What camera gear do I need to photograph New Zealand?

24-70mm Lens

Our most used lens when travelling New Zealand was the Sigma 24-70mm f/2.8, as it gives the most diversity when exploring landscapes. You can easily switch between shooting mountains at a wide angle, to capturing the native Kea birds in 70mm.

Drone

New Zealand’s landscapes look otherworldly, especially from above! You can capture unique angles and reveal breathtaking views of rugged coastlines, winding rivers, and vast mountain ranges, so we definitely recommend having a drone. We use the DJI Mavic 3, but a great beginner drone that doesn’t break the bank is the DJI Mini 2.

READ MORE: A beginners guide to buying your first drone 

Tripod

Although we don’t always carry a tripod with us when exploring, we definitely recommend having one for those times where you want to capture night skies or timelapses, which is essential for New Zealand as it has some of the best night skies in the world!

Accessories

Always make sure to carry spare batteries, as the South Island’s remote locations might limit access to charging points. The South Island also has unpredictable weather and outdoor adventures can expose your lenses to dust, moisture and smudges, so carrying a lens and sensor cleaning kit will come in handy.

Photography tips for new zealand 

1. Use a Polarizer

A polarising filter helps to reduce glare and reflections when photographing lakes, rivers and glaciers, which you’ll find plenty of in New Zealand! This will help make the water clearer and intensify the colours of the scenery, which allows you to capture subjects below the water’s surface, and achieve better colours. 

2. Capture the Milky Way

South Island is known for its many remote and dark sky areas, making it a perfect location for astrophotography. Plan your trip during a new moon and adventure to the remote areas to experience minimal light pollution. With a tripod and a wide-angle lens, you can create long-exposure shots that capture the beauty of the Milky Way.

The Best Photo Spots in the Nelson Tasman Region

1. Wharariki Beach

Wharariki Beach is a hidden gem located at the top of the northern tip of the Tasman Region, and is one of our favourite photo spots in all of New Zealand. Its dramatic rock formations, rolling sand dunes and rugged coastline are the perfect subject for photos. At low tide, the iconic rocks stand tall against the crashing waves.

What’s great about this spot is that it’s off the beaten track, and not many people know about it, so you can guarantee you’ll have this place to yourself. There’s also lots of opportunity for wildlife photography, as you’ll often see seals lounging by the caves, and seal pups playing in the rock pools!

2. Lake Rotoiti 

Situated in the heart of Nelson Lakes National Park, Lake Rotoiti is a beautiful alpine lake surrounded by towering mountain peaks and lush forests. Although it’s a well known spot, with the jetty being the subject for photographers all around the world, it’s worth the visit. We recommend visiting early in the morning or at sunset, to not only avoid the crowds but see this landscape painted in golden light, which is perfect for photos!

3. Whiskey Falls

Carrying on with instagrammable spots in Nelson Lakes National Park, Whiskey Falls is a picturesque 40m waterfall surrounded by lush green ferns and moss. This is another hidden gem in the South Island, and can be accessed by hiking along a scenic lakeside track for 1.5 hours. There are a few photogenic spots along the way, including a jetty surrounded by the serene Nelson Lakes and mountains.

4. Cable Bay 

Cable Bay is a hidden gem along the Tasman coastline, known for its unspoiled landscape. Surrounded by lush rolling hills and turquoise waters, this area is the perfect spot for photography and a serene nature walk. Walk the Cable Bay Walkway to enjoy the coastal views and see the best view of Cable Bay from above!

5. Split Apple Rock 

Split Apple Rock is a unique rock formation located in the pristine waters of Tasman Bay, and is exactly what it sounds like! It’s become an iconic symbol of the region, and is a great photo spot in the Tasman region. This location is particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset, although if you visit during the day you can take out kayaks to explore around the rock.

