15 Stunning Instagrammable Places in New Zealand
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Are you looking for the best Instagrammable places in New Zealand? We’ve got you covered!
From mountain peaks to turquoise glacier-fed rivers, sublime coastal views and the cutest hobbit hills, there’s nowhere quite like New Zealand when it comes to gram-worthy places.
New Zealand is a photographer’s dream, whether you’re just starting out or a seasoned pro, you’ll be spoiled for choice when it comes to visual experiences in Aotearoa. This scenic wonderland is right up there when it comes to the sheer number of images featured on Instagram.
So where exactly are these incredible spots?
Keep reading for a guide to the best Instagrammable places in New Zealand, including tips for getting the best photos.
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Instagrammable Places in New Zealand
From the North Island to the South Island, here are the best Instagrammable places in New Zealand you won’t want to miss.
Piha Beach
A visit to Piha Beach is not only one of the best things to do in Auckland, but it’s also one of the best Instagram spots in New Zealand!
Located on the west coast, about a 50-minute drive from Auckland’s city center, this iconic black sand wilderness beach is a popular spot for surfers and fiery sunsets.
The rugged cliffs, sparkling black sand and rough waves provide for a unique and stunning coastal landscape. Lion Rock sits in the middle of the beach, named for this lion-like shape.
Sunset is the ideal time for photos in the right conditions, just check the weather beforehand. Climb part way up Lion Rock for a good vantage point over the beach. Just be sure to climb down before dark.
Mount Maunganui
Mount Maunganui is a laid-back suburb on the North Island of New Zealand named after the extinct volcano that resides there.
Not only is it one of the best beaches in New Zealand for surfing and relaxing on the white sands, but the walking tracks to the top of the volcano provide 360-degree views that span the entire length of the peninsula.
You’ll find Mount Manganui in the Bay of Plenty region, about a 15-minute drive from Tauranga and 3 hours from Auckland. The best place to park is by Mount Manganui Beach and you can walk to the Mount from there.
The Waikorire track is the quickest and easiest track to the summit. It only takes around 30 minutes but don’t let that fool you. It is steep with a fair number of stairs so be prepared to get sweaty. However, the views at the top are worth the effort.
We recommend going for sunrise for the best light and fewer people. A wide-angle lens is useful if you want a selfie overlooking the landscape from the top and a zoom lens for bringing the landscape closer.
Hobbiton Movie Set
Located in the lush pastures of the Matamata district is where you’ll find Hobbiton (aka The Shire), and famous movie set of Lord of the Rings and The Hobbit.
You can visit Hobbiton on a tour that takes you through the hobbit village, past hobbit holes and across to the Green Dragon Inn.
Although only a 2-hour drive from Auckland, Hobbiton will make you feel like you’ve been transported to a whole other place and time. The attention to detail is impressive and easy to appreciate whether a LOTR fan or not.
The standard 2-hour group tours depart daily throughout the day and the most economical option. The Evening Banquet Tour will get you a guided tour at dusk as well as a banquet feast at the Green Dragon Inn.
Or if the budget allows, there are private tours available for a more intimate experience and plenty of time for photos.
Whichever option you choose, the photo opportunities are plentiful as you make your way through Middle Earth.
Tongariro National Park
Tongariro is New Zealand’s first national park encompassing three volcanoes and is one of New Zealand’s most iconic geographic attractions.
You can choose from a variety of walks to experience emerald lakes, steaming volcanic crates and ancient lava flows.
Located just over an hours’ drive from Taupo, the Tongariro Alpine Crossing is regarded as one of the best hikes in the world and the most popular hike in the North Island.
At 19.4 kilometers long, it’s not for the faint-hearted but arguably one of the most rewarding experiences. It will take a bit of planning and preparation though.
The walk takes about 7-9 hours in total and can only be walked as a one-way track. This means you’ll have to arrange for return transportation.
Alternatively, take the Taranaki Falls Walk to the Tama Lakes Walk for a shorter option. This 17.6-kilometer (6-hour return) walk takes you past Taranaki Falls, and through tussock fields until you reach the emerald waters of the Tama Lakes, one of the of most popular Instagram spots in New Zealand.
Whichever you choose, it will be a full day of adventure filled with unique landscapes to photograph.
Mount Taranaki
Mount Taranaki is up there when it comes to the most popular photography spots in New Zealand and it’s easy to see why. This dormant stratovolcano is a perfectly symmetrical cone with a snow-covered peak during the cooler months.
Add to that the surrounding landscape of golden tarns and still lakes with Mount Taranaki reflecting on its surface and you have a dream location for any landscape photographer.
Mount Taranaki is located on the western coast of the North Island. The nearest towns are New Plymouth, Inglewood and Stratford.
We recommend staying here for at least a couple of nights as the weather can be a little hit and miss at times due to the mountain climate.
One of the easiest locations to view Mount Taranaki is Lake Mangamahoe. It’s also the best spot for getting a shot of the mountain reflection in the lake. There is a parking lot and a 6km track that goes around the lake offering different vantage points.
