TOP 10 BREATHTAKING PHOTO SPOTS FOR WINTER IN NEW ZEALAND
- Rach Stewart
- Aug 20
- 11 min read
The New Zealand winter months from June through September is my absolute favourite time of the year for landscape photography for many good reasons. As winter blankets the mountain tops in a glittering cloak of white goodness and transforms its landscapes into a wonderland, the photo opportunities sometimes not available or as stunning in other seasons come to light.
From the towering Southern Alps to turquoise blue glacial lakes of the South Island, the foggy forests and snow framed volcanic landscapes of the Central Plateau, New Zealand has so much to offer when it comes to breathtaking photo spots that capture the essence of the coldest season of the year.
Whether you are a seasoned photographer or simply just want to come and experience the New Zealand winter, these Top 10 Winter in New Zealand Photo Spots promise to fill your memory card with stunning images and some pretty amazing memories to match them.
One of the greatest things about Winter in New Zealand is that it tends to be a lot more quiet, there are less visitors and you can have a lot of photography locations all to yourself especially if you are going out for sunrise.
So join me as I list my most loved locations in no particular order for the most breathtaking winter in New Zealand photo spots, how to find them, what gear you will need, what times are best and what you'll expect to see on the back of your camera.
For ease of use and exact locations you can download my New Zealand Map and Guide, plus have access to travel itineraries and over 700 epic New Zealand photo locations, activities and places to stay.
WHY WINTER IN NEW ZEALAND IS A PHOTOGRAPHER'S PARADISE
As mentioned above briefly, winter in New Zealand is a time when the country's natural beauty is at its peak.
The South Island becomes an absolute winter wonderland, with the Southern Alps covered in snow providing a stunning backdrop for countless photo opportunities. The snow covered peaks, frozen lakes, and frost kissed trees offer a stark contrast to the lush green rainforest landscapes and open plains typically associated with the South Island in other seasons.
This seasonal transformation offers photographers the chance to capture a different side of New Zealand, one that is often less explored but equally if not more enchanting.
New Zealand's relatively small size means that photographers can easily travel between different types of landscapes in a short amount of time, and during winter there are typically less visitors making roads less busy and locations easier to access.
This accessibility, combined with our pretty well maintained roads and hiking trails, makes it an ideal destination for any photographers looking to capture a wide variety of winter scenes.
Whether you're looking to photograph our dramatic mountain vistas, crazy blue glacial lakes lakes, or quaint villages blanketed in snow, New Zealand offers endless opportunities to capture the essence of winter in all its glory.
ESSENTIAL PHOTOGRAPHY GEAR FOR WINTER IN NEW ZEALAND
Embarking on a winter photography adventure in New Zealand requires more than just your standard camera gear. The cold and often challenging conditions necessitate the need for the right gear to ensure both safety and the ability to capture stunning images.
ESSENTIAL CAMERA GEAR
The essential camera items I bring with me for winter photography in New Zealand include:
A DSLR or mirrorless camera with manual settings that will enable you to adjust exposure, aperture, and ISO for the best possible outcomes.
A sturdy tripod to ensure stability and reduce camera shake during longer exposures.
A wide angle lens, such as a 16-35mm, is excellent for capturing the vastness of the sky and landscape, while a telephoto lens, like a 70-200mm, can help isolate and emphasise specific elements of the scene.
A set of graduated neutral density (ND) filters to balance the exposure between the bright sky and darker foreground, or extending the shutter speed to create long exposure images.
A remote shutter release (or your camera brands phone app) can help minimise vibrations, or if you're into adding yourself into the scene then this makes things a lot easier and allows you to operate the camera from where you are standing.
At least 3 extra batteries and memory cards.
Lens cloths!
SOME PERSONAL ESSENTIALS FOR WINTER PHOTOGRAPHY
Keeping warm definitely needs to be considered for New Zealand winter photography especially when it comes to clothing. Layering is essential, starting with a thermal base layer, followed by an insulating layer such as fleece, and finishing with a waterproof and windproof outer layer.
Touchscreen Compatible Gloves .. you will be thankful for the warmth and the ability to change settings easily especially at sunrise in cold temps.
Warm, Waterproof Boots and socks .. especially when trapsing around in the snow/ice to keep you steady and dry.
Crampons .. especially for when you are hiking in the mountains.
Hand warmers.
Thermos with Hot Drink – optional, but always a morale boost during sunrise shoots!
THE TOP 10 BREATHTAKING PHOTO SPOTS FOR WINTER IN NEW ZEALAND
In winter, New Zealand transforms into a land of quiet magic, where snow dusted peaks, frosted valleys, and misty lakes create scenes almost otherworldly. For photographers seeking the extraordinary, these 10 locations reveal the most beautiful scenes and are a must do for every photographers New Zealand winter catalogue:
WINTER IN TONGARIRO NATIONAL PARK, NORTH ISLAND NEW ZEALAND
Home to the iconic volcanoes Mount Ngauruhoe and Mount Ruapehu, Tongariro National Park is a photographer’s dream during winter. The volcanic landscapes take on a dramatic beauty as snow dusts the rugged peaks, creating striking contrasts against rocky and vast volcanic landscapes.