6. Abel Tasman National Park 

Abel Tasman National Park is a tropical paradise with its golden sandy beaches, turquoise waters, and lush coastal forests, and is one of the most picturesque locations on the South Island.

Throughout the national park are plenty of hikes and walks, including the iconic Abel Tasman Coast Track, one of New Zealand’s Great Walks which offers incredible coastal views and secluded coves.

As well as hiking, there are plenty of water activities such as kayaking or paddle boarding, which also give you access to picturesque hidden coves. If you want a more relaxing way to experience the Abel Tasman, you can also take a scenic cruise from Kaiteriteri Beach.

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7. Wainui falls 

Tucked deep within Abel Tasman National Park, Wainui Falls plunges over moss-covered rocks into a pool below. The short hike leading up to the falls is a journey through lush native bush, and above the cascading Wainui River. Just before reaching the waterfall you’ll walk across a swing bridge that is surrounded by lush green forest, which is a great stop for a photo!

8. Te waikoropupu springs 

The Te Waikoropupu springs are known for being New Zealand’s largest and coldest freshwater springs. Not only that, but its crystal-clear turquoise waters are so pristine that you can see every tiny detail on the riverbed.

It’s known for having some of the clearest water ever measured! The springs are a sacred site for the Māori people, so you can’t touch or swim in the water, however, you can photograph the beautiful springs.

9. Marlborough sounds 

Situated on the South Island’s northern coast, the Marlborough Sounds are an intricate network of sunken valleys, lush forests, and turquoise waters. It’s a great place to explore by car, ferry or even helicopter, with accessible roads leading to hidden beaches and incredible rolling hills.

A great way to see the sounds is by taking the ferry from picton to Wellington, not only is it convenient when travelling between the islands but you get a great view of the sounds when sailing through. 

10. Janie Seddon Motueka Shipwreck

The Janie Seddon shipwreck is a hidden gem resting on the sandy shores of Motueka. Left to the elements, the ship’s skeletal remains offer a haunting yet captivating sight. With rusted metal and worn timbers contrasting against the picturesque coastal backdrop, it makes the shipwreck the perfect subject for photography.

11. Pelorus bridge Scenic Reserve 

Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve is a picturesque spot located halfway between Blenheim and Nelson, with scenic forest walks leading to waterfalls, and a crystal-clear river that’s popular for swimming and jumping off rocks.

The Pelorus River was actually used in one of the iconic scenes in The Hobbit, which you can explore with a kayak tour which stops at waterfalls, streams and the filming location.

12. Takaka Hill – Hawkes Lookout 

Located at the top of Takaka Hill is Hawkes Lookout, a scenic viewpoint looking over the Tasman Bay and surrounding hills. This picturesque spot is definitely worth a stop when driving through Takaka, and looks especially beautiful at sunset.

This is also a great location for stargazing and astrophotography, as you’re far away from light pollution so the night sky is better. We camped in the car park, and it was the first time I had ever seen the milky way!

The best photo spots on the West Coast of New Zealand

13. Hokitika Gorge 

Located along the West Coast and 30 minutes from the town of Hokitika is Hokitika Gorge, a beautiful turquoise gorge with some of the bluest glacial water you’ll ever see!

The Gorge Walk takes you through the forest with great views of the gorge below, and down to the photogenic suspension bridge. You can also go all the way to the water, which we recommend as this is one of the best photo spots!

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14. Lake matheson

Lake Matheson is one of the most beautiful photo spots on the West Coast, and is known for its mirror-like surface reflecting Aoraki/Mount Cook and Mount Tasman. It’s best to visit at sunrise or sunset to catch the stillness of the water and capture the dreamy reflections.

Not only is the lake photogenic, but the native rainforest walk is like something from another world. The track to reach the lake takes around an hour, and it has some of the most beautiful scenery in the west coast, with so many great photo spots along the way. 

Book your tour

15. Punakaiki Rocks 

Punakaiki Rocks, also known as Pancake Rocks, are unique limestone formations that have been carved by time and the waves of the Tasman Sea.

