Liam & Samuel's ROMANCE IN PARADISE

Celebrating their anniversary in Aotearoa, the reality stars reveal what they've learnt about themselves in the past year

- Hayley Barnett

Married At First Sight's first-ever crossover couple have finally taken the next step in their M relationship in a Kiwi adventure that's been a long time coming.

Despite appearing in the reality TV hit in different countries, New Zealand groom Samuel Levi and Australian star Liam Cooper eventually found love exactly a year ago and now the Melbourne-based pair have finally ventured across to Aotearoa together, giving Liam the chance to meet Samuel's parents in West Auckland.

"Mum's taken a real liking to Liam," laughs Samuel, 29.

"She told me I can call her Mum!" says Liam, 31, proudly.

The adventure-loving pair, both business entrepreneurs and influencers, then went on to spend an action-packed week in Rotorua, where they caught up with Woman's Day at off-the-grid glamping site Kokako Retreat, near Hamurana Springs.

Sadly for us, despite the stunning location, there wasn't a proposal!

"We do talk about getting engaged sometimes," reveals Liam.  "But we've done that with the show and I'm not ready to do it again! We've talked about kids too, but as much as I'd love a little mini-me... No way! In saying that, I just met Samuel's nephews yesterday and they're so cute."