Oliver and Gesche Leinweber, who live near Bremen, said they planned the day late last year after finding a suitable celebrant online.
"We decided not to tell anyone about this; most of our family didn’t even know we were going on holiday.
"We thought: ‘It’s our wedding, it’s our party and we wanted to celebrate it by ourselves’."
The couple have been together for 11 years. They first met in Hamburg, which was "in the middle" of where each of them were living at the time, Mrs Leinweber said.
Mrs Leinweber, a teacher, first visited New Zealand about 21 years ago and said she fell in love with the nature and the surroundings and especially the "culture" of Dunedin.
"I really love the city; it was so good to be back."
Mr Leinweber, who works in logistics for a small company, did not know much about New Zealand, but as a longtime supporter of football club Werder Bremen, he was aware of former All White Wynton Rufer.
"He’s really enjoyed his stay — we’re also looking forward to seeing the All Blacks play England [next week]."
The pair were married at the celebrant’s home in Maori Hill before going to Tūhura Otago Museum in their wedding attire.
"We loved the museum, and lots of people came up to congratulate us.
"Some were smiling, some were laughing; they all looked very pleased."
Over the next four weeks, the couple would travel New Zealand, going as far north as Cape Reinga.
They did not mind the fact they were holidaying in the middle of a cold New Zealand winter, Mrs Leinweber said.
"We bought some really nice possum pullovers."
Their secret will not stay that way for much longer: they plan to inform their family of their nuptials via social media.
"I think they will be very excited and pleased for us."
They were particularly pleased to learn about the significance of Matariki, she said.
"It’s a special New Zealand holiday; and now it’s our special day, too."