There’s a walkway around the rocks, where you’ll be able to walk above the crashing water below, see impressive blowholes and scenic coastal views.

The rocks look particularly photogenic on a moody day, as the water crashes more fiercely and creates an epic scene to photograph!

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16. Great Coast Road 

The Great Coast Road is unmissable on a South Island Road Trip, and is well known for being one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand. You’ll find it between Westport and Greymouth, it takes around 90 minutes at full speed but we recommend taking it slow and enjoying the scenery.

You definitely need to stop at the pull ins, as there are so many beaches and unique photo spots. If you have a drone, this is one place you need to use it! The road from above looks epic, as you can capture it winding along the coast, with picturesque rocks on one side, and jungle on the other! 

If you don’t want to drive yourself, we’ve found a day tour that starts in Greymouth and follows the Great Coast Road, stopping at all the best photo spots and West Coast highlights along the way.

Book a day tour

17. Blue pools

Tucked away within the lush forests of the Haast Pass, the Blue Pools are some of New Zealand’s clearest waters, and as the name suggests, a mesmerising shade of blue. The pools look incredible when the sun is out, so plan this for a sunny day! You can admire the pools from a swing bridge resting above it, or go down to the water’s edge.

18. Wilson’s creek chasm 

This spot is a hidden gem in the Haast Pass rainforest, tucked away just off the main road. The narrow gorge, carved by the rushing waters, creates an otherworldly setting that looks incredible for photos.

The sculpted rock formations are draped in lush greenery, and sunlight filters through the canopy above, creating beams of light into the creek. Although the spot is close to the road, you have to pass through the river so come prepared!

19. Fantail falls 

Tucked away in the West Coast’s lush rainforest is Fantail Falls, dropping from a height of 23m, into the clear turquoise waters of the Haast River. The waterfall is accessible by a short two minute bush walk, from the main Haast Pass road to the riverbed. It’s a beautiful landscape, especially for a spot that’s just off the main road.

20. Thunder creek falls 

Located just a seven minute drive away from Fantail Falls is Thunder Creek Falls, an impressive 28m waterfall that also drops into the Haast River. This waterfall is accessible by a short five minute bush walk which leads to a viewing platform at the waterfall.

You can then walk down some steps to the riverbed and base of the waterfall. The waterfall is surrounded by lush greenery, and the turquoise water of the Haast River, making it a beautiful spot for photos.

21. Haast pass

Although we’ve mentioned a few photo spots within the Haast Pass, the pass itself is just as photogenic, and one of the best drives in New Zealand in our opinion. The road winds through steep mountains covered in lush rainforest and over cascading rivers. We drove through at sunrise, and the sunlight rising over the native fern bushes looked incredible and so photogenic!

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22. Fox glacier 

With its dramatic backdrop of snow-capped peaks, turquoise glacial water, and dense rainforests, Fox Glacier is an incredible photo spot along the West Coast. The glacier flows from the Southern Alps down to the west coast rainforest, creating a unique landscape of icy blue mountains mixed with lush green vegetation.

This incredible glacier spans over 13 kilometres (8 miles) in length and offers a paradise of ever-changing ice formations, crevasses, and seracs. You can walk the Fox Glacier Valley Track to get a closer look at the glacier, as it comes within 500m of the glacier’s face.

Alternately, one of the best ways to see the glacier is from above with a scenic helicopter flight, as you can capture incredible aerial shots that showcase the glacier’s immense scale and intricate patterns.

23. Franz josef

Located approximately 15 minutes further down the Fox Glacier Highway is Franz Josef Glacier, tucked away in the same dramatic mountain ranges and lush rainforests. This glacier also descends from the Southern Alps to 300 metres above sea level, making it one of the most accessible glaciers in the world.

