Queenstown Images Places, New Zealand
Be ready to have your breath taken away by mountain surroundings that’s merely inspiring from all angles.
Flying into Queenstown is an expertise in itself however the winding roads that enterprise via sheep stuffed paddocks, previous river rapids and beneath snow-capped peaks are a photographer’s wonderland.
This information to Queenstown’s finest images areas is predicated on my expertise from three visits in various seasons. Simply because the snow started to softly fall over the autumn colored forests and harsh rocky mountain tops and twice in the midst of winter.
Listed below are my picks for the very best images areas in and round Queenstown, New Zealand. I may simply record one other 50 however when you’re visiting for just a few brief days or spending a while snowboarding on the slopes then these 18 areas will guarantee you’ve an excellent vary of panorama images to showcase the magic of actual center earth.
As at all times, lets start with a map so the place you’re heading…
Map: The Finest Images Places in Queenstown
#1 Wilson Bay
To kick issues off I’m itemizing my favorite spot first, Wilson Bay. A scenic cove nestled on the banks of Lake Wakatipu, it’s a straightforward pit cease on the street to Glenorchy. Pebbled shores, thick forests, pleasant geese and views throughout to the rugged panorama of Walter Peak. With out fail I spend just a few hours right here on every go to as a result of it’s so quiet and calming, the proper place to arrange your digital camera and click on away.
Getting right here: Wilson Bay is within the little suburb of Closeburn a few 15minute drive from central Queenstown. There’s a helpful automotive park proper on the shore so you’ll be able to have all of your gear inside straightforward attain.
Photograph tip: Take cookies for the geese and get your underwater housing out! I took considered one of my most spontaneous photographs right here when two geese determined they preferred my picnic. If you happen to’ve obtained gum boots it’s additionally an excellent place to wade into the water for some split-level landscapes. (Learn in regards to the Duck Photograph right here)
#2 Cecil Peak
The white snow-capped peaks that encompass Queenstown are akin to pointy clouds resting effortlessly above Lake Wakatipu. Towering above all of them is Cecil Peak, a gracious magnificence which you can see from most resort rooms within the metropolis. Positive it’s nice to take pictures of it from afar, it’s a totally completely different story to stand up shut and land on the sting of a rocky cliff 1700ft above sea stage! Bounce in a helicopter and ask to be taken to ‘The Ledge’, Cecil Peaks thrill in search of rock platform that juts out and presents a panoramic view throughout the lake, Queenstown and mountain ranges so far as the attention can see.
Little tip – Get an excellent view of Cecil Peak when staying at QT Queenstown, Resort St Moritz (see assessment right here) or The Waterfront.
Getting right here: I flew with Heliworkz NZ, they’re primarily based on the Queenstown Airport on Hawthorne Drive in Frankton.
Photograph Tip: Firstly watch your step…you’re on the sting of a cliff and beneath you is a 1700ft drop, you don’t wish to fall or drop your digital camera! Make sure you seize panoramics from the sting of ‘The Ledge’ whilst you have the chance, the scene is a as soon as in a lifetime view and a panoramic is among the few photographs that makes an attempt to do it justice.
#3 Coronet Peak – Skippers Highway
I’m fairly horrible at snowboarding so that you received’t discover me on the slopes of Coronet Peak…nevertheless, it’s an excellent vantage level for images! On the drive up the mountain there’s a flip off to Skippers Highway and whereas it’s obtained a rental automotive warning signal take the flip. About 20m up the street there’s a bit automotive park for a glance out that’s properly price a cease. The rental automotive warning is for the unpaved street that continues into the canyon or when you’re actually nervous, merely park within the chain bay and stroll 2minutes to the look out. In winter there shall be loads of snow to play in (when you’re a slipshod ski bunny like me), or within the different seasons you’ll discover sweeping views throughout Speargrass Flat in direction of the Remarkables and Lake Hayes. *Simply be weary that some smaller roads could also be personal driveways so be respectful of this.
