Guide to the best photography spots in Queenstown, New Zealand

Queenstown is one of those places that even if you’re not a towny person (like me) you will love it! It’s also a spot that everyone and their dog visits when coming to New Zealand. Despite it being a popular spot, it’s really beautiful. I mean, it’s a town literally set between a lake and mountains.

It’s a place full of adventure and of course, very photogenic! I’ve compiled a guide to show you some of the top photography spots in Queenstown. If you need a bit of help on composing shots and getting some ideas, check out my free guide to taking better travel photos.

1.Queenstown Waterfront

This is one of the easiest spots to get to and a lovely one to photograph is simply the waterfront front in town. I stayed at the Mi Pad hotel on my last stay and it was only like a 7 minute walk to the shore. I suggest getting up for sunrise. You’re only company may be ducks!

2. One mile car park

Another really easy spot to get to and a nice 5 minute walk from town is the one mile car park. You’ll have a great vantage point to shoot the town, the Remarkables and over to Cecil and Walter Peak.

How to get there: If you’re on the main road in Queenstown (6A) continue to the end of the road (it will turn into Man Street). Turn right onto Brecon Street and the Gondola is at the end of the road. Be aware that parking does fill up fast in the area and some spots do have a time limit.

3. Skyline gondola

I’ll admit I love gondolas! I know the ride never lasts that long but the views are always so worth it! The Sklyline Gondola is no doubt really busy but again the views are pretty amazing from the top. Like most places the earlier you go the less people you’ll encounter which may help while composing a shot. As you can imagine it’s pretty popular at night as well! If you go about 15 minutes up the Ben Lomond track though you’ll get the same amazing view with less folks!

How to get there: If you’re on the main road in Queenstown (6A) continue to the end of the road (it will turn into Man Street). Turn right onto Brecon Street and the Gondola is at the end of the road. Be aware that parking does fill up fast in the area and some spots do have a time limit.

Other activities: If you have some extra time you’ve got to try the luge! Oh my gosh so much fun! You can also check out the Kiwi Birdlife Park

4. Ben Lomond track

This is one of my favourite photography spots in Queenstown but it does require some effort. And by some effort I mean a lot! So totally worth it though! Altogether it’s about a 5-6 hour hike, you’ll get 360 degree views of the area! Next time I’d love to be up there for sunrise! If you want more information about the track, click here for my last Ben Lomond adventure.

How to get there: There are two spots you can start the track. One is at the bottom of the gondola on the Tiki Trail which will lead up to the top of the gondola. You can also take the gondola up and then start the track. The second spot to start the trail is right by one mile car park. If heading west take the first exit on the roundabout. I believe you can park there for your start up the track.

5.Moke lake

On one of New Zealand’s most scenic drives is a turn off to a gravel road leading to Moke Lake. It’s only about a 30 minute drive from the center of town and has a nice walk around the lake. On the Glenorchy- Queenstown road I actually saw a wild goat! I couldn’t even believe it but sadly wasn’t able to stop safely and couldn’t get a shot! Keep your eyes open!

How to get there: Moke Lake is really easy to find. Simply head west on Glenorchy-Queenstown Road and turn right on Moke Lake Road. Keep following Moke Lake Road and it will take you right to the lake!

Other activities: Moke Lake is home to Glam Camping Queenstown. The two tents have amazing views looking over the lake and would be an amazing place to stay! You can also do what I love most and take a horse trek with Ben Lomond horse treks.

6. Skipper’s Road lookout /Skippers Canyon

What a spot! Skippers Road lookout gives a stunning view over to Frankton and into the Remarkables. Keep going on the same road and you’ll find a spot to shoot into Skippers Canyon. I’ve only ever been at night which was the most amazing experience! This is one of the more popular photography spots in Queenstown especially for astro photography and during the summer.

How to get there: From Queenstown head north on Gorge Road. You’ll go over the Shotover River where the road turns into Arthur’s Point Road. Turn left onto Skippers Road and follow the road up. You’ll see on the left a spot to turn left again. This is the lookout. Follow the road further up and right on a tight turn you’ll see a small path that gives a great vantage point into the canyon. Be aware that this is an ascending gravel road.

7. Bob’s cove

Another lovely spot just off the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road. There is a short walk down to the water where you’ll see some of the greenest lake water you may have ever seen. You can also take a short 40 minute hike up to the lookout.

How to get there: Head west for about 15 minutes outside of the town on the Glenorchy-Queenstown. The road to car park to Bob’s cove will be on the left.

8. Lake hayes

Less than 15 minutes from Queenstown is the lovely Lake Hayes. There is a small parking lot at the Lake Hayes pavilion off the highway and a trail you can walk on along the lake. If you’re lucky for a still day the reflections are stunning!

How to get there: Lake Hayes is easy to get to as it’s just on the way out of Queenstown on the main highway (highway 6)

What are you favourite photography spots in Queenstown? Do you have to add!?

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