Wanaka is without a doubt a photographer’s paradise, there’s no two ways about it. You can tell by the amount of professional photographers who not only host their workshops here, but come here to get shots for their portfolios in their “spare time”.
I have been lucky to meet these 3 pillars of photography in Wanaka so far: Joshua Cripps, Chris Burkard and Trey Ratcliff. If you don’t know who these people are you should look them up right now!
I’ve spent many sunrises and sunsets in Wanaka and I’m consistently flabbergasted by the amount of photo opportunities that keep cropping up in and around town.
The action never stops here, even the roads to Wanaka are amongst some of the most scenic in the south island.
So when (not if) you come to Wanaka you’re going to need to know where to go. Here’s my list of the best spots around town.
1. That Wanaka Tree
A short 5 minute walk away from the Stoney Creek Car Park the Wanaka Tree is one of the biggest names in New Zealand’s landscape photography circles. In my opinion it’s most beautiful, and most popular, in Autumn when the leaves turn gold. Each year this happens around mid to late April.
In the morning it can be busy here, arriving ten minutes earlier than planned could secure you the exact spot you want.
2. Roys Peak
Pioneered by local wedding photographers for decades this ridgeline on Roys Peak (Or the nearby Coromandel Peak accessible only by helicopter) has recently seen a huge boom in popularity.
The undulating pathway is around a 2-3 hour hike away from the Roys Peak Car Park. During New Zealand’s main tourism season in December/January queueing to take this photo is not uncommon.
Alternatively, if crowds aren’t your thing, Isthmus Peak, another hike in the Wanaka area, offers just as good, if not better, views of ridgelines and rocky outcrops. Plus you’ll encounter a tiny fraction of the amount of people. This is what makes it one of the best hikes on New Zealand’s South Island.
3. Glendhu Bay
Driving west from the townsite around the shoreline of Lake Wanaka, after around 10 minutes you’ll get to Glendhu Bay. There’s an extremely popular campsite there, hidden behind those yellow trees in the photo. With views like this its popularity is easily justified.
4. Bremner Bay
Within walking distance of the centre of Wanaka, Bremner Bay is great for a stroll, a picnic, a refreshing swim in the shallows or a session of photography.
On a still day you’ll be treated to stunning reflections of the surrounding peaks.
5. Mount Iron
A small hill that overlooks Lake Wanaka to the west and Albertown to the north east, the summit of Mount Iron is a common dog walking spot for locals and a beginner ski slopes in the winter. To reach the summit takes around 45 minutes.
6. Treble Cone
The closest ski field to Wanaka, Treble Cone offers the largest off-piste ski area in New Zealand. From Wanaka it’s around a 40 minute drive to the main building. From there scenic rides on a lift is available. You don’t have to be a snowboarder or skier to take it. The road is only open in the winter.
From the top of the lift you can go exploring the area and even hike to the top of Treble Cone (ca 2 hours one way). Just be mindful of the skiers and keep to the side.
7. Lake Hawea
Situated only a short 15 minute drive north east from Wanaka, Lake Hawea is Lake Wanaka’s little sister. Numerous photography spots are available from the pebble beach, to the western shores and lots of road side pull outs. You’ll drive past this lake if you’re following my Two Week Road Trip Itinerary for Photographers coming to New Zealand.
Bonus: Aurora Australis or the Milky Way
Wanaka does lie far enough south that if a big aurora storm hits the Earth the Southern Lights are visible (providing there’s no cloud coverage).
It’s a rare sight but exceptionally beautiful. Keep an eye out on the aurora forecast whilst you’re in New Zealand. You never know, the stars might align for you.
Wanaka isn’t a dark sky reserve like Tekapo but roughly 10,000 people who call Wanaka home don’t create that much light pollution.
The Milky Way season is between March and October as there’s more nighttime hours and the Earth’s tilt means the Core is above the horizon more of the time.
Where to stay Around Wanaka
Best Value
What guests loved about it
- Well-equipped kitchen and common areas
- Cozy rooms with wood paneling on the walls
- Lounge room with garden views
Top Rated
What guests loved about it
- Smart furnishing and decorations
- Spacious and sunny bedrooms
- Amazing balcony and terrace views
For Luxury Fans
What guests loved about it
- New and clean facilities
- great location
- Well-designed layout of the apartments
The links above are affiliate links meaning if you book through them I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you! If you found my articles useful and would like to support me please book your accommodation using the links above!
Other photography spots around Wanaka can be found in the form of backcountry huts including Brewster, Liverpool or French Ridge Hut.
They are some of the most beautiful backcountry huts in New Zealand but as the trailheads are over an hours drive away from the town centre I have decided not to include them in this list.
Remember, you’ll achieve the best results by being in the right place at the right time. Mornings and evenings are when the light is softest and most dramatic.
In the summer it can happen as early as 5 o’clock in the morning. Getting up so early it south sometimes but you have to remind yourself that in the end it WILL be worth it.
Arriving early at the more popular spots such as the Wanaka Tree and Roy’s Peak will also guarantee you a spot to set up!
Have you visited Wanaka and would you add anything to this list? Make sure to share your own photos in the comments!