Getting right here: Take Skippers Highway up towards Coronet Peak Ski Station, when you’re near the highest you’ll discover the left flip into Skippers Canyon and the look out.
Photograph tip: Identical to the Crown Vary Highway, reap the benefits of the chain bays for pulling over and taking photographs. If you happen to’re eager to shoot astro, head as much as Coronet Peak at evening and watch the celebs come out to play!
#4 Bennetts Bluff Lookout
As you journey alongside the scenic street from Queenstown to Glenorchy you’ll uncover a great deal of vantage factors to cease at. None nevertheless extra stunning than Bennetts Bluff. Perched up excessive on a nook, the look out presents views over Lake Wakatipu all the way down to Glenorchy with all of the mountain goodness behind. It’s additionally an excellent spot to seize photographs of the winding street because it disappears into the gap.
Getting right here: You’ll come throughout Bennetts Bluff about 25minutes into the drive from Queenstown. It’s good and straightforward to seek out on Google Maps however there’s solely area for about 4 automobiles on the lookout and it comes up shortly round a blind nook.
Photograph tip: The right location to seize a shot of the street to Glenorchy because it winds alongside Lake Wakatipu.
#5 Meiklejohns Bay
If you happen to’re into lengthy publicity photographs of gently transferring water with epic mountain surroundings as a backdrop, that is the spot for you. Jotting off the shores of Meiklejohns Bay is the remnants of an previous picket jetty. The picket posts kind a line resulting in the mountains so when composed they’re fabulous for including perspective. Alongside the shore there’s additionally a twisted previous mangrove tree and a small stream that runs into the lake.
Getting right here: There’s no actual parking right here however when driving from Queenstown, when you attain the Little Paradise Lodge and Tea Backyard, you’ve gone too far. You’ll discover the previous jetty simply in entrance of the lodge on the bend and there’s sufficient area to drag the automotive off the street right here too.
Photograph tip: The water in Lake Wakatipu is tremendous clear so seize your self a pair of gum boots and get moist for some split-level photographs! Additionally as a result of there’s nearly zero mild air pollution right here, head down for some astro photographs.
#6 The Remarkables
Seen from nearly each nook of Queenstown, this jagged mountain vary is a magnet for panorama images. In winter, the white coating of snow makes it appear to be an extended block of Toblerone (or possibly I similar to chocolate an excessive amount of…). You possibly can {photograph} The Remarkables from most lake facet areas round Queenstown, stand up shut and take the drive as much as the ski station, from the Crown Vary, Coronet Peak or the sky!
Getting right here: Relying on the place you resolve to {photograph} The Remarkables from there’s plenty of methods to get right here. My tip, attempt to seize them from a wide range of angles!
Photograph tip: This magnificence seems to be completely different within the altering mild so stand up good and early to catch the solar rising behind, then watch as the nice and cozy night glow turns the peaks into orange and purple.
* Photos beneath taken with the Olympus E-M1 MKII + 40-150mm f2.8 M.Zuiko Lens
#7 Queenstown Gardens
No go to to Queenstown is full with out a wander across the park. This park is like no different, with centuries previous pine timber, rose gardens, a frisbee recreation that I can’t fairly work out and naturally, views worthy of a full reminiscence card. There’s a path that leads across the fringe of the park with views again towards the city and wharf, then on the opposite facet the views look over to The Remarkables. On the level you’ve obtained uninterrupted views up and down Lake Wakatipu and throughout to the mighty Cecil Peak.
Getting right here: Stroll from downtown Queenstown for a bunch of picture stops alongside the way in which. Begin the stroll at The Bathhouse for a shot of the quaint constructing beside the lake then head over the little bridge and into the park.
Photograph tip: Sundown is gorgeous from the tip of the park and dealing with towards The Remarkables. Whereas the solar units within the reverse directon, it’s price watching as the colors change the peaks right into a rainbow of heat. To seize an extended publicity or night shot of Queenstown all lit up, discover a spot alongside the city facet of the park for stunning mild reflections and when you’re fortunate, the previous steam boat!
