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 by way of sheep stuffed paddocks, previous river rapids and beneath snow-capped peaks are a photographer’s wonderland.
This information to Queenstown’s finest images areas relies 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 course of winter.
Listed here are my picks for the perfect images areas in and round Queenstown, New Zealand. I might simply record one other 50 however if you happen to’re visiting for a number of brief days or spending a while snowboarding on the slopes then these 18 areas will guarantee you may have a terrific vary of panorama images to showcase the magic of actual center earth.
As all the time, lets start with a map so you understand 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 a number of hours right here on every go to as a result of it’s so quiet and calming, the proper place to arrange your digicam and click on away.
Getting right here: Wilson Bay is within the little suburb of Closeburn a couple of 15minute drive from central Queenstown. There’s a helpful automotive park proper on the shore so you possibly can have all of your gear inside simple attain.
Photograph tip: Take cookies for the geese and get your underwater housing out! I took one in all my most spontaneous photographs right here when two geese determined they appreciated my picnic. For those who’ve obtained gum boots it’s additionally a terrific place to wade into the water for some split-level landscapes. (Learn concerning 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 that you may see from most lodge rooms within the metropolis. Positive it’s nice to take images of it from afar, it’s a very totally different story to rise up shut and land on the sting of a rocky cliff 1700ft above sea stage! Leap in a helicopter and ask to be taken to ‘The Ledge’, Cecil Peaks thrill searching for rock platform that juts out and gives a panoramic view throughout the lake, Queenstown and mountain ranges so far as the attention can see.
Little tip – Get a terrific view of Cecil Peak when staying at QT Queenstown, Lodge St Moritz (see overview 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 might be on the sting of a cliff and beneath you is a 1700ft drop, you don’t wish to fall or drop your digicam! You’ll want to 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 Street
I’m fairly horrible at snowboarding so that you received’t discover me on the slopes of Coronet Peak…nevertheless, it’s a terrific vantage level for images! On the drive up the mountain there’s a flip off to Skippers Street 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 effectively price a cease. The rental automotive warning is for the unpaved street that continues into the canyon or if you happen to’re actually apprehensive, merely park within the chain bay and stroll 2minutes to the look out. In winter there will likely be loads of snow to play in (if you happen to’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 Street 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: Similar to the Crown Vary Street, make the most of the chain bays for pulling over and taking photographs. For those who’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 gives views over Lake Wakatipu all the way down to Glenorchy with all of the mountain goodness behind. It’s additionally a terrific 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 simple to search out on Google Maps however there’s solely house 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
For those who’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 outdated picket jetty. The picket posts type a line resulting in the mountains so when composed they’re fabulous for including perspective. Alongside the shore there’s additionally a twisted outdated 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, if you happen to attain the Little Paradise Lodge and Tea Backyard, you’ve gone too far. You’ll discover the outdated jetty simply in entrance of the lodge on the bend and there’s sufficient house 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 gentle 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 like an extended block of Toblerone (or perhaps I similar to chocolate an excessive amount of…). You possibly can {photograph} The Remarkables from most lake aspect areas round Queenstown, rise 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 a lot of methods to get right here. My tip, attempt to seize them from quite a lot of angles!
Photograph tip: This magnificence seems totally different within the altering gentle so rise 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 pink.
* 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 and not using a wander across the park. This park is like no different, with centuries outdated pine timber, rose gardens, a frisbee sport 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 aspect 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 going through 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 aspect of the park for stunning gentle reflections and if you happen to’re fortunate, the outdated 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. For those who’re strolling by way of Queenstown Gardens, it’s price including on the additional 10-20minutes to stroll alongside the lake entrance towards Frankton. Willow timber cling over the water and the passing boats work as a terrific topic in opposition to the mountain surroundings.
Getting right here: Comply with the trail from city across the lake entrance or minimize throughout alongside Park Road.
Photograph tip: It’s a terrific location for portrait images so if you happen to’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 fantastically in opposition to the placing 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 possibly can expertise nature at its best.
Getting Right here: There are a number of 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 by way of Malaghans Street is probably 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 have been invited to Arrowtown to re-stimulate the economic system and hunt for gold. The settlement they created remains to be in Arrowtown at present and is among the most picture worthy areas within the area. You’ll discover probably the most photographed cabin of all situated 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 probably the most photogenic cabin is situated within the automotive park, arrive early to keep away from having a campervan in your shot. For those who’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 Street
Hiring a automotive in Queenstown is crucial in my view, the landscapes must 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 may 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 might 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. For those who aren’t staying the evening in Glenorchy be sure you get again earlier than darkish as a result of the street has loads of corners and will be fairly slender at occasions and verify the climate particularly in winter!
Photograph tip: Cease as many occasions as you possibly can. Wilson Bay was one in all 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 referred to as Jack’s Level. From the skin it seems like an everyday land improvement however inside is the Jack’s Level Golf Membership and it has some wonderful picture spots! Golf programs in fact 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: Situated on Kingston Street simply previous the flip off to The Remarkables Ski Space you’ll discover the stone fence entrance to Maori Jack Street. Comply with the street till you see the clubhouse.