THE DESERT ROAD - STATE HIGHYWAY 1 RUAPEHU
The Desert Road, part of State Highway 1, is a 63km alpine route connecting the towns of Turangi and Waiouru across New Zealand’s Central Plateau. One of the most iconic and widely shared shots, especially on Instagram, is the view of Mount Ngauruhoe framed perfectly along this dramatic stretch of road.
This location works best at sunrise when the sun is rising from the east casting light on Mount Ngauruhoe as it creeps above the horizon. You'll need your zoom lens for this composition.
There is a safe pullover where you can park your car and then walk approximately 100 metres to the location.
Please note: The Desert Road is a busy highway with freight trucks rolling through every few minutes. You need to stand well off the road and use some common sense especially when trucks are coming towards you.
For more information and photo spots in Tongariro National Park check out my Top 5 Beautiful Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe Photo Spots blog.
WINTER AT LAKE MANGAMAHOE & MOUNT TARANAKI, NORTH ISLAND NEW ZEALAND
Set beneath the ever amazing Mount Taranaki, Lake Mangamahoe offers a super stunning winter scene, with calm, reflective waters that perfectly capture Mount Taranaki with its snowy summit during winter.
Lake Mangamahoe is located about 10 minutes drive south of New Plymouth city on State Highway 3 in Taranaki.
My favourite spot at Lake Mangamahoe is the dam at the lake’s far end. A quick five minute walk from the Circuit Track off the Lookout car park brings you there.
Sunrise and sunset are perfect for capturing the mountain lit with vibrant colours and mirrored beautifully on the lake. Take your mid range zoom lens to this spot.
For more information on Lake Mangamahoe check out my Guide To Lake Mangamahoe Mount Taranaki Photography blog.
WINTER AT THE LAKE MARIAN TRACK, FIORDLAND, SOUTH ISLAND NEW ZEALAND
During the winter months from June to September, Lake Marian becomes one of the most beautiful hidden gems of Fiordland, with its serene waters and frosted peaks providing striking scenes for unforgettable photographs.
The Lake Marian Track is a 3 hour return hike that takes you through the lush beech forests of Fiordland, alongside the crystal clear Marian River, and then up to the prize at the end of the track Lake Marian.
Arriving at Lake Marian is an absolute reward, making the moderately challenging hike completely worthwhile. Stepping into this stunning wilderness, with towering peaks surrounding a pristine lake that perfectly reflects its dramatic surroundings, is an unforgettable experience for any photographer.
I have only shot Lake Marian during the daylight hours and I would recommend taking a full kit of glass including wide angle and zoom lenses.
For more information on Lake Marian check out my Hiking The Lake Marian Track Fiordland New Zealand blog.
LAKE MATHESON WINTER, FOX GLACIER, SOUTH ISLAND NEW ZEALAND
Framed by the Southern Alps and lush native rainforest, Lake Matheson is a West Coast gem where mirror-like waters create incredible reflections of Mount Cook and Mount Tasman, perfect for that winter reflection image in your portfolio.
The Lake Matheson Track is a well maintained short walk that surrounds Lake Matheson offering amazing views at each of the three viewpoints available. The full walking track takes approximately 1 hour 30 minutes as it meanders through native bush and streams, but my favourite viewpoint is Reflection Island.
Lake Matheson works well at both sunrise and sunset so there are ample opportunities to get a good photo.
For more information on Lake Matheson check out my Photo Guide To Lake Matheson West Coast New Zealand blog.
LAKE CAMP WINTER, HAKATERE CONSERVATION PARK, SOUTH ISLAND NEW ZEALAND
Lake Camp, situated in Hakatere Conservation Park in Canterbury, is a stunning location for winter photography. The lake’s still waters perfectly reflect Mount Potts, Mount Harper, Mount D’Archiac, and the Southern Alps, creating breathtaking sunrise scenes.
Best photographed at sunrise, Lake Camp offers stunning, secluded mountain views without the crowds. In winter, a 4WD with chains is recommended, as snow and slippery gravel can make the journey tricky.
These photos are all taken from the camp site. The shots of the lake are all taken on mid range zoom lenses but take your wide angle with you also to make the most of the scenery.
WINTER AT TASMAN LAKE, MOUNT COOK, SOUTH ISLAND NEW ZEALAND
One of the most popular sunrise spots in New Zealand, the Tasman Lake walk offers incredible views of Mount Cook alongside stunning icebergs. Located just outside Mount Cook Village on the South Island, this trail provides breathtaking panoramas of the Tasman Glacier lake and the surrounding peaks, with the added bonus of close up access to floating icebergs.