#8 Park Road – Lake Wakatipu Journey
On the lake entrance to Frankton Arm, you’ll discover the shoreline dotted with boat jetty’s and rocky partitions. If you happen to’re strolling via Queenstown Gardens, it’s price including on the additional 10-20minutes to stroll alongside the lake entrance towards Frankton. Willow timber hold over the water and the passing boats work as an excellent topic in opposition to the mountain surroundings.
Getting right here: Observe the trail from city across the lake entrance or lower throughout alongside Park Road.
Photograph tip: It’s an excellent location for portrait images so when you’ve obtained somebody with you, ask them to stroll alongside the rock partitions or jetty with Cecil Peak behind.
#9 Arrow River, Arrowtown
A twenty minute drive out of Queenstown nestled within the foothills of wooded mountains lies a rocky river that begs to be photographed. Arrowtown is understood for being a well-liked, historic and quaint little village however simply behind the primary street are a set of strolling trails that wander alongside the Arrow River. In Autumn the encompassing forest is sort of a rainbow of reds, contrasting superbly in opposition to the hanging aqua blue stream. The river itself was as soon as well-known for a gold rush nevertheless now it’s a peaceable place the place you’ll be able to expertise nature at its best.
Getting Right here: There are just a few methods to get to Arrowtown on native buses, excursions and many others. nevertheless my suggestion is to rent a automotive and drive your self there as a result of alongside the way in which are some nice picture spots. The route from Queenstown through Malaghans Highway is essentially the most scenic!
Photograph tip: Get within the water. I visited in June and the water was a frosty -3degrees however I obtained in with my underwater housing and captured some over/below photographs to showcase the distinction between the icy water and autumn timber.
#10 Historic Chinese language Settlement, Arrowtown
Within the late 1800’s Chinese language miners had been invited to Arrowtown to re-stimulate the financial system and hunt for gold. The settlement they created remains to be in Arrowtown right now and is among the most picture worthy areas within the area. You’ll discover essentially the most photographed cabin of all positioned within the automotive park of all locations. It’s a country picket cabin with a backdrop of the Arrowtown mountains and surrounding forest.
Getting right here: As soon as in Arrowtown take the left flip towards the Chinese language Settlement as an alternative of turning proper into the primary road. Alternatively, park your automotive in the primary space by the river and stroll 2minutes to the left to the settlement.
Photograph tip: As a result of essentially the most photogenic cabin is positioned within the automotive park, arrive early to keep away from having a campervan in your shot. If you happen to’re brief on time, stroll up the hill a bit to attempt to block out the automobiles and place the cabin within the backside of your shot to compose it in opposition to the timber/mountains.
#11 Queenstown-Glenorchy Highway
Hiring a automotive in Queenstown is crucial for my part, the landscapes have to be explored up shut and it’s the proper place for street journeys! Probably the most spectacular? The street linking Queenstown and the tiny city of Glenorchy that sits on the mouth of the Dart River. Weaving alongside Lake Wakatipu, the street supplies wow inducing views that can have you ever pulling over at each nook to take images. Alongside the way in which you’ll discover Wilson Bay and Bob’s Cove that are nearer to Queenstown and from there on you’ll be driving by the water and may cease everytime you see a possibility.
Getting right here: Seize your self a rent automotive and discover the Glenorchy-Queenstown Rd which runs alongside the river from Lake Esplanade. If you happen to aren’t staying the evening in Glenorchy you should definitely get again earlier than darkish as a result of the street has numerous corners and might be fairly slender at occasions and test the climate particularly in winter!
Photograph tip: Cease as many occasions as you’ll be able to. Wilson Bay was considered one of my favorite stops as you will get proper down by the water to {photograph} the mountains.
#12 Jack’s Level Golf Membership
Beneath the immensely intimidating peaks of The Remarkables is a model new property known as Jack’s Level. From the skin it seems to be like a daily land improvement however inside is the Jack’s Level Golf Membership and it has some wonderful picture spots! Golf programs after all have water hazards and since they’re nonetheless our bodies of water they’re the proper canvas for taking a precise reflection of The Remarkables.
