we decided to elope and get 'that piece of paper' for our special day. In some ways, the place chose us as we had the best marriage celebrant (I have Heather's details if you need them ;-))who made the day unforgettable, then we stayed at the castle, which all added to the charm of Dunedin. 

The Castle — A Secret Vista

After the ceremony, we drove to the Castle Lodge. When I opened the door to our room I was completely stopped in my tracks and said  "is this view actually real?" I saw the spectacular vista of Otago Bay down into the harbour, and the beauty of the castle gardens.  

My 3 paintings came from the joy of a wedding day and the wonder of an unexpected view.

All three of these paintings are now available in my shop:

👉 Dunedin | Impressionist Oil Painting — the view from the Castle Lodge, oils on canvas board, 11×14"

Kamau Tūāra — Sailboats Nestled from the Sea

Tucked into the shelter of the Otago Peninsula, Kamau Tūāra is one of Dunedin's most enchanting spots — a quiet harbour where sailboats nestle safely from the open sea, resting as if they too have been charmed into stillness by the beauty of this place. I fell in love with this little haven instantly.

👉 Kamau Tūāra Dunedin | Impressionist Oil Painting — oils on board, 12×19"

 

The Otago Peninsula 

This view left me with so many impressions, so I had to paint it again to capture the morning light: 

👉 Otago Peninsula Dunedin | Impressionist Oil Painting — oils on board, 12×19"

Why Dunedin?

People ask why we chose Dunedin. Honestly? It chose us. It's a city that rewards the curious — full of hidden beauty, dramatic landscapes, and a creative energy that feels genuinely alive. For an artist, it was endlessly inspiring. For a couple eloping, it was perfect. Intimate, spectacular, and utterly unforgettable.

If you'd like to bring a little of that South Island magic into your home, all three paintings are available in my shop. Each one is an original oil painting, sold unframed with postage included.

With love,
Judith Rose