Top 11 outstanding photography spots in New Zealand
To be honest, it is quite hard to pick only a certain number of photography spots in a country such as New Zealand. A country where basically every little corner is photogenic and forces you to get your camera out. In New Zealand, all kinds of photographers and creators find themselves in the ultimate paradise. The incredible landscape holds countless unique photo opportunities. Especially photographers with a heart for landscapes and nature will get some of their best shots ever.
But which spots are really outstanding and where can you get your ultimate New Zealand shot? This guide gives you all the insights and as well includes some local tips for even better photos!
Please note: this is only a selection of the most beautiful photography spots all around the country of New Zealand. For sure, there are many many more and during your travel you will come across places not listed in this guide. But listing them all simply would extend the length of this guide.
Spot 1: the top of Roy ´ s Peak overlooking Lake Wanaka
Welcome to one of the most famous and most beautiful photography spots in New Zealand. The hike to the top of Roy´s Peak is probably the number 1 hike you can do in the country as it leads you to a stunning view point. On the top (or rather as soon as you reach the viewpoint, which is a little below the actual summit), you will get to witness a breathtaking view: Lake Wanaka with all the mountains.
Some of the best photos from New Zealand travellers have been taken here and been spread all across the internet. This may be the reason why you should expect a line on the mountain waiting to take pictures on this exact same spot.
Not really the way to do it for a real photographer though, isn’t it?
Notes-from-a-traveller´s tip:
There are more places on the hike up where you will get the unique view. Try to hike up to the point exactly over the crowd waiting in the line. Here you will get the same angle but with less people.
Or simply walk around the area under the summit to try to find your own unique spot and capture this incredible sight.
Spot 2: the road to Mount Cook
This could as well be the most scenic road in the world. And for some, it actually is. The road to the Mount Cook, the highest summit in all of New Zealand, leads you along the shore of the clear blue Lake Pukaki. With Mount Cook and the other summits on the horizon and the National Park in front of you, this really is a piece of art.
Some photographers fly their drone and capture the drive to the National Park. And others park their van on the side and get out on the street to do a photo shoot – a photography spot in New Zealand you need to know about and put on top of your list!
Spot 3: Mount Taranaki from the Mangorei Track reflecting in the river
The pictures taken in this spot could as well be paintings. Mount Taranaki is a mountain on the North Island of New Zealand close to the city of New Plymouth. While you can as well hike the Mount Taranaki, the best view and the best spot to photograph it, is from the Mangorei Track. The Mangorei Track leads you to the foot of the mountain and you will come across a beautiful lake. Early in the morning or whenever there is no wind, the Mount Taranaki reflects in the water.
For any photographer, this is a number one shot and photography spot in New Zealand which you should not miss. The hike itself can be challenging but for this shot it is more than worth it!
Spot 4: Cape Reigna – where two oceans meet
The next outstanding photography spot in New Zealand is on the very top of the North Island. Cape Reigna is the name of the most Northern cape of the country, where the Tasman Sea and the Pacific Ocean meet. The whole area of the cape is incredibly photogenic with beautiful bays, rough rocks and high sand dunes. You should definitely check this out with your camera!
The Cape Reigna itself has a beautiful light house and a direction sign pointing in all different points of the compass. A place to be for travellers!
Spot 5: the night sky over Lake Tekapo
An absolutely unique photography spot in New Zealand you need to know about is at the beautiful Lake Tekapo. But it is not the Lake itself (which is photogenic as well). If you are lucky and you visit during a clear night, you will witness a spectacular night sky. The area is known for bright night skies and astrology. You can as well book yourself a star gazing tour to see the best of the night show!
The best spot to capture the sky is the old church at the shore of the lake. Get ready for a mystic and breathtaking shot of your favorite night in New Zealand´s nature!
Spot 6: the summit of Ben Lomond and the view over Queenstown
For this outstanding photography spot in New Zealand you need to put on your hiking gear again. Ben Lomond is one of the most beautiful summits in the Queenstown area and a favorite among the hiking fans. It is not as well-known and by far not as busy as the Roy´s Peak in Wanaka but for sure equally beautiful.
From the summit of Ben Lomond, you get a great overview over all the mountains in the area and the Lake Wakatipu. For some travellers, this is even more beautiful than the view over Lake Wanaka, but see for yourself.
The summit is great for flying your drone of shooting the mountains. Plus, the probably best advantage is that there are way less people on the top than you are used to in other spots in New Zealand.
Spot 7: the incredible nature of Fjordland National Park
An area where you cannot believe your eyes wherever you look is the Fjordland National Park. For unique photogaphy spots in New Zealand, this is the place to be. This is the area south of Queenstown close to the famous Milford Sound (which is great as a photography place as well). The Fjordland National Park is a paradise for landscape photographers. If you love to hike and bring your camera gear with you, you will have a blast capturing the area.
From stunning summits to deep forests and overviews over the valley – the National Park has it all and can bring up some of the best captures in all of New Zealand. You will be surprised!
Spot 8: the idyllic beaches in the Northland
For other shots apart from mountains and summits, you should visit the incredibly Northland. This is the area north of Auckland which holds some unexpected beauty.
Most travellers who arrive in Auckland decide to travel south immediately not knowing that they miss out on one of the most beautiful parts in the country. Especially the Bay of Islands and its surrounding areas are a true gem of New Zealand.
You will find some extraordinary photography spots in the small bays and the stunning beaches. It is a totally different image than what you captured on the South Island which makes you realize the diversity of the country. As a photographer, the Northland gives you a totally new perspective on New Zealand and helps you get some new kind of shots.
New Zealand´s beaches are in general a place to be as a photographer. Get to know The 10 most beautiful beaches in New Zealand.
Spot 9: the cute little Arrowtown during autumn/ fall
What is an absolute highlight for any photographer? Correct, the colors of autumn. In New Zealand you can witness incredibly beautiful colors from late March to the middle of April, especially in the South Island.
The area all around Queenstown is known for the bright colors popping up as soon as summer waves a goodbye. About 10 minutes outside of Queenstown, you will find a cute village called Arrowtown. Arrowtown is known to be one of the best places to be during autumn and you will be able to capture a unique shot!
Spot 10: the black sand at Piha Beach
A black beach is indeed an extraordinary photography photography spot in New Zealand. In New Zealand the most popular of those beaches in the Piha Beach close to Auckland. The black beach and the whole surroundings create a unique scenery ideal for photographers.
A great idea, besides simply capturing the landscape itself, is to turn the beach into a shooting location for portraits or other photos with people. The black of the sand in the background creates a good contrast on the photos and you can really get some amazing shots.
Spot 11: Sealy Tarns in the Aoraki National Park
And last but not least, a true banger on the list of the photography spots in New Zealand. The Sealy Tarns Track in the Aoraki National Park is a little hidden gem near Mount Cook. You can start the hike from the official campsite in the National Park and follow the over 2 000 steps up to one of the most beautiful little lakes you might have ever seen.
It takes you about 1.5 hours until you reach the spectacular view. A little lake and the mountains around reflecting in the water. You can even see the summit of Mount Cook.
Grab your camera and off to New Zealand
For photographers, a trip through New Zealand brings many opportunities. You can not only come up with completely new ideas but as well discover landscape photography in a whole new way. Filled with multiple highlights and stunning photography Spots, New Zealand really is made to be photographed – so dare to be different and be creative!
