Queenstown Footage Areas, New Zealand
Have the ability to have your breath taken away by mountain setting that’s merely inspiring from all angles.
Flying into Queenstown is an expertise in itself nonetheless the winding roads that enterprise by sheep stuffed paddocks, earlier river rapids and beneath snow-capped peaks are a photographer’s wonderland.
This information to Queenstown’s greatest images areas will depend on my expertise from three visits in diversified seasons. Simply because the snow started to softly fall over the autumn colored forests and harsh rocky mountain tops and twice inside the midst of winter.
Listed beneath are my picks for the correct images areas in and spherical Queenstown, New Zealand. I might merely itemizing one totally different 50 nonetheless for people who’re visiting for just a few quick days or spending a while snowboarding on the slopes then these 18 areas will guarantee you probably can have a terrific vary of panorama footage to showcase the magic of exact center earth.
As regularly, lets start with a map so that you simply understand the place you’re heading…
Map: The Greatest Footage Areas in Queenstown
#1 Wilson Bay
To kick factors off I’m itemizing my favorite spot first, Wilson Bay. A scenic cove nestled on the banks of Lake Wakatipu, it’s a easy pit cease on the freeway to Glenorchy. Pebbled shores, thick forests, good geese and views all by way of to the rugged panorama of Walter Peak. With out fail I spend just a few hours correct proper right here on every go to on account of it’s so quiet and calming, the proper place to rearrange your digital digital digital camera and click on on on away.
Getting correct proper right here: Wilson Bay is all through the little suburb of Closeburn just a few 15minute drive from central Queenstown. There’s a useful automotive park appropriate on the shore so you may have your entire gear inside straightforward attain.
Picture tip: Take cookies for the geese and get your underwater housing out! I took one among my most spontaneous footage correct proper right here when two geese determined they favored my picnic. Should you’ve obtained gum boots it’s furthermore a terrific place to wade into the water for some split-level landscapes. (Examine relating to the Duck Picture correct proper right here)
#2 Cecil Peak
The white snow-capped peaks that embody Queenstown are akin to pointy clouds resting effortlessly above Lake Wakatipu. Towering above all of them is Cecil Peak, a gracious magnificence you’ll see from most lodge rooms all through the metropolis. Certain it’s good to take footage of it from afar, it’s a very utterly utterly totally different story to face up shut and land on the sting of a rocky cliff 1700ft above sea stage! Leap in a helicopter and ask to be taken to ‘The Ledge’, Cecil Peaks thrill searching for rock platform that juts out and provides a panoramic view all by way of the lake, Queenstown and mountain ranges so far as the attention can see.
Little tip – Get a terrific view of Cecil Peak when staying at QT Queenstown, Lodge St Moritz (see evaluation correct proper right here) or The Waterfront.
Getting correct proper right here: I flew with Heliworkz NZ, they’re based totally completely on the Queenstown Airport on Hawthorne Drive in Frankton.
Picture Tip: Firstly watch your step…you may be on the sting of a cliff and beneath you is a 1700ft drop, you don’t should fall or drop your digital digital digital camera! Envisage to seize panoramics from the sting of ‘The Ledge’ whereas you’ll have the prospect, the scene is a as rapidly as in a lifetime view and a panoramic might be going one in every of many few footage that makes an attempt to do it justice.
#3 Coronet Peak – Skippers Freeway
I’m fairly horrible at snowboarding so that you simply simply acquired’t uncover me on the slopes of Coronet Peak…nevertheless, it’s a terrific vantage diploma for footage! On the drive up the mountain there’s a flip off to Skippers Freeway and whereas it’s obtained a rental automotive warning signal take the flip. About 20m up the freeway there’s only a bit automotive park for a glance out that’s accurately price a cease. The rental automotive warning is for the unpaved freeway that continues into the canyon or for people who’re actually frightened, merely park all through the chain bay and stroll 2minutes to the look out. In winter there’ll almost certainly be quite a lot of snow to play in (for people who’re a careless ski bunny like me), or all through the utterly totally different seasons you’ll uncover sweeping views all by way of Speargrass Flat inside the path of the Remarkables and Lake Hayes. *Merely be weary that some smaller roads can be private driveways so be respectful of this.