Sunrise and sunset are the best times for photos. Just be aware there are gates that shut in the evening, from 8.30 pm in Summer (October to March) and from 6 pm in Winter (April to September).
Alternatively, the Pouakai Tarns is a scenic day hike with incredible views of Mount Taranaki.
The track is 11km return and takes around 4-5 hours to complete or you can stay overnight in the Pouakai Hut. You’ll need to book a reservation in the hut prior and is worth considering if you want to make the most of shooting at sunrise and sunset.
Lake Tekapo
Lake Tekapo is a small town and an absolute gem located in the South Island of New Zealand.
The quaint and rustic Church of the Good Shephard located on the shores of its turquoise blue lake surrounded by snow-capped mountain peaks is one of the most photographed landmarks in New Zealand any time of the year.
But it’s during lupin season which peaks in late November and continues through the summer months of December and January that visitors from all over the world flock to Lake Tekapo to photograph these colorful blooms.
It’s worth noting that as beautiful as they are, lupins are quite controversial in New Zealand. You see they are an invasive plant, not native to New Zealand, and have a detrimental impact
on native flora and fauna. The future of lupins in New Zealand may be unknown but for now, the best places to see and photograph them are around the shores of Lake Tekapo, on the road to Mt Cook and just across the road from Peppers Bluewater Resort.
Seasonal variations can affect how and where the lupins grow from year to year so if they are looking thin in some spots just drive around and you’re bound to find an Instagram-worthy shot.
Lake Tekapo is a good 3-hour drive from Christchurch and worth spending a night or two in this picturesque lakeside town.
Road to Mount Cook
The road between Lake Tekapo and Mount Cook National Park is one of the most scenic roads in New Zealand with plenty of photo opportunities you won’t want to miss.
After leaving Lake Tekapo, the first stop you’ll come to is the Instagram-famous road shot at Peters Lookout. It’ll be on your right-hand side and is well-signposted with a large parking lot to pull into.
Many people will walk onto the road so they can be in the shot but honestly, this isn’t a good idea. It’s a winding road with cars traveling at high speed. People hanging around the side and on the road is disruptive and dangerous.
Besides, you’ll have opportunities for road shots in Mount Cook, where the roads are less busy and straight, so you can easily watch for cars.
In my opinion, the perspectives from the top of the parking lot are better anyway. Walk around the edge of the grassy banks and get creative. Bring a zoom lens if you have one.
As you continue to Mount Cook, you’ll see several lookout points to pull over and get shots of Lake Pukakai and its insanely blue water.
Mount Cook National Park
Mount Cook National Park is just over an hour’s drive from Lake Tekapo and one of the best Instagram spots in New Zealand thanks to epic scenery and the country’s highest mountain peak standing sentry over the village.
It’s worth spending a couple of days in Mount Cook to explore the best day walks and make the most of sunrise and sunset photo opportunities. Plus, being in a dark sky region Mount Cook is an ideal place to practice astrophotography.
The Lake Tasman viewpoint is incredible for sunrise. It’s located just outside Mount Cook Village at the end of Tasman Valley Road. Be sure to follow the signs for the Tasman River trail (not the lake).
This brings you to where the river meets the lake and is the magic spot for sunrise photos. There are a few rocks to scramble down to get to the lake’s edge so be sure to bring a head torch!
For sunset, head to Hooker Lake. Located at the end of the Hooker Valley track, this popular walking track will take through some of the most spectacular scenery, lookouts and over swing bridges for plenty of incredible photo opportunities.
At the end of the track is where you’ll find Hooker Lake, complete with icebergs floating in the glacial waters and Mt Cook as the backdrop.
It takes around 1.5 to 2 hours to get there depending on how many photo stops you make (3-4 hours return), but it’s an easy track with little elevation gain offering a huge effort-to-reward ratio.
Blue Pools
The Blue Pools Track is a short and easy walk through native forest and over swing bridges to view the pristine glacial blue waters of the Makarora River, known as the Blue Pools.
It’s a one-hour drive from Wanaka to the Blue Pools in the South Island. The road to get there snakes along the shores of Lake Hawea, with lookout points along the way to stop for photos.
It’s best to go early in the morning on a clear day. Heavy rain stirs up the sediment and turns the pools into a murky color.
The best photos are from the second bridge. You can turn left just before the bridge and follow the path down to the beach area for views from the shoreline. Before heading down, head onto the suspension bridge for incredible views of the bluest water you’ll possibly see.
Be sure to bring a towel if you plan on taking a swim (its glacier fed and freezing but oh so refreshing!) and bug spray. The Blue Pools is a hotspot for sandflies.
Roy’s Peak
If you’re on Instagram chances are you’ve seen plenty of images taken from Roy’s Peak, New Zealand’s most photographed viewpoint.
Located a short 15-minute drive from the outdoorsy town of Wanaka, and a little over an hour from Queenstown, it’s a tough climb but the reward is so worth it!
It takes around 3 hours to reach the famous lookout point and is an uphill slog the entire way. It’s also very popular, especially in the peak summer months. We recommend hiking Roy’s Peak for sunrise.