Getting right here: Positioned on Kingston Highway simply previous the flip off to The Remarkables Ski Space you’ll discover the stone fence entrance to Maori Jack Highway. Observe the street till you see the clubhouse.
Photograph tip: Immediately in entrance of the membership home is a superb place for photographing the reflection! It’s a pleasant huge physique of water with a rocky shoreline so you’ll be able to simply get near the water stage.
#13 The Purple Glenorchy Shed
That is the photogenic vivid purple shed usually featured on Instagram by photographers and travellers. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu’s most northern nook you’ll discover this great place for landscapes always of the day. The historic shed presents a enjoyable topic to seize, hold an eye fixed out for reflections in puddles or wait round till the celebs sparkle above.
Getting right here: Observe all indicators to Glenorchy and when you’ve discovered the primary road with the cafes, comply with it to the waters edge and also you’ll see a carpark proper beside the shed.
Photograph tip: Attempt to go to twice to seize it in a distinct mild. Maybe shoot dawn right here then go for an extended hike close by and return for sundown and even higher…shoot astrophotography right here.
#14 Skyline Gondola Lookout
It’s most likely essentially the most touristy factor you are able to do on the town however it’s additionally definitely dwelling to among the best views you’ll be able to see in Queenstown. The Gondola trip up the hill is sort of enjoyable with big timber lining the route, little misplaced sheep and goats peeking out from the bushes and the view enhancing with each passing minute. As soon as on the high the viewing platform supplies a 180degree view over town of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and appears over towards The Remarkables which is solely breathtaking. You can even have a bit zip down on the luge!
Getting right here: You possibly can entry the Gondola from the highest of Brecon Road, only a brief stroll up the hill from the primary road of Queenstown.
Photograph tip: From the highest of the luge run is the very best view wanting south over Lake Wakatipu, particularly at sundown as the sunshine dances throughout Cecil Peak.
#15 Crown Vary Highway + Summit
Linking Queenstown and Wanaka, the Crown Vary Highway is the ‘scenic route’ for good purpose. In winter, the roads are lined with contemporary powder and the panorama is an infinite subject of white so far as the attention can see. As a result of the street winds steeply up the mountain like a zigzag, it’s finest to take it sluggish and cease at each vantage level potential for a photograph. When you attain the highest you’ll come to a carpark with views all the way in which again to Queenstown and The Remarkables.
On the Wanaka facet of the vary you’ll discover Cardrona which has the photogenic Cardrona Resort. When heading up the mountain from Wanaka (or down from Queenstown) there’s a bit stream that runs in a gully beside the street so you should definitely discover a spot to drag over and shoot a number of the mountain surroundings.
Getting right here: Journey from Queenstown or Wanaka and comply with indicators to the ‘Crown Vary’. The street begins in Arrow Junction, simply north of Arrowtown when travelling from the South. In winter it’s important to have snow chains in your automotive because the street can get very harmful. At all times test the street circumstances earlier than heading up the mountain and hold an eye fixed out for warning indicators which can be erected day by day in dangerous climate.
Photograph tip: Make the most of the ‘chain bays’ to drag over and seize photographs. Simply earlier than you attain the height when travelling from Queenstown, you’ll discover an excellent spot to leap over the fence and stroll out onto a small path. It’s nice for these little individuals, huge panorama photographs!
#16 Moke Lake
Hidden behind the small suburb of Closeburn is the magnificent Moke Lake. Framed by mountains, it’s a well-liked spot for mountaineering and tenting however it’s additionally utterly darkish at evening which means…stars, stars and extra stars.
Photograph Credit score: Brent Purcell, comply with @brentpurcell_le.nz on Instagram
Getting right here: It’s solely a 10minute drive from Queenstown to succeed in the beginning of the grime street into Moke Lake. It’s advisble to have a 4WD, particularly in winter because the street can get fairly tough.
Photograph tip: Camp out for a night photographing below the milky manner, Aurora Australis searching and star counting.
