New Zealand is a country rich with lush, beautiful landscapes that make for awe-inspiring photo opportunities. From majestic mountains to surreal lakes and beautiful waterfalls, a camera is a great way to preserve and relive your memories of this region for the rest of your life.
Getting There is Half the Fun
Of course, to locate these gorgeous photo ops, you want to be able to get there easily and safely. The best way to reach all of the following locations is by car. If you don’t wish to put miles on your own car, or you’re a traveller just visiting the area temporarily, it would be a good idea for you to look into New Zealand car rental.
Image courtesy of michaelmattiphotography/flickr.com
Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki
These two lakes are popular with tourists, and it’s easy to see why once you visit. The lakes are set against a background of snowy mountains fed by glaciers and snow. The water in these lakes is beautiful shade of blue, an almost unreal turquoise. In addition to the beautiful waters and sweeping landscapes, be on the lookout for a variety of fascinating birds to snap shots of.
Napier
This unique community has an earthquake to thank for its current appearance. After a quake virtually destroyed the city in the early 1930s, it was rebuilt. Fortunately for those who love to photograph architectural marvels, the city was rebuilt with an absolutely stunning art deco style that combines man-made creations with the surrounding natural beauty.
Franz Josef Ranges
If mist-shrouded glaciers are your kind of thing, you can’t go wrong with a trip to the Franz Josef Ranges, which includes the famous Franz Josef Glacier. While guided tours to the glacier can be arranged, if you’re the more adventurous type, consider a hike up the nearby mountain known as Alex Knobb. You will be rewarded with a higher vantage point than the tour will give you, and you’ll be able to get a wider variety of landscape shots, including mountains and rain forest.
Waitakere
West of Auckland is the area known as Waitakere. Here, you will find beautiful beaches that will serve as a great introduction to the natural beauty that New Zealand has to offer. Each of the three beaches – Anawhata Beach, Karekare Beach and Muriwai Beach – are distinctly unique, and each is sure to charm you from the first moment you lay eyes on them.
The Moeraki Boulders
For a truly interesting set of photos, visit the Moeraki Boulders. These round stones look almost alien in appearance, especially when you take shots of them during sunrise. A trip to these mysterious stones will provide you with an experience you won’t soon forget.
Stewart Island
Getting here can be a bit of a challenge as Stewart Island is one of the most remote of New Zealand’s islands, but your hard work will definitely be rewarded if you love nature. The island is home to a wide variety of native plant and animal life. Because it’s so remote and getting there requires a ferry-crossing, it’s not one of the most popular areas for tourists to visit. Few people call the place home, so visiting Stewart Island can be a transcendental experience. Make sure to dress warmly as its southern location can mean it’s a bit colder than the rest of New Zealand.
Pancake Rocks
This area is located on South Island’s west coast. Standing near the rocky beaches gives you the incredible impression that you’re on the edge of the world. This is further emphasized by the primal, lush vegetation of the area. Pancake Rocks is a unique rock formation on the coast with some beautiful photo opportunities. Chances are, you’ll want to get to the tiny settlement of Punakaiki. This little town oozes with charm and serves as base camp for the throngs of people who visit this region. While there, look for a place called The Pot. This basin of churning water will give you some great photo opportunities.
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