Lakes, rivers, ocean and greenery, there are many beautiful photography spots in Mid Canterbury. We are so lucky in this area that we have such a mix of landscapes meaning ample opportunity to take photos.
I spend a lot of time exploring Mid Canterbury, after all, I do live here and it seems every time I go out, I find another opportunity to snap a photo. Whether you want an image for the gram, a nice landscape shot or some inspiration before heading to the area, I’ve compiled a short list of 5 beautiful photography spots in Mid Canterbury.
If you’re looking for some tips on taking photos whether you have a camera or phone camera, check out my post here for some extra tips.
Some quick tips include:
- Don’t forget to clean your lens!
- Keeping straight horizons
- Try different angles
5 beautiful Photography spots in Mid Canterbury
1. Lake Camp
One of my favorite spots to take photos is Lake Camp in the Hakatere Conservation Area, also known as the Ashburton Lakes district. If you can get there on a calm, clear day, you’ll be able to catch the stunning reflections with the mighty Mount D’Archiac in the background.
Fall and springtime is particularly beautiful as the trees are changing colours giving a beautiful contrast to the sky.
2. Hakatere Potts Road
The road leading to Lake Camp, called Hakatere Potts Road has many photo opportunities. All around you get a nice view of the golden rolling hills in the area, Mt Harper and Mt Guy. Images on this road on a particularly dark, not yet raining day are really cool. The contrast of the dark blue sky and golden tussocks really complement each other.
There isn’t one spot in particular to take photos from. I suggest keeping on the lookout of what the light and sky are doing, pick a safe spot to pull over and take photos from all around. There is a small pond on the right-hand side as you travel in that often has swans swimming around.
3. Staveley
Only about 15 minutes from Methven, Staveley is a lovely spot to spend some time taking photos, particularly in the forest down Flynns Road at the start of the Mt Somers walkway tracks in the Sharplin Falls Reserve. You can walk right down to the river which gives a nice shot of rushing water and big boulders. The forest is also full of birdlife. Fantails in particular love to visit and say hello.
This is a great area to capture more detailed images. I love walking along the very start of the track to Pinnacles Hut. For about 10 minutes in, the track is flat, follows the river and you’re surrounded by ferns, moss and beautiful greenery. There are a few spots you can get down to the river and makes for a great opportunity to get creative in capturing different details of the forest.
4. Rakaia Gorge
If you’re heading south into Mid Canterbury via the inland route you will cross over the Rakaia Gorge. Typically the waters are a bright turquoise colour and make for an awesome photo.
There are numerous spots you can capture images from here. There is a parking area to the north of the bridge that has toilets and where the Discovery Jet launches. From there you can make your way down to the riverbed and shoot towards the mountains getting the old bridge in the photo. You can also park in the area south of the bridge taking the taniwha track down to the river bed getting a nice close-up of Mt Hutt.
There is also a lookout point that you can walk up to to get more of a birdseye view over the river.
5. Wakanui Beach
I consider Wakanui Beach a hidden gem of photography spots in Mid Canterbury. Not many people go there apart from locals but if you’re heading out for golden hour, it’s a great place to be. The beach is not swimmable so please don’t decide to jump in but you can see some pretty amazing sunrises and sunsets from there.
The beach is only about a 15-minute drive from Ashburton and is mostly an opportunity for a nice seascape shot. If you’re really lucky though, you may see dolphins or the odd seal that decides to nap on shore.
Can I see all these spots in one day?
You may be wondering, can I spend a day and see all of these spots? I would say yes you definitely can depending on what light you’d like to capture these spots in. If I gave myself one day this is what I would do:
- First off, I’d watch the weather like a hawk and pick one that is forecasted to be calm up at Lake Camp
- Sunrise at Wakanui Beach
- Head to Mt Somers and go up the Hakatere Potts Road for some rolling hills/blue sky images
- Capture reflections at Lake Camp
- Drive up to Staveley and photograph in the forest
- End the day with sunset at the Rakaia Gorge
I hope this has inspired you to explore more of the Mid Canterbury region with your camera. There are so many beautiful spots that you can easily spend hours at capturing different images.
Have you been to these areas? What is your favourite?