Take a town around an inlet on a lake on an island in the middle of the ocean. Make it the most breathtaking town in one of the most gorgeous areas (the Southern Alps) of one of the most beautiful countries in the world (New Zealand) and you get Queenstown.
This sounds quite nice, isn’t it! It did grow quite big over the past few years, but no matter how popular it is or it isn’t, Queenstown and its surroundings will take your breath away! After all, Mother Nature has worked hard over millions of years to create this stunning backdrop scenery for this town!
You could spend months exploring the area without getting bored. But for those with a most limited amount of time, I’m sharing with you the best photography spots in Queenstown, New Zealand!
1. One Mile Carpark
A five minutes walk out of the town center, the One Mile carpark offers fantastic views over the Wakatipu Lake and the Remarkable Mountain Range, and straight over to Cecile Peak and Walter’s Peak.
2. Queenstown Beach
Just right next to the main beach, at the start of the Queenstown Gardens, is this cute little wharf perfect for a dip or a sunbath.
3. Queenstown Gardens
Queenstown Gardens are as picturesque as the town is breathtaking. It is perfect for an afternoon round of frisbee golf, a quiet lunch on the grass, or just a stroll around with your camera.
Follow the hiking path from the beachfront in the town center for around 10 minutes to the other side of the gardens. You will be greeted with this spectacular view on The Remarkables, even better in winter!
Tip: The best time for photos is actually an hour before the golden hour as the sun passes behind the mountains way before it actually sets…
4. Queenstown Hill
Queenstown Hill is one of the best hikes in the South Island, that has a great effort to views ratio. It offers stunning views over the Lake Hayes, Coronet Peak and of course, Lake Wakatipu.
5. Lake Hayes
It’s another great photography spots just outside of Queenstown. On a still day, you can expect some reflections of the surrounding mountains. And it is a beautiful walk to do around the lake!
6. Cardrona
One of the four main mountain ski fields in the South Island, Cardrona is also a wonderful place to visit even if you’re not skiing. The views over the mountains of Crown Range and Mt Aspiring National Park are breathtaking!
7. Bob’s Cove
On the road to Glenorchy, which is an incredible drive with plenty of photography opportunities, is this little walk called Bob’s Cove track. It’s a 20-min walk through native bush to reach this stunning cove on Lake Wakatipu!
8. Glenorchy
About 30 minutes from Queenstown, Glenorchy is the perfect little town for a day break of busy Queenstown! It is the place to spend a sunny afternoon paddling on the lake while enjoying those incredible mountains.
The wharf is iconic, and so is the famous red shed. It used to be part of the railway station, receiving and dispatching goods to steam ships servicing the area.
9. Bob’s Peak / Skyline Gondola
The views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables are just incredible from the top of the skyline gondola! This is also your best chance to see Queenstown at night!
10. Arrowtown
A short drive from Queenstown is the cutest village of Arrowtown! Perfect for some autumn pictures at that former police station, the town is also well known for its cherry blossoms in spring.
Those are my favorite best photography spots in and around Queenstown, New Zealand! If you have others, please share them in the comments below and I will add them to the list! As usual, don’t forget to tag me in your stories or photos on Instagram if this articles inspired you.
With love,
Marina
P.S.: I’m also sharing with you my favorite photography spots in the South Island of New Zealand, check it out!
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Not only did you find great spots, but your photos are also excellent. Being in them gives a real perspective to the place.
Author
Thank you so much Rhonda!
Your photographs are beautiful! All of these spots look stunning! One Mile carpark looks amazing…what a deceptive name! If I had seen it on the map, I’d have pictured something very different in my head! Queenstown Gardens look amazing too! I hope I get a chance to visit one day. Thanks for the great guide!
Author
Thank you so much! Haha the name is indeed so disappointing ^^ The park is actually quite long (hence the name) so you can have different viewpoints, it’s really nice 🙂
Your photos are so pretty! I love learning about the best places to take photos before I visit somewhere new, so thank you for sharing these!
Author
Thank you so much! Me too, sometimes I even kind of plan my trips depending on the locations I want to shoot ^^”
Not only you found beautiful places, but your photos are stunning. Love seeing you dancing through the world and showing us hidden gems 🙂
Author
Thank you so much for your kind words!
Your photos need to be in a book, seriously. I do believe Queenstown is photogenic, but your angles and dancing make it look extra dreamy!
Author
Thank you so so much! I hope one day I will have a book of mine or a print shop haha
You’re making me want to go back to Queenstown now!
Author
I absolutely love this place too!