Getting correct proper right here: Take Skippers Freeway up within the path of Coronet Peak Ski Station, when you’re near the very best you’ll uncover the left flip into Skippers Canyon and the look out.
Picture tip: An an identical to the Crown Fluctuate Freeway, reap some great benefits of the chain bays for pulling over and taking footage. Should you’re wanting to shoot astro, head as quite a bit as Coronet Peak at night time time time and watch the celebrities come out to play!
#4 Bennetts Bluff Lookout
As you journey alongside the scenic freeway from Queenstown to Glenorchy you’ll uncover numerous vantage parts to cease at. None nevertheless extra stunning than Bennetts Bluff. Perched up excessive on a nook, the look out provides views over Lake Wakatipu correct proper right down to Glenorchy with all of the mountain goodness behind. It’s furthermore a terrific spot to seize footage of the winding freeway because of it disappears into the outlet.
Getting correct proper right here: You’ll come all by way of Bennetts Bluff about 25minutes into the drive from Queenstown. It’s good and easy to hunt out on Google Maps nonetheless there’s solely house for about 4 autos looking and it comes up rapidly spherical a blind nook.
Picture tip: The proper location to seize a shot of the freeway to Glenorchy because of it winds alongside Lake Wakatipu.
#5 Meiklejohns Bay
Should you’re into extended publicity footage of gently transferring water with epic mountain setting as a backdrop, that is the spot for you. Jotting off the shores of Meiklejohns Bay is the remnants of an outdated picket jetty. The picket posts type a line ensuing inside the mountains so when composed they’re fabulous for along with perspective. Alongside the shore there’s furthermore a twisted outdated mangrove tree and a small stream that runs into the lake.
Getting correct proper right here: There’s no exact parking correct proper right here nonetheless when driving from Queenstown, for people who attain the Little Paradise Lodge and Tea Yard, you’ve gone too far. You’ll uncover the outdated jetty merely in entrance of the lodge on the bend and there’s sufficient house to tug the automotive off the freeway correct proper right here too.
Picture tip: The water in Lake Wakatipu is giant clear so seize your self a pair of gum boots and get moist for some split-level footage! Furthermore on account of there’s nearly zero light air air air pollution correct proper right here, head down for some astro footage.
#6 The Remarkables
Seen from nearly each nook of Queenstown, this jagged mountain vary is a magnet for panorama footage. In winter, the white coating of snow makes it look like a protracted block of Toblerone (or perhaps I equal to chocolate an excessive amount of…). You presumably can {{{photograph}}} The Remarkables from most lake aspect areas spherical Queenstown, stand up shut and take the drive as quite a bit as a result of the ski station, from the Crown Fluctuate, Coronet Peak or the sky!
Getting correct proper right here: Relying on the place you resolve to {{{photograph}}} The Remarkables from there’s a great deal of methods to get correct proper right here. My tip, attempt to seize them from a wide range of angles!
Picture tip: This magnificence seems utterly utterly totally different all through the altering light so stand up good and early to catch the photograph voltaic rising behind, then watch as the nice and cozy night time time glow turns the peaks into orange and pink.
* Photos beneath taken with the Olympus E-M1 MKII + 40-150mm f2.8 M.Zuiko Lens
#7 Queenstown Gardens
No go to to Queenstown is full with out a wander all through the park. This park is like no utterly totally different, with centuries outdated pine timber, rose gardens, a frisbee recreation that I can’t fairly work out and naturally, views worthy of a full reminiscence card. There’s a path that leads all through the perimeter of the park with views as soon as extra within the path of the city and wharf, then on the choice aspect the views look over to The Remarkables. On the extent you’ve obtained uninterrupted views up and down Lake Wakatipu and all by way of to the mighty Cecil Peak.
Getting correct proper right here: Stroll from downtown Queenstown for a bunch of {{photograph}} stops alongside one of many easiest methods. Begin the stroll at The Bathhouse for a shot of the quaint creating beside the lake then head over the little bridge and into the park.
Picture tip: Sundown is gorgeous from the tip of the park and going by the use of within the path of The Remarkables. Whereas the photograph voltaic gadgets all through the reverse directon, it’s price watching as the colors change the peaks correct proper right into a rainbow of heat. To seize a protracted publicity or night time time shot of Queenstown all lit up, uncover a spot alongside the city aspect of the park for stunning light reflections and for people who’re fortunate, the outdated steam boat!
