Spots such as the South Island’s Abel Tasman National Park, the West Coast of the North Island, Fiordland and Mt Aspiring National Park will always have their own special appeal for landscape photographers.
But there are many other spots across the country, such as the stunning Central Otago, the mountains around Queenstown, and the spectacular scenery along the Southern Alps.
Here are our Top 5 Tips to help you find new landscapes and get inspired by the places you visit:
1. Try to stay a little bit away from the tourist crowds, especially when it comes to photography. Spend at least half a day or more exploring off the beaten track.
2. Bring your camera with you everywhere you go. Even if you’re just taking your phone out of your pocket to snap a quick picture, you’re still learning and gaining experience.
3. Find out about the seasons – it may be that certain times of year are the best for particular types of photography. For example, early morning or late afternoon light can provide a unique and atmospheric effect.
4. Look out for wildlife and natural history – it’s important to be aware of what’s out there. It doesn’t have to be a dramatic landscape, just a tranquil place where you can enjoy the beauty of the surroundings.
5. Get to know your camera. You can spend hours researching about different lenses and cameras, but it’s also important to practise using your camera in situations that you think are interesting, especially if you are new to photography.
Some famous places in New Zealand for better landscape photography
New Zealand has some of the most stunning landscapes in the world, so if you are planning a trip, it’s worth spending some time researching the best spots for landscape photography. There are many factors that contribute to great photography, such as the weather and the light, but the most important factor is choosing a spot that suits your photography style. If you are looking for new places to visit and explore, take a look at our top 10 New Zealand landscape photography locations, which include some beautiful places you may not have heard of. Here are our top five spots to consider if you’re thinking of exploring New Zealand’s natural beauty.
1. Abel Tasman National Park
This national park is one of the most visited in the country, and it’s easy to see why. The scenery is varied, from beautiful white sand beaches to rugged, craggy rock formations, and the park covers around 890 hectares of land. It’s possible to access the park by car, boat, helicopter or foot and there are a number of different walks you can enjoy. If you’re looking to photograph the landscape in a unique way, try taking a helicopter tour to capture the views of the Abel Tasman coast.
2. Franz Josef Glacier
This glacier is located in the South Island and is a very popular tourist destination, and this is why it’s one of our favorite spots to visit in New Zealand. The location is truly breath-taking and it’s hard to imagine a more dramatic scene than walking out onto the glacier. You can hire a kayak to paddle out and explore the ice, but it’s recommended that you use a guide if you are unsure about how to use a kayak. You can take a bus from the Franz Josef township to get here, and there are various options for accommodation if you decide to stay overnight.
3. Kaikoura Coast
It’s no secret that New Zealand has some of the most beautiful coasts in the world, and this is certainly true of Kaikoura Coast. This is a small, coastal town that sits on a peninsula between the Wairarapa and the Kaikoura Sounds, and it’s the perfect place to relax and unwind. You can take a bus or boat to reach here, and there are a number of options for accommodation. It’s possible to rent a kayak or a 4WD vehicle and explore the surrounding coastline, or you can simply take a walk along the beach. If you’re looking for something a little bit different, then why not get a fishing charter and spend the day out on the water?
4. Tongariro National Park
This park is located on the North Island and covers 1,000 square kilometers of land. The mountains in the area are the result of volcanic activity, which makes it a very interesting landscape to photograph. There are plenty of hiking trails, some of which go through spectacular gorges and valleys. Tongariro is home to the tallest mountain in the southern hemisphere, Mount Ruapehu, and it’s also the location of the Whakapapa Village, which has a collection of historic buildings. It’s not easy to get to, so you’ll need to plan ahead, and you’ll also need to be self-sufficient.
5. Milford Sound
There is something special about Milford Sound, and this is why it’s one of our top places to visit in New Zealand. It’s located on the southwest coast of the South Island and covers around 3,500 square kilometers of land. Milford Sound is a series of deep fjords that are surrounded by steep, high mountains. It’s possible to drive to the sound and take a cruise, or you can explore it by boat. It’s not easy to get to, and the journey can take a couple of days. It’s possible to camp out at a base near the sound, or you can find accommodation on the islands. If you’re looking for a quieter, more remote spot, you can stay at the Milford Lodge.