New Zealand is one of the most picturesque places on the planet, so when you visit you will want to have your phone or camera with you, ready to snap sweeping landscapes, rugged mountains and beautiful waterways.
While plenty of places are photogenic, some offer truly magical scenes worth sharing with the world.
When you arrive in New Zealand and hire a car, these are some of the places we recommend you head to and a few ideas for Insta-worthy moments.
Auckland
Piha Beach
Why go there: Piha Beach sits on Auckland’s west coast and is known for its striking black sand and powerful waves. The nearby trails wind through native forest and offer plenty of options for hikes. It’s a hotspot for surfers but also very beautiful to visit with your camera in hand.
Where is it: On the west coast of the North Island, 40 kilometres from Auckland
How to get there: Hire a car from RentalCars247 at Auckland airport and enjoy the drive.
Great photo opportunities:
- Capture the iconic Lion Rock from the beach
- Snap action shots of surfers riding the waves
- Hike to a vantage point for sweeping views of the coastline
Auckland Domain Wintergardens
Why go there: Visit a charming heritage glasshouse filled with seasonal flowers, tropical plants and tranquil ponds. The Wintergardens offer a mix of classic architecture and vibrant botanical displays.
Where is it: Located in the Auckland Domain, near the Auckland War Memorial Museum.
How to get there: Hire a car from RentalCars247 at Auckland Airport so you can travel on your own time.
Great photo opportunities:
- Symmetrical shots of the glasshouse interiors
- Close-up floral photography in the tropical and temperate houses
- The courtyard with its historic statues and lily ponds
Mount Eden Summit
Why go there: Mount Eden offers panoramic views over Auckland’s city skyline, harbours, and islands. Its volcanic crater adds a unique element to the experience.
Where is it: Just a short drive from central Auckland.
How to get there: Hire a car from RentalCars247 at Auckland Airport and drive up; the summit walk is short and easy.
Great photo opportunities:
- Wide-angle shots of Auckland’s skyline at sunrise or sunset
- Photos overlooking the green volcanic crater
- Aerial-style views of the harbour and Sky Tower
Waiheke Island
Why go there: Waiheke Island is famous for its stunning beaches, olive groves, rolling hills, and vineyards set against sweeping coastal views. The island also offers rich history, such as the Stony Batter WWII fortifications built to defend against Japanese forces, along with abundant native bird life and scenic walking trails. It’s a haven for photographers who love landscapes, wildlife, and cultural heritage.
Where is it: Just a short ferry ride across the Hauraki Gulf from Auckland.
How to get there: Hire a car from RentalCars247 at Auckland Airport and take it across on the ferry to explore at your own pace.
Great photo opportunities:
- Turquoise bays and golden beaches
- Rolling hills dotted with olive trees and vineyards
- Historic Stony Batter tunnels and gun emplacements
- Native bird life in forest reserves
Tawharanui Regional Park
Why go there: A coastal paradise with white sandy beaches, rocky headlands, and native birdlife. It’s part of an open sanctuary, making it a top spot for nature photography.
Where is it: About 90 minutes north of Auckland.
How to get there: Hire a car from RentalCars247 at Auckland Airport for the scenic drive to the park.
Great photo opportunities:
- Sunset shots over the sweeping bay
- Close-ups of native birds like kererū and tūī
- Beachscapes framed by rocky cliffs
Christchurch
Botanic Gardens
Why go there: Often called the heart of Christchurch, the Botanic Gardens are a lush green sanctuary filled with both native and exotic plants. Established in 1863, they feature heritage glasshouses, rose gardens, and tree-lined riverside paths. It’s a favourite spot for walking, picnics, and enjoying the city’s reputation as the “Garden City.”
Where is it: Central Christchurch, near the Avon River.
How to get there: Hire a car from RentalCars247 at Christchurch Airport and enjoy the drive to the botanic sanctuary.
Great photo opportunities:
- Vibrant flower beds
- Historic glasshouses
- Tree-lined paths by the Avon River
Kura Tāwhiti (Castle Hill)
Why go there: A striking natural landmark, Kura Tāwhiti is known for its massive limestone boulders scattered across alpine meadows. It has deep cultural significance for Ngāi Tahu iwi and has even featured in films like The Chronicles of Narnia. The area is ideal for hiking, bouldering, and soaking in mountain scenery.
Where is it: Along Arthur’s Pass, about 90 minutes west of Christchurch.
How to get there: Hire a car from RentalCars247 at Christchurch Airport and drive State Highway 73.
Great photo opportunities:
- Dramatic limestone formations
- Expansive alpine valleys
- Snow-capped Southern Alps backdrop
- People exploring among the boulders
Port Hills
Why go there: The Port Hills provide sweeping views over Christchurch, Lyttelton Harbour, and the Canterbury Plains. A network of trails makes it a playground for walkers, runners, and mountain bikers. It’s one of the best places near the city for sunsets and dramatic coastal-and-mountain panoramas.
Where is it: Southeast of Christchurch city.