#8 Park Freeway – Lake Wakatipu Journey
On the lake entrance to Frankton Arm, you’ll uncover the shoreline dotted with boat jetty’s and rocky partitions. Should you’re strolling by Queenstown Gardens, it’s price along with on the additional 10-20minutes to stroll alongside the lake entrance within the path of Frankton. Willow timber grasp over the water and the passing boats work as a terrific topic in opposition to the mountain setting.
Getting correct proper right here: Regulate to the trail from metropolis all through the lake entrance or lower all by way of alongside Park Freeway.
Picture tip: It’s a terrific location for portrait images so for people who’ve obtained any particular person with you, ask them to stroll alongside the rock partitions or jetty with Cecil Peak behind.
#9 Arrow River, Arrowtown
A twenty minute drive out of Queenstown nestled all through the foothills of wooded mountains lies a rocky river that begs to be photographed. Arrowtown is understood for being a preferred, historic and quaint little village nonetheless merely behind the primary freeway are a bunch of strolling trails that wander alongside the Arrow River. In Autumn the encircling forest is type of a rainbow of reds, contrasting fantastically in opposition to the putting aqua blue stream. The river itself was as rapidly as well-known for a gold rush nevertheless now it’s a peaceable place the place it is potential you may expertise nature at its most attention-grabbing.
Getting Correct proper right here: There are just a few methods to get to Arrowtown on native buses, excursions and so forth. nevertheless my suggestion is to lease a automotive and drive your self there on account of alongside one of many easiest methods are some good {{photograph}} spots. The route from Queenstown by way of Malaghans Freeway is perhaps most likely probably the most scenic!
Picture tip: Get all through the water. I visited in June and the water was a frosty -3degrees nonetheless I obtained in with my underwater housing and captured some over/beneath footage to showcase the excellence between the icy water and autumn timber.
#10 Historic Chinese language language language Settlement, Arrowtown
Contained in the late 1800’s Chinese language language language miners had been invited to Arrowtown to re-stimulate the financial system and hunt for gold. The settlement they created stays to be in Arrowtown in the interim and might be going most likely probably the most {{photograph}} worthy areas all through the house. You’ll uncover almost certainly most likely probably the most photographed cabin of all positioned all through the automotive park of all areas. It’s a country picket cabin with a backdrop of the Arrowtown mountains and surrounding forest.
Getting correct proper right here: As rapidly as in Arrowtown take the left flip within the path of the Chinese language language language Settlement as an alternative of turning appropriate into the primary avenue. Alternatively, park your automotive inside the primary space by the river and stroll 2minutes to the left to the settlement.
Picture tip: Due to almost certainly most likely probably the most photogenic cabin is positioned all through the automotive park, arrive early to avoid having a campervan in your shot. Should you’re quick on time, stroll up the hill only a bit to attempt to dam out the autos and place the cabin all through the underside of your shot to compose it in opposition to the timber/mountains.
#11 Queenstown-Glenorchy Freeway
Hiring a automotive in Queenstown is crucial for my part, the landscapes must be explored up shut and it’s the proper place for freeway journeys! Mainly most likely probably the most spectacular? The freeway linking Queenstown and the tiny metropolis of Glenorchy that sits on the mouth of the Dart River. Weaving alongside Lake Wakatipu, the freeway presents wow inducing views which can have you ever ever pulling over at each nook to take footage. Alongside one of many easiest methods you’ll uncover Wilson Bay and Bob’s Cove which is perhaps nearer to Queenstown and from there on you’ll be driving by the water and might cease everytime you see an opportunity.
Getting correct proper right here: Seize your self a lease automotive and uncover the Glenorchy-Queenstown Rd which runs alongside the river from Lake Esplanade. Should you aren’t staying the night time time time in Glenorchy make sure you get as soon as extra earlier than darkish on account of the freeway has a great deal of corners and might be fairly slim at occasions and research the native climate notably in winter!
Picture tip: Cease as many occasions because it’s potential you may. Wilson Bay was one among my favorite stops as you are going to get appropriate down by the water to {{{photograph}}} the mountains.
