New Zealand is the ultimate dreamland for wedding photography—think towering mountains, shimmering lakes, lush vineyards, and beaches so perfect they look photoshopped (but aren’t). Whether you’re planning a full-blown destination wedding, an intimate elopement, or just want an epic pre-wedding shoot, NZ has you covered.
Let’s dive into the most breathtaking wedding photoshoot locations in New Zealand, plus insider tips on logistics, permits, and best seasons for shooting.
1. Queenstown – The Adventure-Lover’s Wedding Paradise
📍 Queenstown, New Zealand
Queenstown is an absolute wedding photography goldmine. No matter what vibe you’re after—luxurious, adventurous, or fairytale-like—this place delivers.
Best Photoshoot Spots in Queenstown:
📌 Cecil Peak – Helicopter to the summit for out-of-this-world wedding portraits. (Yes, it’s worth it!)
📌 Moke Lake – A hidden gem where the reflections on the lake are chef’s kiss.
📌 The Remarkables – Epic mountain views that scream “cinematic romance.”
📌 Glenorchy – A scenic drive from Queenstown, featuring snow-capped peaks and rustic charm.
✨ Pro Tip: If you want an unforgettable adventure wedding photoshoot, how about skydiving in a wedding dress? Okay, maybe not, but a jet boat ride across Lake Wakatipu? Now that’s a wedding album people will talk about.
🚗 Getting There: Queenstown has an international airport. Most locations are 15-40 minutes by car, except for heli-access spots like Cecil Peak.
📅 Best Season: Autumn (April-May) for golden landscapes, winter (June-August) for snowy peaks.
2. Wanaka – That Famous Tree & More
📍 Lake Wanaka
You’ve probably seen the Instagram-famous Wanaka Tree, standing elegantly in the middle of a crystal-clear lake. It’s beautiful, sure, but Wanaka has SO much more to offer.
Best Photoshoot Spots in Wanaka:
📌 Roy’s Peak – THE place for mountaintop wedding photos (but be prepared for a steep hike).
📌 Rippon Vineyard – Rolling hills, lake views, and world-class wine to celebrate.
📌 Glendhu Bay – Stunning lake-and-mountain combo without the crowds.
🚗 Getting There: A scenic 1-hour drive from Queenstown.
📅 Best Season: Autumn for golden tones, spring (September-November) for vibrant greens.
3. Auckland & Waiheke Island – Urban Meets Seaside Romance
📍 Auckland, New Zealand
For couples who love cityscapes with a touch of nature, Auckland offers modern elegance and easy access to stunning beaches.
Best Photoshoot Spots in Auckland:
📌 Viaduct Harbour – For sophisticated city-chic wedding portraits.
📌 Piha Beach – Black sand, rugged cliffs, and Lion Rock as a dramatic backdrop.
📌 Waiheke Island – Take a short ferry ride to paradise: rolling vineyards, secluded beaches, and luxury lodges.
🚗 Getting There: Auckland has NZ’s largest airport. Waiheke is a 40-minute ferry ride away.
📅 Best Season: Summer (December-February) for vibrant colors and sunsets.
4. Tongariro National Park – Volcanic & Otherworldly
📍 Tongariro National Park
If you want a wedding photoshoot straight out of a fantasy novel, this UNESCO-listed national park is pure magic. Think dramatic volcanic landscapes, emerald lakes, and misty peaks.
Best Photoshoot Spots in Tongariro:
📌 Mt. Ngauruhoe (aka Mount Doom from LOTR) – For the adventurous couples who don’t mind an epic hike.
📌 Emerald Lakes – Unreal turquoise water surrounded by rugged terrain.
📌 Taranaki Falls – A hidden waterfall perfect for a dreamy elopement shoot.
🚗 Getting There: A 4.5-hour drive from Auckland or 4 hours from Wellington.
📅 Best Season: Spring and autumn for mild weather. Summer can be too hot for hiking!
5. Fiordland National Park – Waterfalls & Mystical Beauty
📍 Fiordland National Park
If “moody, cinematic, and magical” is your wedding photoshoot vibe, Fiordland is where your love story turns into a fairytale.
Best Photoshoot Spots in Fiordland:
📌 Milford Sound – Towering cliffs, dramatic fjords, and misty waterfalls.
📌 Doubtful Sound – Just as stunning but way quieter and more intimate.
📌 Lake Marian – A glacial lake that looks straight out of a dream.
🚗 Getting There: A 2-hour drive from Queenstown to Te Anau, then another 2-hour drive to Milford Sound.
📅 Best Season: Any time! Rain actually adds to the beauty by creating dozens of temporary waterfalls.
6. Aoraki / Mount Cook – Snowy Peaks & Glacier Magic
📍 Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park
For snow-capped mountains, glaciers, and pure wilderness, Aoraki / Mount Cook is unbeatable.
Best Photoshoot Spots in Mount Cook:
📌 Tasman Glacier – Take a helicopter to the top of a real glacier.
📌 Hooker Valley Track – An easy hike with jaw-dropping views.
📌 Lake Pukaki – Unreal turquoise water against the mountains.
🚗 Getting There: A 4-hour drive from Queenstown.
📅 Best Season: Winter for snow, autumn for golden landscapes, and spring for wildflowers.
7. Hobbiton – A Fairytale Wedding Shoot
📍 Hobbiton Movie Set
Why not add a touch of whimsical magic to your wedding shoot? Hobbiton offers lush green hills, round doors, and a storybook setting straight out of Middle-earth.
✨ Bonus Idea: Imagine toasting at The Green Dragon Inn in wedding attire—because why not?
🚗 Getting There: A 2-hour drive from Auckland.
📅 Best Season: Any time—Hobbiton looks stunning year-round!
Let’s Make Wedding Photo Magic in NZ!
New Zealand offers some of the most spectacular wedding photography locations in the world—but capturing your love story takes more than just a stunning background.
I specialize in destination wedding photography that’s authentic, adventurous, and uniquely you. Whether you’re dreaming of a mountaintop elopement, a lakeside fairytale, or a beachside love story, I’d love to bring your vision to life.
✨ Let’s chat! Browse my portfolio here, explore my wedding photography packages here, or contact me here. Let’s turn your wedding photos into once-in-a-lifetime art! 💍📷
