50 Best Photoshoot Locations
in New Zealand
Planning a wedding in New Zealand means you’re spoiled for choice when it comes to breathtaking photo locations. From alpine lakes and snow-capped peaks to golden beaches and lush gardens, this country has it all.
To help you decide, I’ve put together this ultimate guide to the best photo locations in New Zealand – grouped by region so you’ll know exactly what to expect.
👉 Whether you’re dreaming of a Christchurch garden ceremony, a Queenstown mountain adventure, or an Auckland beach sunset, this list will inspire your perfect backdrop.
Christchurch & Canterbury Photo Locations
Christchurch Botanic Gardens
Timeless and elegant, the Botanic Gardens offer colorful floral displays, exotic trees, and romantic bridges. Perfect for people who want a classic, romantic backdrop in the heart of the city. The gentle river winding through the gardens adds a soft, natural charm to every photo.
Mona Vale Garden
A historic homestead surrounded by rose gardens, lawns, and waterways. Its heritage buildings and manicured grounds create a refined and intimate setting for portraits. Sunlight filtering through the trees creates a dreamy glow across the lawns.
Abberley Park
A charming neighborhood park with flower beds, winding paths, and shaded corners. It’s ideal for couples who love a relaxed and cozy atmosphere. The canopy of trees creates a calm, secluded escape from the city.
Halswell Quarry Park
A unique mix of rustic stone walls, heritage buildings, and landscaped gardens. Couples love it for its variety — from rugged backdrops to blooming flower gardens. Rolling green hills frame the quarry, giving photos a wide, open feel.
Greendale Arboretum
An enchanting spot known for its collection of trees that look stunning year-round, especially in autumn when golden leaves frame the photos beautifully. Every pathway feels like a hidden forest trail waiting to be discovered.
McHughs Darfield
A private rural garden venue, quiet and intimate, with plenty of green space. Perfect for couples who want a more secluded and personal photoshoot. The open skies and peaceful surroundings create a true countryside romance.
Godley Head
Dramatic cliffs and sweeping ocean views over the Pacific, combined with historic WWII ruins. A favorite for adventurous couples wanting epic, windswept portraits. The endless horizon gives photos a breathtaking sense of freedom.
Castle Hill
Iconic limestone boulders rising from rolling hills, known as the “spiritual center of the universe.” Its cinematic rock formations give photos a truly otherworldly vibe. The surrounding mountains add drama and scale to the landscape.
Spencer Park Beach
A quiet sandy beach close to Christchurch, ideal for barefoot, carefree portraits in the fresh ocean air. Waves gently breaking on the shore bring a sense of calm to every shot.
John Britten Reserve
A local hidden gem with open lawns, native trees, and views over Christchurch. It’s a simple, natural setting that works beautifully for couples wanting greenery without leaving the city. The wide sky above creates a light, airy atmosphere.
Kaituna Quarry Reserve
A unique mix of rocky outcrops, native bush, and wild textures. It feels adventurous and untamed but is still close to the city. The rugged cliffs contrast beautifully with the surrounding greenery.
Hanmer Springs Walks
Mountain trails, pine forests, and sweeping views — perfect for couples who love the outdoors. The variety of short walks makes it easy to adapt for wedding attire. Fresh alpine air and tall pines make the scenery feel magical.
Gore Bay
A stunning coastal spot with golden sands, dramatic cliffs, and the famous Cathedral Gully formations. Ideal for couples who love the raw beauty of the ocean. The cliffs rise above the beach like natural cathedrals carved by the sea.
Cavestream / Flock Hill
Towering limestone cliffs, rivers, and a canyon-like atmosphere in the Canterbury high country. Best for adventurous couples who want something bold and unique. The crystal-clear water and rugged rocks create a wild, untamed backdrop.
Ohinetahi Gardens (Governor’s Bay)
One of New Zealand’s finest private gardens with terraces, sculptures, and views over Lyttelton Harbour. A romantic, fairytale-like setting. The harbor views shimmer in the distance, adding depth and romance to the gardens.
Port Hills
Rolling hills on the edge of Christchurch offering panoramic views over the city, Lyttelton Harbour, and the Southern Alps in the distance. A perfect spot for dramatic, windswept portraits surrounded by golden grasslands. The vast open skies and endless horizons make every photo feel cinematic.
South Island Photo Locations (Otago, Fiordland, Mackenzie, West Coast, Nelson)
Lake Tekapo + Church of the Good Shepherd
Perhaps the most iconic spot in NZ, with turquoise waters, lupin fields in spring, and the famous stone church — a postcard-perfect setting for romantic portraits. Snow-capped peaks on the horizon reflect in the dazzling blue lake.
Lake Pukaki + St Peter’s Lookout
Known for its striking blue waters and clear views of Aoraki / Mt Cook. It’s one of the best places for wide, cinematic shots. The vast alpine scenery feels endless and awe-inspiring.
Lake Pukaki + St Peter’s Lookout
Known for its striking blue waters and clear views of Aoraki / Mt Cook. It’s one of the best places for wide, cinematic shots. The vast alpine scenery feels endless and awe-inspiring.
Moke Lake (Queenstown)
A hidden alpine lake with mirror-like reflections and a sense of serenity. It feels remote yet intimate — perfect for couples who want privacy. Surrounded by rolling peaks, the lake glows at sunset.
Queenstown Area (Remarkables, Glenorchy, Jacks Point, Coronet Peak)
The wedding capital of NZ. Snow-capped peaks, dramatic valleys, and lakefronts make Queenstown unbeatable for destination shoots. Every angle reveals sweeping vistas of mountains and water.
Milford Sound (Fiordland)
Towering cliffs, mist, and waterfalls cascading straight into the fjord. Milford delivers an epic, moody backdrop for couples wanting grandeur. The dramatic peaks rise from the water like natural cathedrals.
