5 Of The Best Places For Photography In New Zealand (South Island)

If you’ve been to New Zealand before, I’m sure you won’t need much of a reminder from me about how absolutely stunning it is… And if you haven’t been, SERIOUSLY you’ve gotta go! Pretty much everywhere you turn in New Zealand there is yet another incredible landscape (usually featuring a beautiful mountain or a ridiculously large lake) so really I suppose it’s no wonder that NZ is a hotspot for photographers. Whether you’ve been a thousand times already, you’re planning to visit New Zealand sometime soon, or you’re just enjoying looking, here is my collection of top 5 photo spots in South Island New Zealand.

1. AORAKI / MOUNT COOK NATIONAL PARK

I think this has to be one of my favourite places ever… It really is a little slice of heaven on earth! If you’re planning a trip to New Zealand then the Hooker Valley Track is an absolute must (I’ve walked it at least 3 times and would happily go back again tomorrow if I could). The landscape is forever changing but always stunning whatever the weather. If you go in the Springtime you can hear avalanches crashing down around you, or in late Autumn and Winter you’ll get to see the dramatic scenery complete with a dusting of snow.

2. LAKE TEKAPO

Built right on the lakeside, the Church of the Good Shepherd boasts the most phenomenal setting. You can feel free to step inside and soak up the beautiful lake view through the big glass window at the back. Good luck trying to catch a photo without any people in it though – this little building is always crawling! As the day draws to a close, keep your eyes on the sky for a chance to see the Milky Way. This is one of the world’s best spots for stargazing – even the town’s street lights are limited specifically to maximise the brightness of the already incredible view of the stars.

3. WANAKA

Wanaka is full of fantastic photo opportunities although “That Wanaka Tree” has quickly become a particularly iconic NZ photo spot. It has to be one of the most photographed trees around. You should head down to the lake at sunrise to avoid the crowds. OR if you want to feast your eyes on an extensive range of photo equipment, you can visit the tree at sunset and mingle amongst the crowd of photographers who always seem to gather there. It’s quite a hilarious experience!

4. FIORDLAND NATIONAL PARK

Milford Sound is just magical! I would love to spend some more time here. You can take a boat cruise out across the Sound or enjoy a scenic flight above the dramatic landscape. Quite unlike any other place on the planet, Fiordland National Park is full of all sorts of natural treasures for you to explore. It is one of the very few places left that remains largely untouched by humans.

5. CHRISTCHURCH

This incredible structure is likely Christchurch’s most photographed building and yet I think it remains a temporary installation (it was built as a substitute cathedral after the Christchurch earthquake in 2011). An absolutely stunning construction with such great symmetry and beautiful natural light. If you enjoy urban photography, you’ll love Christchurch and its Cardboard Cathedral.

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