It’s worth stopping at both Fox Glacier and Franz Josef, as both have walks that offer different perspectives and viewpoints of the glaciers. The main difference between the two is that the Franz Josef Township is larger, and has more cafes, shops and restaurants, making it better for a longer stay.

The best photo spots in the Canterbury region in New Zealand

24. Lake Tekapo

Located in the heart of New Zealand’s South Island, Lake Tekapo is a breathtaking lake and township that’s known for its crystal-clear, turquoise waters surrounded by the majestic Southern Alps.

There are plenty of unique photo spots located around the small town, such as the footbridge that crosses over the lake, and the incredible views from the Mount John Observatory during the day.

Not only is Lake Tekapo a stunning location during the day, but it’s also home to the dark sky reserve at the Mount John Observatory, and has some of the best night skies in all of New Zealand, making it an incredible location for astrophotography!

book your stargazing experience

25. Lake Pukaki 

Adjacent to Lake Tekapo lies the equally enchanting Lake Pukaki, another alpine lake with astonishing turquoise blue water and a backdrop of the Southern Alps and Mount Cook’s snow-capped peaks.

This lake is quieter and less touristy than Lake Tekapo, and is a great stop when driving the State Highway 8. There are plenty of camping spots dotted around the lake, and we highly recommend watching the sunrise or sunset from this location, as you’ll capture some incredible photos!

26. Hooker Valley Track

Moving onwards to Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park, the Hooker Valley Track is one of the most famous walks in the area, and it’s easy to see why! The Hooker Valley Track offers an unforgettable journey through some of New Zealand’s most incredible landscapes.

As you walk through the trail, you’re treated to picturesque suspension bridges, glacial rivers, and the imposing beauty of Mount Cook. The highlight of this trek is Hooker Lake, where you feel immersed in nature with towering glaciers and drifting icebergs.

27. Sealy Tarns Track 

If you’re up for a challenge, then hike the Sealy Tarns Track located in Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park. Although it’s demanding, the rewards are immense, as you’ll find yourself immersed in a panorama of majestic mountains, glaciers, and alpine lakes.

Nicknamed ‘the stairway to heaven’, the trek consists of 2200 steep steps to the summit. At the summit lies the Sealy Tarn, with perfect reflections of Mount Cook.

This is undoubtedly one of the best photo spots in New Zealand, and we recommend visiting at sunrise or sunset as it makes the location even more epic!

28. Kea Point Track

The Kea Point Track offers a more accessible yet no less majestic encounter with the incredible landscapes of Mount Sefton, The Footstool, Hooker valley, Mueller Glacier lake and Aoraki/Mount Cook.

This track allows you to get up close to snow-capped peaks and glacial valleys without a long hike, and gives you the opportunity to capture these incredible alpine landscapes.

29. Tasman Glacier and Lake

Tasman Glacier is New Zealand’s longest glacier, extending over 23 kilometres through the Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. There are a few walks in the area, including the Tasman Glacier View which takes you to a viewpoint above the lake, and the Tasman lake and river walk which takes you down to the lakeside.

Unfortunately, the glacier has been rapidly melting in recent years and the face of the glacier is not very visible from the glacier view track. However, it’s well worth visiting this spot for the beautiful views at Tasman Lake.

In the summer months, you can often see icebergs floating in the Tasman Lake, which creates an intriguing scene to photograph, but it’s also a sad reminder that the glacier will disappear one day.

30. Clay Cliffs

Only accessible by a long gravel road, The Clay Cliffs are a hidden gem tucked away in the Canterbury region, and are some of the most unique rock formations we’ve seen throughout New Zealand.

The cliffs’ soft-hued clay, rugged textures, and intricate formations create an incredible subject for photos, and look even more ethereal from a drone. This is a must visit photo location on a South Island road trip!

31. Cathedral cliffs 

The Cathedral Cliffs are a hidden gem located along the east coast with a similar landscape to the Clay Cliffs. The Cliffs are accessible from a viewpoint on the top of a hill, with incredible views of the unique clay rock formations with the turquoise waters of Gore Bay in the background. This is another photo spot that looks epic from a drone, as the viewpoint is slightly limited!

