Surrounded by pristine lakes and towering mountain ranges, Queenstown is a photographer’s paradise. With each season brings a fresh outlook so choosing a time of year to visit can be a bit of a conundrum! But whatever the weather, or season, there’s no doubt you’ll be snapping away on your camera or phone. These are the most photographed places in Queenstown – don’t miss getting that shot for the ‘gram!
Lake Wakatipu
It’s only fitting that we start off with Queenstown’s crown jewel – the glorious Lake Wakatipu. With a legend behind its Māori name, Wakatipu translates to “the trough of the giant”. As New Zealand’s longest lake and with a lot of the city built next to, or near, it, you’re bound to find endless photo opportunities. The quintessential photos include snow-capped mountains in winter with Fergburger in hand, or the historic TSS Earnslaw steamship.
The Crown Range
A popular route to travel between Queenstown and Wanaka, the Crown Range zigzags its way up through the hills. This means you can watch the landscape fall away beneath you as you climb higher and higher. There are plenty of well-signposted stops on the way for you to pull over and take in the views – and you may well spot a cheeky kea, too! Our favourite is stopping at the summit to walk to the lookout. What a way to feel on top of the world!
Treble Cone
Found closer to Wanaka, Treble Cone boasts the largest ski area in New Zealand’s South Island. With that, comes views that seem to stretch for days across Lake Wanaka and Mount Aspiring. During winter, a bluebird day up the mountain is sure to make your jaw drop with the magnificent views. If visiting in summer, you can still drive up the mountain for views sans snow but still just as stunning.
Jack’s Point
Combining a small residential community, pristine golf course, tasty restaurant and 25 kilometres of trails, Jack’s Point offers so many choices for photographers. Whether you’re dining right next to Lake Tewa, or practising your swing, it’s a beautiful spot in Queenstown with the Remarkables as your backdrop.
That Wanaka tree
That Wanaka tree can be spotted just offshore at Lake Wanaka, picking an insanely gorgeous spot to grow solitary. With the water lapping at the shore and the formidable Southern Alps in the distance, time your visit with sunrise or sunset to capture the scenery in all their glory. It’s one of New Zealand’s most photographed icons and it even has its own hashtag!
Arrowtown
You almost wouldn’t believe the charming village of Arrowtown is found only 20 minutes from Queenstown Airport until you visit! With its heritage main street, local eateries and shops, Arrowtown is a must-visit. We can’t decide whether we prefer a visit in autumn to see the leaves in all their fiery colours, or in summer for the lush tree-lined streets!
Keen to see Queenstown’s beautiful scenery for yourself? Our Globus Naturally New Zealand tour and two of our Cosmos New Zealand tours include overnights in Queenstown.
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