In this post I will be showing you a collection of some of the best North Island locations for landscape photography. With each of the selected images we have accompanied them with insights too so you can not only experience the destinations for yourself but know what to expect. If you’re familiar with New Zealand, you know its incredible landscapes can stun anyone into silence.
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Whether you have been to the North Island or not, I think you will agree with me when I say that this island is extremely diverse in its landscapes. From incredible mountain ranges to black sand beaches, I’m lucky to say that we have it all.
AUCKLAND
Auckland isn’t just where I live—it’s been home for quite a while now. Beyond the daily grind and a great company of friends, what’s kept me here is the incredible variety of landscapes. From the city to the West Coast, especially nestled in the arms of the Waitākere Ranges, is my personal happy place. This is where I spend most of my time in the North Island taking landscape photographs. Despite the setbacks from the 2023 floods, this area still holds its charm with some fantastic beaches and must-explore walking trails.
MOUNT EDEN
Mount Eden is an icon within Auckland. The sweeping views from the summit offer an incredible 360-degree panorama of the city. It’s a serene escape within the urban hustle, where the volcanic crater adds a unique touch to the landscape. Don’t worry, it’s not an active volcano as it’s been roughly 15,000 years since the last eruption. I visit here on a weekly basis and even though sunset is my favourite whether you’re here capturing the city lights at dusk or basking in the tranquility of dawn, Mount Eden provides some great photographic opportunities no matter what time.
PIHA
Piha is an extremely famous beach in North Island for landscape photography. It’s known for being both a black sand beach and for Lion Rock (seen in the background of this image). Lion Rock is the remains from the neck of a volcano that erupted 16 million years ago.
This is one of my favourite images and was taken at sunset, in the middle of winter. I can highly suggest to look up the times of the tide before you plan your trip. If you get it right, you will be lucky enough to also get these stunning reflections, too.
OMANAWANUI
Omanawanui, in my opinion, is one of the best day hikes along the West Coast. Venture out in the last hours of the day and you’ll be able to enjoy golden hour with some stunning views that are the definition of New Zealand landscapes. From the summit you’ll be looking out over the Manukau Harbour, Whatipu beach and the Waitakere Ranges. Just be warned that it is a bit of a challenge with over 2400 stairs. Also make sure to visit Whatipu Beach since you’ll be so close. Come here after your hike and you’ll be treated to the best sunset.
BAY OF PLENTY
The Bay of Plenty, or BOP for short, is where I spent my years growing up, making it an especially meaningful place for me. When it comes to recommendations, I’ve got a couple of gems up my sleeve. Lake Tarawera and Mount Maunganui are the definition of North Island landscapes.
MOUNT MAUNGANUI
Mount Maunganui is one of the most popular walks when visiting the Bay of Plenty but for good reason. Once at the top it’s views across the coast, Matakana Island and the Pacific are pretty incredible.
Similar to Te Mata Peak, no matter what time you go (even for sunrise), it’s busy. However, with plenty of lookout points along the way you’ll easily get a variety of landscapes that avoid the crowds.
LAKE TARAWERA
Lake Tarawera’s is located roughly 20 minutes drive from Rotorua and is well worth the extra time on the road. Not only is it beautiful but when Mount Tarawera erupted in 1886, it altered the landscape that draws visitors to this day.
A few great spots for photos exist, and I took this particular one right here. I highly suggest sunrise as it’s quiet and when the light comes over the hill and hits the water.. *chefs kiss*.
NORTHLAND
Northland, with its stunning coastlines and rich cultural heritage, it’s a must-visit for North Island landscape photography. To capture the essence of Northland’s beauty, there are endless stretches of golden sand, views across beautiful hidden bays and hikes that will take you through lush forest.
It’s also home to the Waipoua Forest and its ancient Kauri trees and the historic Waitangi Treaty Grounds. No matter where you go, you will capture some stunning photographs of the New Zealand landscape but my top three suggestions for stops that you should make are St Pauls Rock, Cape Reinga and Dukes Nose.
ST PAULS ROCK
St Paul’s Rock (Ohakiri Pa) is a rock formation made up of ancient volcano located in Northland, New Zealand.
The ascent to the summit is straightforward, taking approximately 20 minutes and provides breathtaking views of the Whangaroa Harbour and the picturesque surroundings. When we visited at sunrise, we had the entire place to ourselves, experiencing a remarkable cloud inversion that was ideal for capturing the landscape. For more detailed information about St Paul’s Rock, you can check out my blog post here.
DUKES NOSE
Dukes Nose Lookout is without a doubt one of my favourite day walks in New Zealand. A 40 minute drive north from Kerikeri and a six hour round-trip will get you to the summit and back. From the top you’ll get 360 degree views with amazing visibility of the Waitepipi, Te Were, Pekapeka Bays and beyond. As you’ve probably figured, I’m a sucker for sunrise so this is what we opted for. It meant an early start but was well worth it for the views. I’ve also heard sunset here is amazing, too. There is a doc hut close by so if you want to experience both, you can check it out here.
CAPE REINGA
Cape Reinga is located at the most northern point of the North Island. Here you will find the iconic lighthouse and a view across Te Werahi Beach, Maria Van Diemen and the Tasman. We only managed to visit this spot during midday which as a photographer, you know, isn’t ideal from a lighting perspective or for crowd control. However, it was a beautiful day and if I get the opportunity to visit again it’ll definitely be for sunrise.