#17 Malaghan’s Highway – Flight Park
Between Queenstown and Arrowtown are paddocks crammed with sheep and horses because the forests and mountains relaxation behind. Alongside Malaghan’s Highway veer plenty of driveways and lanes. Straight, scenic and lined with timber, the street is ideal for perspective as Coronet Peak seems to be overhead. *Please be aware – most are personal driveways and paddocks. Don’t enter, bounce over fences or {photograph} individuals with out consent. Guarantee you’re safely parked when you resolve to cease on the facet of the street too.
Getting right here: It’s solely 15-20minutes from Queenstown, take a look at the map on this publish for the precise location.
Photograph tip: Use the traces of the street to create perspective and draw the viewer into the picture. There’s additionally horses within the paddock beside so you might get fortunate in the event that they wander over and say howdy. Once more, please don’t enter the paddocks or bounce fences, respect that the realm is personal property.
Learn extra – Behind the Lens: The Winter Horse, NZ
#18 Shotover River – Arthurs Level
Residence to the thrilling Shotover Jet, this spot is a kind of ‘can’t cease I’m driving throughout a single lane bridge’ locations. The excellent news…you’ll be able to cease. Cross the bridge and also you’ll discover a carpark on the left the place you’ll be able to park then stroll again to the bridge and suck in your abdomen as you’re taking pictures of the canyon beneath. Wait lengthy sufficient and also you’ll have the boat zoom previous because it weaves it’s manner between the hairpin turns narrowly avoiding the rocky edges. A spot much less generally visited is discovered simply up the river a bit. A brief ten minute stroll from the Shotover Jet wharf is the doorway to an previous gold mining tunnel.
Getting right here: You’ll see it in your manner out from Queenstown…take Gorge Highway and when you get to the bridge about 5 minutes from city, it’ll be apparent the place you’re.
Photograph tip: Stroll out onto the bridge for a shot of the gorge beneath however be tremendous weary of visitors. It’s properly price ready for the jet boat to move by to incorporate in your shot!
#19 Routeburn Observe (just the start)
If you happen to’re not eager to do a full 2-3 day hike and simply wish to discover the wilderness for just a few hours, head all the way down to the beginning of the Routeburn Observe. Positioned about 30minutes drive from Glenorchy, the street there’s picture worthy in itself, not to mention the moss coated rainforest and river when you arrive. The primary 2-3 hours of this hike are comparatively straightforward, though some sections are fairly steep it’s price it to see the clear cascading waterfalls that move via big boulders.
Getting right here: Head out of Glenorchy on the Glenorchy-Paradise Highway after which flip left into the Glenorchy-Routeburn Rd and throughout the river. You’ll see a proper flip heading down Routeburn Rd after which it’s a dust street handed sheep, cows and thru some beautiful scener.
Photograph tip: Anticipate lush inexperienced landscapes so flick your digital camera to ‘cloudy’ white stability to deliver out the very best within the colors. Take the small path close to the beginning of the monitor all the way down to the river to seize lengthy exposures of the quick flowing water.
#20 The Flight In/Out
Maybe essentially the most spectacular images location of all? The flight out and in…you should definitely ebook a window seat so you’ll be able to stick your head in opposition to the perspex and gaze in surprise on the surroundings beneath. In winter you’ll be handled to a white winter wonderland because the mountain peaks sit fairly from the west coast all the way in which to Queenstown. If you happen to’re fortunate you would possibly catch a glimpse of Mount Cook dinner and in addition Milford Sound too!
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If you happen to’re eager on studying about my 48hr itinerary from a Images Journey with Olympus, you’ll discover all the small print by clicking the hyperlink!
And…when you’ve been to Queenstown and know of a secret spot for stunning pictures allow us to all know within the feedback beneath…when you’re keen to share!
Hiya! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 17+yrs expertise as an expert journey and panorama photographer, all recommendation discovered on this web site is from my private expertise on the street. I hope it’s helpful on your personal travels and would love to listen to within the feedback about your journeys and experiences around the globe.