32. Waiau river bridge 

Waiau River bridge isn’t anything special until you send a drone up above it. The aerial view reveals incredible intricate patterns in the river that look like veins. Although, this isn’t limited to the Waiau river bridge, and you can find them all over New Zealand.

So, the next time you’re driving over a river or interesting landscape, we recommend you fly a drone (If you have one) as it can reveal unique patterns that make incredible subjects for photography,

The best photo spots in the Otago region of New Zealand

33. Mclean Falls 

Tucked away in the Catlins Forest Park, Mclean Falls is a picturesque tiered waterfall surrounded by lush greenery, and is one of the biggest waterfalls in the area.

This spot is epic for photography, as you can climb up right next to the waterfall to show the scale of the landscape. The walk to the waterfall is just as photogenic, as you follow the stream of water and unique native bush along the way.

34. Florence Hill Lookout

Florence Hill Lookout is a must see photo spot in the Otago region, offering incredible views of the South Islands coastline. This lookout offers breathtaking views over Tautuku Beach and the surrounding landscapes; and looks magical at sunrise or sunset.

35. Tautuku Beach

After looking over the vast Tautuku Beach from Florence Hill Lookout, head down the hill and onto the beach for a different perspective of the breathtaking landscape. In our opinion, this is one of the most beautiful beaches on the coast of New Zealand’s South Island, with the long stretch of beach surrounded by dense forest on one side and turquoise waters on the other.

36. Roys Peak

Roys Peak is one of the most iconic hikes in the Wanaka region, and for good reason, with picture perfect views of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding Southern Alps.

The three hour journey to the summit is as rewarding as the view, with the trail winding through golden tussock grasslands that provide a stunning contrast to the deep blue waters below.

The panoramic views at the summit make it an ideal location to capture the vastness and beauty of New Zealand’s South Island.

37. Wanaka 

Nestled along the shores of Lake Wanaka, the town itself is a photogenic destination with a charming blend of alpine scenery and a vibrant lakeside atmosphere. The famous ‘Wanaka Tree’, a lone willow tree sitting in Lake Wanaka, is an iconic subject for photography.

With the Southern Alps in the background and the crystal-clear lake in the foreground, Wanaka offers a picturesque setting that you can’t miss on a South Island photography trip.

38. Queenstown 

Surrounded by the dramatic peaks of the Southern Alps and perched on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown is a quaint and photogenic town that is a hub for adventure seekers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Surrounded by towering mountains and turquoise alpine lakes, there are thousands of incredible photo opportunities in this area waiting to be discovered.

The viewpoint at Skyline Queenstown offers a bird’s-eye perspective of the town, lake, and mountains, making it an ideal spot to capture the breathtaking landscapes that define Queenstown.

best queenstown tours

39. Earnslaw Burn

Accessible by a scenic hike or helicopter ride, Earnslaw Burn is a hidden gem near Glenorchy with a majestic hanging glacier and a cascading waterfall against a backdrop of rugged mountains.

The juxtaposition of the glacial blue ice and the surrounding alpine landscape creates a captivating contrast, making Earnslaw Burn a unique photo spot that showcases the raw and untouched beauty of New Zealand’s South Island.

40. Tunnel Beach

Tunnel Beach, located just south of Dunedin, offers a dramatic coastal setting with towering cliffs, sea arches, and a unique tunnel carved through the rock. The rugged beauty of this beach provides a captivating subject for photos, especially during sunrise or sunset when the cliffs are bathed in warm, golden light.

This photo spot also looks epic from above, as you can capture unique angles of the waves crashing into the rock formations and arches, so we recommend using a drone if you have one!

41. Moeraki Boulders

Dotted along Koekohe Beach, the Moeraki Boulders are spherical stones scattered across the sand, creating a surreal and photogenic landscape.