Not only for the best light for photos but also to avoid the crowds, snag a parking spot and beat the heat.
It probably goes without saying that the best photos are from the famous lookout point. You can’t miss it. Bring a wide-angle and zoom lenses for all the possibilities.
If there are other people there taking photos, form the line at the top of the track. This way you can get photos with the leading line of the path to the lookout without other people in your shot.
Note: The Roy’s Peak track is closed for lambing season every year from 1st October to 10th November.
That Wanaka Tree
This lonely willow tree located at the southern end of the lake is so Instagram famous it has its own hashtag (#thatwanakatree).
Not only is it positioned with a stunning backdrop but the tree itself is truly unique, having started as a fencepost over 80 years ago.
One of the posts of a fence that was built around the shore of the lake was fashioned from a branch of a willow tree. The fencepost took root in the sandy lake soil despite unfavorable conditions and became the willow tree you see today.
Sadly, the lower branch was cut off in an act of vandalism in 2020 but what remains is still beautiful and an Instagram-worthy destination. It’s an easy stroll to the lake if you are staying in Wanaka or about an hour’s drive from Queenstown.
It’s a beautiful location to photograph in any season, especially in fall with golden surrounds and winter with snowcapped mountain peaks. A zoom lens and filters for long exposure photography will get you the best shots.
Onsen Hot Pools
New Zealand knows how to do hot pools and the Onsen Hot Pools are a must-do experience when visiting Queenstown. The private cedar-lined hot tubs are housed in private rooms with panoramic views overlooking the mountains and Shotover River.
A standard soak lasts for 60 minutes and there are plenty of sessions throughout the day starting from 9 am. The hot tubs are beautiful to photograph at any time. Although the lighting at the end of the day tends to have a soft, warm glow.
Sunset bookings include Japanese lanterns around the hot pool creating a golden glow once the sun has set and an opportunity to photograph the hot pools with the night sky, weather permitting.
The Onsen Hot Pools are located on Arthurs Point Road, a 10-minute drive from Queenstown or you can take their free shuttle bus to and from central Queenstown.
Just be sure to request transportation when making you’re booking if you plan on taking the shuttle bus.
Glenorchy Shed
Head to the Glenorchy Wharf to photograph the iconic little red shed on the beautiful lakefront.
The Glenorchy red shed was originally built in the 1860s for the New Zealand Railways and used to store goods. Today, it is a well-known landmark and popular photo stop.
Take a walk to the end of the jetty for sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu and the Humboldt Mountains.
Glenorchy is a 45-minute drive from Queenstown along one of the most scenic roads in the South Island. Be sure to leave extra time to stop for photos along the way.
We recommend visiting the red shed early in the morning to avoid the crowds and tour buses.
Milford Sound
Milford Sound tops the list of must-see places in New Zealand. With its towering peaks, hundreds of waterfalls, lush rainforests, and majestic fjords it’s one of the most spectacular Instagram spots in New Zealand.
A boat cruise through the fjord is one of the most popular things to do in Milford Sound for good reason. The boats will get you up close to waterfalls, among the cliff faces and if you’re lucky you may even see the dusky dolphins.
You’ll want all the lenses for this trip and a microfiber cloth to wipe away any water sprays.
The Secret Swing is another popular Instagram spot in Milford Sound. Although not so secret anymore since it’s now featured on Google Maps! It’s still worth a visit through. This rustic wooden swing has the best views of Mitre Peak from the shores of Milford Sound.
The closest town to Milford Sound is Te Anau (a 2-hour drive) and we recommend staying here for a couple of nights.
This will give you the chance to explore the many scenic stops, lookout points and hiking trails along the road to Milford Sound plus time for photos once you arrive.
Lake Marian
Lake Marian is a stunning alpine lake in a hanging valley that was formed by glacial movement many years ago. It’s one of the most picturesque landscapes in Fiordland.
If you’re an avid hiker, you won’t want to miss this stunning location deep in the rainforests of Fiordland.
The Lake Marian Track is located just off the main road to Milford Sound. This 3-hour return hike takes you past the Lake Marian waterfalls and through the rainforest to reach the lake. The track is considered a challenging route.
Although not a massive elevation gain, the track climbs steadily over rocky and uneven terrain that can be slippery. There are also a couple of sections where you will need to climb up tree roots.
Although a good level of fitness is required, the track is manageable if you take it slow, watch your footing and are prepared for the conditions. Once you reach the lake, you are rewarded with stunning views that are well worth the effort.
Although Lake Marian is accessible all year round, low hanging cloud or fog may obstruct the views, so best to check the weather before heading out.
You’ll also need to be mindful of avalanche risk during winter and spring. A clear day in summer or fall is an ideal time to visit.
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Final Thoughts: Best Instagram Spots in New Zealand
So there you have it! The best Instagrammable places in New Zealand. As a country known for its beautiful landscapes and untamed wilderness, there are plenty of awesome spots to take incredible photos for Instagram. Just don’t forget the spare camera batteries!
Want to check out other Instagrammable places around the world?
