Tourism New Zealand Looks to Wed First Aussie Gay, Same-Sex Couple, Tasman Hopeful With Tourism Boost

In a bid to seal and formalise the recent passage of the same-sex marriage equality law, Tourism New Zealand has launched a search for the first Australian same-sex couple to be wed on the Tasman shores.

On Monday, Tourism New Zealand announced it will give one lucky pair their own wedding ceremony and reception on August 19, the date the Marriage Amendment Act comes into force. The package likewise included accommodations and return flights to and from Australia.

New Zealand became the first country in the Asia-Pacific region to legalise gay marriage when it passed the Marriage Amendment Act last week. It became the 13^th nation in the world to pass the marriage equality bill.

"We are excited to be making history and working with one lucky same-sex couple to become the very first from Australia to be married here in New Zealand," Tim Burgess, general manager of Tourism NZ's Australian operations, said.

However, Greens Senator Sarah Hanson-Young had earlier warned Australian gay, same-sex couples who get married abroad will not be officially recognised once they step back on Australian soil.

"We are excited to be making history and working with one lucky same-sex couple to become the very first from Australia to be married here in New Zealand," Mr Burgess said.

New Zealand's popular wedding destinations include the vineyards of Hawke's Bay, atop the Tasman Glacier via helicopter or amid the Marlborough Sounds.

Although without mentioning exact figures, Mr Burgess expects tourism in New Zealand to flourish following the approval and promulgation of the Marriage Amendment Act, much like with the case of New York which received a $259 million boost in its first year of the decision.