This naturally occuring phenomenon is the result of erosion and concretion, forming unique patterns and textures that make for captivating subjects in photos.

This location is especially photogenic at sunrise or sunset, and is a one-of-a-kind beach on the South Island.

42. Breast hill

Standing tall in the Hawea Conservation Park, Breast Hill offers panoramic views of Lake Hawea, Lake Wanaka, and the surrounding mountains. Although the climb is challenging, the vast tussock-covered slopes and the rugged terrain create a dynamic landscape perfect for photography.

The views from the peak are breathtaking, and offer an opportunity to photograph New Zealand’s enormous scale and untouched wilderness.

43. Nugget Point Lighthouse 

Located on the Catlins coast, Nugget Point is an iconic headland with rocky islets, known as “nuggets,” jutting out from the sea. The combination of the lighthouse, the nuggets, and the expansive ocean views make Nugget Point a captivating location, perfect for photography.

The best photo spots in the Fiordland and Southland regions of New Zealand

44. Milford Sound 

It goes without saying that Milford sound is one of the most photogenic and instagrammable spots in all of New Zealand. Tucked away within Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound offers some of the most untouched and incredible landscapes in the world, with dramatic mountains and powerful waterfalls. 

The best way to see Milford Sound is via a cruise, as you’ll get amazing photo opportunities and get up close to the powerful waterfalls. There’s also plenty of walks around Milford that offer some great photo opportunities, so we highly recommend exploring the area on foot too!

The journey to Milford Sound is one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand, with thousands of waterfalls cascading down the mountain faces as you wind down the road to the water.

book a coach & cruise

45. Gemstone beach

Gemstone Beach is a hidden gem tucked away on the southern coast of the South Island, with a long shore scattered with vibrant, colourful, and uniquely shaped gemstones.

Often deserted because of its rugged and remote location, the beauty of Gemstone Beach lies in its unique feature – gemstones that naturally wash up on the shore.

This beach has been known to reveal semi-precious gems like garnet, jasper, quartz, and nephrite among the pebbles scattered along the shore.

46. Doubtful sound 

Similar to Milford Sound, Doubtful Sound is hidden away in the remote wilderness of Fiordland, and offers some of the most dramatic and untouched landscapes in New Zealand. The sound is only accessible by boat, and is enclosed by dense rainforests, towering cliffs and cascading waterfalls.

Due to its more remote location, Doubtful Sound is far less popular than Milford, but this allows for more isolation and serenity when visiting and photographing the sounds.

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47. Mirror lakes

Situated along the road to Milford Sound, the Mirror Lakes are exactly as they sound. The still waters of these lakes create a perfect reflective surface, mirroring the surrounding snow-capped peaks and lush forests, creating a perfect opportunity for landscape photography.

48. Key Summit 

The Key Summit track is one of the easier and shorter hikes in Fiordland National Park, that offers breathtaking panoramic views of the surrounding mountains and lakes, and endless photo opportunities. At the summit you’ll find photogenic boardwalks, snow-capped peaks and picturesque blue tarns perfectly reflecting the mountains. 

49. Eglinton Valley

Another unmissable photo spot located along the Milford Sound road is Eglinton Valley. Carved out by glaciers thousands of years ago, the valley is now lined with beech-covered mountains, and the wide, open valley floor is covered in photogenic golden tussock grass.

The mountains lining the valley make the perfect backdrop for photos, and several areas were even filming locations for The Lord Of The Rings movies.

50. Gertrude Saddle

Perched high in the Darran Mountains, Gertrude Saddle is a challenging yet rewarding hike with instagrammable alpine scenery throughout. The saddle offers panoramic views of surrounding peaks, deep valleys, and glacial-carved landscapes.

The grand landscape and rugged terrain make this a great photo spot for capturing scale, especially if you have a small person in frame.

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