Blue Pools (Haast Pass)
Suspension bridges and sparkling turquoise rivers framed by native forest. A magical choice for adventurous couples who love wild landscapes. The crystal water glows like liquid glass under sunlight.
Te Anau Lake
A tranquil lakeside with Fiordland mountains in the background. It’s peaceful, romantic, and easy to reach. Soft ripples on the lake reflect the ever-changing sky.
Wharariki Beach (Golden Bay, Nelson)
A wild, untamed beach with rock arches, sand dunes, and dramatic skies. A true adventure photoshoot location. Wind-sculpted cliffs and endless sand feel otherworldly.
Hokitika Beach (West Coast)
Known for its driftwood sculptures and vibrant sunsets. Perfect for couples who want moody, atmospheric beach photos. The fiery skies over the ocean turn each evening into art.
West Coast Treetop Walk (Hokitika)
An elevated steel walkway among native forest treetops. Unique, modern, and unforgettable. From above, the canopy stretches like a living green carpet.
Elephant Rocks (Waitaki)
Huge limestone boulders scattered across farmland — whimsical, playful, and dramatic. The open skies and rolling hills add a dreamy, pastoral beauty.
Moeraki Boulders (Otago Coast)
Perfectly round boulders along the shoreline, creating a surreal and mystical setting. Magical at sunrise or sunset. Waves swirl gently around the ancient stones, glowing in golden light.
Clay Cliffs (Omarama)
Towering clay pinnacles and ridges carved by nature. Raw, rugged, and awe-inspiring. The jagged spires rise sharply against the blue sky.
Hooker Valley Track (Aoraki/Mt Cook NP)
A breathtaking alpine walk with swing bridges, rivers, and glacier views. Ideal for adventurous couples who want epic mountain portraits. Snowy peaks and rushing rivers make every step cinematic.
Daisy Bay
A quiet and secluded cove, intimate and away from the crowds. Perfect for couples who want privacy. The still water sparkles softly against the rocky shore.
Rotoiti Jetty (Nelson Lakes NP)
Wooden jetties stretching into a crystal-clear lake framed by mountains. A simple but breathtakingly beautiful location. The reflections of peaks in the lake look endless and pure.
North Island Photo Locations (Auckland, Waikato, Taranaki, Wellington, Northland)
Piha Beach (Auckland)
A dramatic west coast beach with black sand and the iconic Lion Rock. Bold, raw, and unforgettable. Crashing waves meet rugged cliffs under fiery sunsets.
Muriwai Beach & Gannet Colony
Wild surf, rugged cliffs, and thousands of nesting gannets. Perfect for couples who love dramatic coastal scenery. The vast ocean view stretches endlessly beyond the cliffs.
Karekare Falls (Auckland)
A hidden waterfall tucked into lush native bush, only minutes from the coast. Magical for couples who love nature. Water tumbles gracefully into a serene forest pool.
Auckland Domain
A historic park with winter gardens, glasshouses, and wide lawns. Timeless and elegant, right in the city. Mature trees spread wide branches that filter soft light.
Auckland Viaduct Harbour
Modern waterfront with yachts and the skyline behind. Stylish and chic for urban-loving couples. Glittering lights of the city reflect across the harbor at night.
Tāwharanui Regional Park
Remote white sand beaches, turquoise waters, and rolling hills. One of Auckland’s most beautiful coastal reserves. The coastline curves gracefully into hidden coves.
Hunua Falls (Auckland)
A 30-metre waterfall with lush greenery all around. Striking and romantic. Mist rises from the base, adding a dreamy softness to photos.
Awhitu Peninsula / Manukau Heads Lighthouse
A windswept peninsula with a historic lighthouse and dramatic coastal views. The endless seascape glows under golden evening light.
Mount Eden Summit (Auckland)
Panoramic views over the city and harbor — iconic and simple. The volcanic crater creates a striking natural amphitheater.
Bridal Veil Falls (Waikato)
A 55-metre waterfall dropping into a pool below, framed by forest. One of NZ’s most romantic waterfalls. The tall cascade looks like a silver ribbon against green cliffs.
Marokopa Falls (Waitomo, Waikato)
A wide, powerful waterfall cascading into lush greenery. Wild and spectacular. The roaring water creates a misty, enchanted forest scene.
Lake Mangamahoe (Taranaki)
Famous for its framed view of Mt Taranaki reflected in the lake — a postcard-perfect scene. The snow-capped mountain towers majestically above the calm water.
Cape Reinga Lighthouse (Northland)
The symbolic northern tip of NZ where two oceans meet. Spiritual and powerful. The turquoise and deep blue currents swirl dramatically together.
Rotokura / Rotoaira Lakes (North Island)
Peaceful alpine lakes with forest all around. Calm, intimate, and serene. The glassy surface reflects the sky like a mirror.
Nga Manu Nature Reserve (Waikanae)
Native bush and birdlife, with gentle walking tracks. A natural, family-friendly backdrop. Birdsong echoes through lush, green forest groves.
Zealandia (Wellington)
A predator-free eco-sanctuary with lush valleys and forest. Vibrant and green year-round. Dense foliage surrounds clear streams and hidden tracks.
Percy’s Reserve (Lower Hutt)
A secluded reserve with streams, bush, and peaceful corners. A hidden gem near the capital. The gentle sound of flowing water makes the forest feel timeless.
New Zealand is filled with breathtaking places for wedding and engagement photos — and these 50 locations are just the beginning. I’d be truly honored to photograph your love or family story, whether it’s at one of these incredible spots or a special location that means the world to you. Together, we’ll create images that feel natural, emotional, and timeless.
📩 Get in touch today to start planning your dream photoshoot.
With love,
Kate Kish