Photograph tip: Straight in entrance of the membership home is a good place for photographing the reflection! It’s a pleasant massive physique of water with a rocky shoreline so you possibly can simply get near the water stage.
#13 The Pink Glenorchy Shed
That is the photogenic brilliant pink shed repeatedly 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 gives a enjoyable topic to seize, maintain an eye fixed out for reflections in puddles or wait round till the celebs sparkle above.
Getting right here: Comply with 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 gentle. 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 probably the most touristy factor you are able to do on the town nevertheless it’s additionally indubitably house to among the finest views you possibly can 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 prime the viewing platform supplies a 180degree view over the town of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and appears over towards The Remarkables which is just breathtaking. You too can 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 perfect view wanting south over Lake Wakatipu, particularly at sundown as the sunshine dances throughout Cecil Peak.
#15 Crown Vary Street + Summit
Linking Queenstown and Wanaka, the Crown Vary Street is the ‘scenic route’ for good cause. In winter, the roads are lined with contemporary powder and the panorama is an limitless 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 attainable 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 aspect of the vary you’ll discover Cardrona which has the photogenic Cardrona Lodge. 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 be sure you 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 verify the street situations earlier than heading up the mountain and maintain an eye fixed out for warning indicators which might be erected each day in unhealthy climate.
Photograph tip: Reap the benefits of the ‘chain bays’ to drag over and seize photographs. Simply earlier than you attain the height when travelling from Queenstown, you’ll discover a terrific spot to leap over the fence and stroll out onto a small path. It’s nice for these little individuals, massive 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 nevertheless 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 difficult.
Photograph tip: Camp out for a night photographing below the milky means, Aurora Australis looking and star counting.
#17 Malaghan’s Street – Flight Park
Between Queenstown and Arrowtown are paddocks full of sheep and horses because the forests and mountains relaxation behind. Alongside Malaghan’s Street veer a lot of driveways and lanes. Straight, scenic and lined with timber, the street is ideal for perspective as Coronet Peak seems overhead. *Please word – most are personal driveways and paddocks. Don’t enter, soar over fences or {photograph} individuals with out consent. Guarantee you might be safely parked if you happen to resolve to cease on the aspect of the street too.
Getting right here: It’s solely 15-20minutes from Queenstown, take a look at the map on this submit for the precise location.
Photograph tip: Use the strains 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 hiya. Once more, please don’t enter the paddocks or soar fences, respect that the realm is personal property.
Learn extra – Behind the Lens: The Winter Horse, NZ
#18 Shotover River – Arthurs Level
House 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 possibly can cease. Cross the bridge and also you’ll discover a carpark on the left the place you possibly can park then stroll again to the bridge and suck in your abdomen as you’re taking images of the canyon beneath. Wait lengthy sufficient and also you’ll have the boat zoom previous because it weaves it’s means 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 outdated gold mining tunnel.
Getting right here: You’ll see it in your means out from Queenstown…take Gorge Street and when you get to the bridge about 5 minutes from city, it’ll be apparent the place you might be.
Photograph tip: Stroll out onto the bridge for a shot of the gorge beneath however be tremendous weary of visitors. It’s effectively price ready for the jet boat to move by to incorporate in your shot!
#19 Routeburn Monitor (just the start)
For those who’re not eager to do a full 2-3 day hike and simply wish to discover the wilderness for a number of hours, head all the way down to the beginning of the Routeburn Monitor. Situated 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 simple, though some sections are fairly steep it’s price it to see the clear cascading waterfalls that circulation by way of big boulders.
Getting right here: Head out of Glenorchy on the Glenorchy-Paradise Street 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 mud street handed sheep, cows and thru some beautiful scener.
Photograph tip: Count on lush inexperienced landscapes so flick your digicam to ‘cloudy’ white steadiness to carry out the perfect within the colors. Take the small path close to the beginning of the observe all the way down to the river to seize lengthy exposures of the quick flowing water.
#20 The Flight In/Out
Maybe probably the most spectacular images location of all? The flight out and in…be sure you e book a window seat so you possibly can stick your head in opposition to the perspex and gaze in marvel 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. For those who’re fortunate you may catch a glimpse of Mount Cook dinner and in addition Milford Sound too!
=
For extra New Zealand articles take a peek right here – New Zealand Archives
For those who’re eager on studying about my 48hr itinerary from a Images Journey with Olympus, you’ll discover all the main points by clicking the hyperlink!
And…if you happen to’ve been to Queenstown and know of a secret spot for stunning images allow us to all know within the feedback beneath…if you happen to’re keen to share!
Â
Whats up! 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 website is from my private expertise on the street. I hope it’s helpful in your personal travels and would love to listen to within the feedback about your journeys and experiences all over the world.