How to get there: Hire a car from RentalCars247 at Christchurch Airport and follow the Summit Road.
Great photo opportunities:
- Fiery sunsets over the harbour
- Panoramic views of Christchurch
- Rolling hills and tussock landscapes
- Scenic walking and cycling tracks
Sumner Beach & Cave Rock
Why go there: A favourite seaside escape, Sumner Beach offers golden sands and a relaxed coastal vibe just outside Christchurch. The highlight is Cave Rock (Tuawera), a volcanic outcrop with caves you can explore at low tide. Popular with surfers and families, it’s a blend of natural beauty and beach-town charm.
Where is it: 20 minutes east of central Christchurch.
How to get there: Hire a car from RentalCars247 at Auckland Airport and drive along Sumner Road.
Great photo opportunities:
- Long sandy shoreline and surf waves
- Cave Rock at sunrise or low tide
- Families and surfers on the beach
- Ocean views framed by cliffs and hills
Christchurch Gondola
Why go there: The gondola takes you from the Heathcote Valley to the Crater Rim, where spectacular views stretch across Christchurch, the Canterbury Plains, Banks Peninsula, and even to the Southern Alps. At the top, you’ll find walking trails, a discovery ride, and a café with unbeatable views.
Where is it: Heathcote Valley, Christchurch.
How to get there: Hire a car from RentalCars247 at Auckland Airport and park at the Gondola base station.
Great photo opportunities:
- Gondola cabins gliding above the valley
- 360° views from the summit
- Walking trails with harbour and city vistas
- Distant mountain ranges on clear days
Queenstown
Lake Wakatipu & The Remarkables
Why go there: Queenstown’s most iconic scene: a deep glacial lake framed by the jagged peaks of The Remarkables mountain range. Whether you’re walking the lakefront, cruising on the water, or watching the changing light at dawn and dusk, it’s the perfect setting for postcard-worthy shots.
Where is it: Right in Queenstown.
How to get there: Hire a car from RentalCars247 at Queenstown Airport and explore lakeside viewpoints or drive to higher lookouts.
Great photo opportunities:
- Sunrise light on The Remarkables
- Glassy reflections in the lake
- Boats and activities on the waterfront
- Golden-hour views from lakeside tracks
Glenorchy Wharf
Why go there: A charming lakeside town surrounded by mountains and rivers, Glenorchy is the gateway to hikes like the Routeburn Track. The red wharf shed is one of New Zealand’s most photographed landmarks, and the scenic drive from Queenstown is an experience in itself.
Where is it: 45 minutes north of Queenstown.
How to get there: Hire a car from RentalCars247 at Queenstown Airport and drive the stunning lakeside road along Lake Wakatipu.
Great photo opportunities:
- Historic red wharf shed
- Lake and mountain panoramas
- Calm waters with perfect reflections
- The winding road along the lakeshore
Queenstown Hill Walk
Why go there: This half-day hike rewards you with sweeping views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the surrounding ranges. Along the way, you’ll pass the “Basket of Dreams” sculpture, a favourite resting point and photo stop. It’s one of the best short hikes in Queenstown.
Where is it: Trailhead just outside central Queenstown.
How to get there: Hire a car from RentalCars247 at Auckland Airport and park near Belfast Terrace.
Great photo opportunities:
- The “Basket of Dreams” sculpture
- Summit views over the town and lake
- Mountain peaks in every direction
- Sunrise or sunset light across the basin
Arrowtown
Why go there: A picturesque gold-mining town, Arrowtown charms with its preserved heritage buildings and seasonal beauty. In autumn, the town glows with golden leaves, while its river trails and shops offer year-round appeal. It’s a step back in time with modern comforts.
Where is it: 20 minutes from Queenstown.
How to get there: Hire a car from RentalCars247 at Queenstown Airport and drive along Malaghans Road.
Great photo opportunities:
- Golden autumn foliage
- Heritage main street
- Arrow River walking tracks
- Historic cottages and gardens
Onsen Hot Pools
Why go there: Tucked into a cliffside above the Shotover River, Onsen Hot Pools are private cedar tubs with panoramic views. Popular by day or night, it’s a serene place to soak up Queenstown’s alpine scenery whether under blue skies, at sunset, or beneath the stars.
Where is it: Arthurs Point, 10 minutes from Queenstown.
How to get there: Hire a car from RentalCars247 at Queenstown Airport and drive north along Gorge Road.
Great photo opportunities:
- Pools overlooking the river canyon
- Fiery sunsets across the mountains
- Steam rising from hot tubs in winter
- Clear night skies full of stars
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Five quick photography tips for Instagram
- Shoot during golden hour for warm, glowing light.
- Use reflections from lakes or puddles for creative shots.
- Frame photos with trees, rocks, or doors for depth.
- Capture both wide landscapes and close-up details.
- Edit lightly: natural tones work best in New Zealand.
Hire a car for your trip around New Zealand and visit top photography spots
Book ahead and visit RentalCars247 at the airport in Auckland, Queenstown or Christchurch. We have a range of vehicles, friendly service and great prices.