EAST COAST
The East Coast region of New Zealand exudes a rugged charm through its diverse landscapes. Combined with the lush vineyards of Hawke’s Bay, it creates a perfect blend for an unforgettable experience.
TE MATA PEAK
New Zealand boasts some breathtaking peaks, and Te Mata is undeniably one of the stunners. Nestled on the East Coast, Te Mata treats you to a 360-degree spectacle of Hawkes Bay, encircled by picturesque wineries. I’ve made a few trips here, particularly for sunset, and let me tell you, the views never get old. Sunset at Te Mata is one of my favourites, and I’ve shared a bit about it in my post here.
WINERIES
This region boasts a well-earned reputation for producing some of New Zealand’s finest wines. What adds to the allure is that these wineries are nestled within stunning landscapes, allowing you to seamlessly combine savouring a Pinot Gris with capturing photographs. Among my personal favourites of both wine and wineries are Askerne, Trinity Hill, and Craggy Range. They are must-visits so be sure to include them in your list!
TARANAKI
Taranaki and specifically Mount Taranaki is one of the North Islands best gems. It’s a region perfect for anyone, whether you’re an adventure seeker, nature lover or here for the photography.
In Taranaki, there is an array of incredible destinations. From the reflective Pouakai Tarns to the iconic Egmont Lighthouse, and the inviting accommodations at The Nest, to the scenic charm of Kent Road, each location shares a common thread – the breathtaking backdrop of Mount Taranaki, majestically gracing the skyline.
POUAKAI TARNS
Nestled in the scenic Pouakai Ranges is Pouakai Tarns, this is a part of a larger hike but to get to the tarns, round trip takes approx six hours. When it comes to experiencing the Tarns, timing is everything. Make sure you monitor the weather as clouds love to cling to the mountain and the reflection of the lakes really depend on wind.
We came here for sunset but I can also see that it would be perfect for sunrise too. There is a doc hut nearby which you can check out for accommodation here.
EGMONT LIGHTHOUSE
Egmont Lighthouse, a historic lighthouse located on the western coast of Taranaki, stands proudly along the rugged coastline. I was here during the middle of the day, which is less than ideal for photography and why I’m facing towards the coastline rather than highlighting Mount Taranaki in the background. My suggestion would be to come during sunset in order to capture that perfect shot.
THE NEST
Tucked away, The Nest, an Airbnb gem, provides an intimate base for photographers. It’s nestled in a picturesque setting, surrounded by tussock grasslands and stunning views of the mountain and ocean. It’s a perfect place to experience some North Island landscape photography. You can book here.
KENT ROAD AND ARAWAHATA ROAD
Kent Road is a scenic route that lines up perfectly with Mount Taranaki, so as you can imagine it’s a popular spot amongst photographers. The road is surrounded by farmland and offers great views of the region’s beauty. I would suggest to come here at sunrise, chances are you will get this spot to yourself. Sunset might be a little different considering its popularity! If you are looking for a more low-key version I would highly suggest to also visit Arawhata Road. This is the hidden gem version of Kent Road (pictured). Due to it being located on the other side of the mountain it takes a bit longer to get to and is not as well-known.
Also, if you are interested in spending more time in the Taranaki, check out my full blog post about the region here.
COROMANDEL
Stretching along the North Island’s coast is the Coromandel, a haven of insane beauty. This region is a must-visit, offering more than its share of stunning landscapes. From pristine beaches to captivating hiking trails, there’s plenty to keep you busy. I’ve been lucky enough to explore a substantial part of this area and these would be some of my favourite places for North Island landscape photography.
CATHEDRAL COVE
Cathedral Cove is iconic in New Zealand. The cove is named after its towering rock archway that looks like the entrance to a grand cathedral. This stunning landmark is only accessible via boat due to the damage of the 2023 floods. Prior to the floods, both times I visited Cathedral Cove was for sunrise. This was mainly to avoid the tourists but the light during this time is stunning and worth the early wake up call.
CRAYFISH BAY
If you’re looking for a secluded beach experience, Crayfish Bay is the spot for you. This hidden gem is a 40 drive from Coromandel town, 50 minutes from Whitianga and is a pristine white stone bay with stunning blue water.
For more places to stop off on your Coromandel adventure check out my blog post here.
OPITO BAY PA
Opito Bay Pā and beach walk are a great place to experience the quieter side of the Coromandel. This beach is home to an ancient Maori pā (or fortified village). The sheer cliff provides amazing views along the coast, out to Mercury Islands and the Pacific. My suggestion is to do Opito Bay beach, pā and Crayfish Bay all in one go. Opito Bay Pā for sunrise, followed by photos at Crayfish Bay then back to the beach for a swim.
PINNACLES
Embarking on the Pinnacles Summit Hike is challenging, but the rewards are well worth it. The initial stretch of the hike guides you through lush forest, punctuated by occasional clearings and swing bridges – a photographer’s dream. Upon reaching the summit, you’ll be greeted with sweeping panoramic views covering Coromandel Forest Park and the surrounding Waikato. I did this one at sunrise but no matter what time you make it up there it will be a bit busy. I can imagine golden hour and sunset would be stunning here, too.
To wrap up, I hope this blog post has been helpful in giving you not only visuals but a guide on some of our incredible North Island’s landscapes. From mountains to black sand beaches, there is so much here to offer so enjoy the journey and we’ll see you next time!