#12 Jack’s Diploma Golf Membership
Beneath the immensely intimidating peaks of The Remarkables is a model new property commonly known as Jack’s Diploma. From the pores and pores and skin it appears to be like as if an regularly land enchancment nonetheless inside is the Jack’s Diploma Golf Membership and it has some nice {{photograph}} spots! Golf purposes in any case have water hazards and since they’re nonetheless our our our bodies of water they’re the proper canvas for taking a precise reflection of The Remarkables.
Getting correct proper right here: Situated on Kingston Freeway merely earlier the flip off to The Remarkables Ski Home you’ll uncover the stone fence entrance to Maori Jack Freeway. Regulate to the freeway till you see the clubhouse.
Picture tip: Straight in entrance of the membership dwelling is an environment friendly place for photographing the reflection! It’s a pleasant giant physique of water with a rocky shoreline so it is potential you may merely get near the water stage.
#13 The Purple Glenorchy Shed
That is the photogenic vivid pink shed recurrently featured on Instagram by photographers and travellers. Nestled on the shores of Lake Wakatipu’s most northern nook you’ll uncover this great place for landscapes on a regular basis of the day. The historic shed provides a satisfying topic to seize, preserve a watch out for reflections in puddles or wait spherical till the celebrities sparkle above.
Getting correct proper right here: Regulate to all indicators to Glenorchy and when you’ve discovered the primary avenue with the cafes, observe it to the waters edge and as well as you’ll see a car parking zone appropriate beside the shed.
Picture tip: Attempt to go to twice to seize it in a novel light. Maybe shoot dawn correct proper right here then go for a protracted hike shut by and return for sundown and even larger…shoot astrophotography correct proper right here.
#14 Skyline Gondola Lookout
It’s maybe almost certainly most likely probably the most touristy situation you’ll do on the town nonetheless it actually’s furthermore actually residence to among the many many greatest views chances are you’ll even see in Queenstown. The Gondola journey up the hill is type of fulfilling with big timber lining the route, little misplaced sheep and goats peeking out from the bushes and the view enhancing with each passing minute. As rapidly as on the prime the viewing platform presents a 180degree view over metropolis of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and appears over within the path of The Remarkables which is just breathtaking. You would possibly as successfully have only a bit zip down on the luge!
Getting correct proper right here: You presumably can entry the Gondola from the very best of Brecon Freeway, solely a quick stroll up the hill from the primary avenue of Queenstown.
Picture tip: From the very best of the luge run is the correct view wanting south over Lake Wakatipu, notably at sundown as a result of the sunshine dances all by way of Cecil Peak.
#15 Crown Fluctuate Freeway + Summit
Linking Queenstown and Wanaka, the Crown Fluctuate Freeway is the ‘scenic route’ for good motive. In winter, the roads are lined with newest powder and the panorama is an quite a few self-discipline of white so far as the attention can see. Due to the freeway winds steeply up the mountain like a zigzag, it’s greatest to take it sluggish and cease at each vantage diploma doable for {{a photograph}}. In the event you attain the very best you’ll come to a car parking zone with views all one of many easiest methods as soon as extra to Queenstown and The Remarkables.
On the Wanaka aspect of the vary you’ll uncover Cardrona which has the photogenic Cardrona Lodge. When heading up the mountain from Wanaka (or down from Queenstown) there’s only a bit stream that runs in a gully beside the freeway so make sure you uncover a spot to tug over and shoot among the many many mountain setting.
Getting correct proper right here: Journey from Queenstown or Wanaka and observe indicators to the ‘Crown Fluctuate’. The freeway begins in Arrow Junction, merely north of Arrowtown when travelling from the South. In winter it’s important to have snow chains in your automotive because of the freeway can get very harmful. At all times research the freeway circumstances earlier than heading up the mountain and preserve a watch out for warning indicators which might be erected day by day in unhealthy native climate.
Picture tip: Revenue from the ‘chain bays’ to tug over and seize footage. Merely earlier than you attain the height when travelling from Queenstown, you’ll uncover a terrific spot to leap over the fence and stroll out onto a small path. It’s good for these little individuals, giant panorama footage!
#16 Moke Lake
Hidden behind the small suburb of Closeburn is the magnificent Moke Lake. Framed by mountains, it’s a preferred spot for climbing and tenting nonetheless it actually’s furthermore utterly darkish at night time time time which means…stars, stars and extra stars.