A few minutes into the track from the carpark, take the fork to the right toward the Tasman River. A short scramble over some rocks will bring you to the rivers edge, where you’ll find one of the best vantage points for capturing Tasman Lake.
Tasman Lake works best at sunrise for light and colour in the sky. Avoid the crowds and start the day early bringing with you your wide angle and zoom lenses.
For more information on Tasman Lake and the Mount Cook area check out my Complete Photo Guide To Mount Cook South Island New Zealand blog.
KAIKOURA WATERFRONT DURING WINTER, KAIKOURA, SOUTH ISLAND NEW ZEALAND
Tucked along the South Island coastline, Kaikoura may fly under the radar, but its dramatic landscapes and rich diversity make it a photographer’s dream especially during winter. The surrounding mountains are magical covered in snow and create an absolutely stunning backdrop to any of the photo opportunities available in the area.
One of my favourite locations is the rocky shoreline along the south end of The Esplanade in Kaikoura. This easy to access spot perfectly captures the grandeur of the Kaikoura Range with the bay and Pacific Ocean in the foreground.
The shoreline offers endless compositions, from rock formations and reflective pools to scattered flowers. I visited at sunrise for the mountains in light, and used my wide angle lens for these images.
For more information on Kaikoura check out my Guide To Beautiful Kaikoura Photo Spots NZÂ blog.
ROYS PEAK WINTER, WANAKA, SOUTH ISLAND NEW ZEALAND
The 5 hour return Roys Peak Track in Wanaka is one of the South Island’s most iconic locations .. and for good reason. The view from the summit is nothing short of spectacular, and I would say it’s among the very best in New Zealand, if not the best, especially in winter.
The iconic selfie point view on Roys Peak that you see all over social media is not actually from the summit but actually around 30 minutes before that. You will know when you get there as you'll see the long drop toilet and sign to the summit, and also that famous ridgeline to walk out to.
It is even more striking in winter, with snow capped peaks and crisp, clear air adding extra drama and beauty to the sweeping Wanaka landscape. Be sure to take crampons with you if you're going to attempt this in winter as it gets very slippery and snowy up at the summit.
Roys Peak works at both sunrise and sunset for photography, but if you want less people, head up for sunrise. Take your wide angle and zoom lens with you to make the most of all the scenery.
For more information on the Roys Peak Track check out my Hiking The Roys Peak Track Wanaka Guide And The Photos blog.
WINTER AT GLENORCHY LAGOON, QUEENSTOWN, SOUTH ISLAND NEW ZEALAND
Nestled at the head of Lake Wakatipu, Glenorchy is a charming small town framed by snow capped mountains and glacial blue waters. Reaching it via the Glenorchy–Queenstown Road is an experience in itself ... a winding drive considered one of New Zealand’s most scenic, with breathtaking views of rugged landscapes and dramatic mountain ranges at every turn.
The Glenorchy Lagoon features a scenic walking track that winds around the water, with a stunning viewing platform perfect for resting and capturing a magical landscape shot. On calm days, Mount Earnslaw and the surrounding peaks are beautifully reflected in the lagoon’s still surface.
Shoot on your zoom lens (eg. 70-200mm) for compression shots of the mountains, and best at sunrise and sunset.
For more information on Queenstown Photo Spots check out my Complete Photo Guide To Queenstown South Island New Zealand blog.
MONKEY CREEK WINTER, FIORDLAND, SOUTH ISLAND NEW ZEALAND
Tucked along the scenic Milford Sound Road, Monkey Creek is a hidden little photography gem that is definitely worth visiting. This roadside stop offers breathtaking mountain views of Mount Talbot and crystal clear waters that, on a calm day, reflect the surrounding peaks like a perfect mirror. If you're lucky, you might also encounter New Zealand's endemic Kea Parrot which likes to hang out in this area.
These images were taken just off the roadside with my wide angle lens. There is plenty to explore in this area of tussock and alpine gardens, but just be careful where to step as not to damage any of the flora. Keep to the trails that are available in the area.
For more information on Milford Sound Photo Spots check out my Complete Guide To Milford Sound NZ Photo Spots blog.
New Zealand’s winter is a true wonderland for photographers, where snow, ice, and dramatic landscapes create endless opportunities for unforgettable shots.
Thanks for taking to time to read my My Top 10 Breathtaking Photo Spots for Winter In New Zealand blog. I hope it inspires you to come to New Zealand during the coldest months of the year and explore some of these magical winter wonderland locations.
If you are interested in prints of any of the New Zealand Landscape Photography seen in this blog, please feel free to head on over to my New Zealand Photography Print Store and have a little look around.