Picture Credit score rating ranking: Brent Purcell, observe @brentpurcell_le.nz on Instagram
Getting correct proper right here: It’s solely a 10minute drive from Queenstown to succeed at first of the mud freeway into Moke Lake. It’s advisble to have a 4WD, notably in winter because of the freeway can get fairly strong.
Picture tip: Camp out for a night photographing beneath the milky technique, Aurora Australis wanting and star counting.
#17 Malaghan’s Freeway – Flight Park
Between Queenstown and Arrowtown are paddocks crammed with sheep and horses because of the forests and mountains relaxation behind. Alongside Malaghan’s Freeway veer quite a few driveways and lanes. Straight, scenic and lined with timber, the freeway is sweet for perspective as Coronet Peak seems overhead. *Please phrase – most are private driveways and paddocks. Don’t enter, soar over fences or {{{photograph}}} individuals with out consent. Guarantee you may be safely parked for people who resolve to cease on the aspect of the freeway too.
Getting correct proper right here: It’s solely 15-20minutes from Queenstown, try the map on this put up for the precise location.
Picture tip: Use the traces of the freeway to create perspective and draw the viewer into the picture. There’s furthermore horses all through the paddock beside so that you probably can presumably get fortunate inside the event that they wander over and say good day. As quickly as further, please don’t enter the paddocks or soar fences, respect that the world is private property.
Examine extra – Behind the Lens: The Winter Horse, NZ
#18 Shotover River – Arthurs Diploma
Residence to the thrilling Shotover Jet, this spot is a type of ‘can’t cease I’m driving all by way of a single lane bridge’ areas. The excellent news…it is potential you may cease. Cross the bridge and as well as you’ll uncover a carpark on the left the place it is potential you may park then stroll as soon as extra to the bridge and suck in your abdomen as you take footage of the canyon beneath. Wait extended sufficient and as well as you’ll have the boat zoom earlier because of it weaves it’s technique between the hairpin turns narrowly avoiding the rocky edges. A spot quite a bit a lot much less usually visited is discovered merely up the river only a bit. A brief ten minute stroll from the Shotover Jet wharf is the doorway to an outdated gold mining tunnel.
Getting correct proper right here: You’ll see it in your technique out from Queenstown…take Gorge Freeway and when you get to the bridge about 5 minutes from metropolis, it’ll be apparent the place you may be.
Picture tip: Stroll out onto the bridge for a shot of the gorge beneath nonetheless be giant weary of vacationers. It’s accurately price ready for the jet boat to go by to incorporate in your shot!
#19 Routeburn Observe (merely the start)
Should you’re not wanting to do a full 2-3 day hike and simply need to discover the wilderness for just a few hours, head correct proper right down to the beginning of the Routeburn Observe. Situated about 30minutes drive from Glenorchy, the freeway there’s {{photograph}} worthy in itself, to not level out the moss coated rainforest and river when you arrive. The primary 2-3 hours of this hike are comparatively straightforward, though some sections are fairly steep it’s price it to see the clear cascading waterfalls that movement by big boulders.
Getting correct proper right here: Head out of Glenorchy on the Glenorchy-Paradise Freeway after which flip left into the Glenorchy-Routeburn Rd and all by way of the river. You’ll see an accurate flip heading down Routeburn Rd after which it’s a mud freeway handed sheep, cows and through some beautiful scener.
Picture tip: Anticipate lush inexperienced landscapes so flick your digital digital digital camera to ‘cloudy’ white stability to carry out the correct all through the colors. Take the small path close to the beginning of the monitor correct proper right down to the river to seize extended exposures of the brief flowing water.
#20 The Flight In/Out
Maybe almost certainly most likely probably the most spectacular images location of all? The flight out and in…make sure you info a window seat so it is potential you may stick your head in opposition to the perspex and gaze in shock on the setting beneath. In winter you’ll be handled to a white winter wonderland because of the mountain peaks sit fairly from the west coast all one of many easiest methods to Queenstown. Should you’re fortunate it is potential you may catch a glimpse of Mount Put collectively dinner and in addition to Milford Sound too!
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Hey! I’m the founder and photographer behind The Wandering Lens.
With 17+yrs expertise as an skilled journey and panorama photographer, all suggestion discovered on this site is from my private expertise on the freeway. I hope it’s helpful in your non-public travels and wish to take heed to all through the recommendations about your journeys and experiences world big.