Whether you’re looking to share your travels online with family and friends, you have a witty hashtag in mind, or you simply want to curate the ultimate Instagram feed; having a vista that photographs well no matter the filter is always a bonus. Happily, New Zealand is touted as one of the most photogenic destinations in the world. From spectacular mountains and lakes, to street art and cityscapes, the best of New Zealand’s Instagram spots are just waiting to be discovered. So pack your smartphone and perfect your pose as you explore 10 of New Zealand’s top sights for Instagram ahead.
Art and Culture
Hobbiton, Matamata
A must-visit destination for film buffs, Hobbiton gives visitors the opportunity to step into the world of The Hobbit and The Lord of the Rings. Tour the film set to see the landscape and buildings that helped to bring The Shire, the home of Hobbits, to life on the big screen. Take a snap or two in front of the beautifully decorated Hobbit holes scattered across the 12-acre site, or save your best shots for a banquet at The Green Dragon Inn.
Street art in Christchurch
Wander the streets of Christchurch and you’ll find an abundance of incredible street art worth documenting on your Instagram feed. There are dozens of graphic murals to explore, created by local and visiting artists alike. Guided and self-guided street art tours are available and are a great way to see and learn about a range of works and styles. While there’s always something new to check out, some of the most popular artworks include Kaitiaki on the YMCA building, Organic Matters on Litchfield Street, and the giant spray cans in Rauora Park. To discover more of Christchurch’s street art scene, the community-run Watch This Space site is a great place to start; it maps out the city’s current murals.
Outdoors and Nature
Hooker Valley Track, Mount Cook National Park
The great mountain views this path offers is just one of the reasons keen photographers shouldn’t go past the Hooker Valley Track in Mount Cook National Park on the South Island. Leading hikers towards towering snow-capped peaks is a much-photographed boardwalk, however the entire 10-kilometre trek does a remarkable job at highlighting the area’s natural beauty. There are plenty of opportunities to stop and take a snap or two along the trail, no matter if you set out on the lengthy day hike or only a short meander.
Lake Pukaki, Pukaki
Lake Pukaki on New Zealand’s South Island is best known for its dazzling turquoise waters. Said to be one of the country’s most beautiful lakes, Lake Pukaki is surrounded by dramatic peaks and rocky shores – making it an incredibly photogenic subject to train your camera on. To see the lake’s waters at their best, plan your visit to the lake on a sunny day. Although the lake is beautiful at any time, clear conditions have the lake looking its most picturesque.
Milford Sound, Fiordland National Park
No matter if you discover it from the air, by boat, or on foot, a visit to Milford Sound is a must if you’re looking to cross one of the best of New Zealand’s Instagram spots off your must-snap list. This South Island spot makes a popular day trip from Queenstown and is the most visited tourist destination in New Zealand. The fiord is not only renowned for its landscape of towering peaks and sheer cliff faces, but also for the waterfalls and areas of rainforest that surround it. Milford Sound is home to populations of penguins, dolphins and fur seals too, so be sure to keep an eye out for these incredible animals as you explore.
Roys Peak, Wanaka
Roys Peak is sandwiched between Glendhu Bay and Wanaka, and promises the kinds of views that wouldn’t look out of place on postcards or glossy coffee table books. The effort to reach the summit requires some commitment – the round trip takes between five and seven hours – but the reward is an outlook that sweeps across Lake Wanaka and beyond. Take a few minutes to catch your breath once you ascend and fill your smartphone camera roll with plenty of panoramic shots.
History and Architecture
Dunedin Railway Station
Built at the turn of the 20th century, Dunedin Railway Station is certainly one of the country’s notable man-made Instagrammable destinations. This historic railway station mimics the Flemish-Renaissance style and is often described as looking like an oversized gingerbread house. It is surrounded by gorgeous manicured gardens that are particularly beautiful when the flowers are in bloom in spring – sure to be a pretty photo backdrop for budding green-thumbs. Interior design savants will want to head inside the station to admire the ornate interior or to capture a shot on the platform beneath the ‘Dunedin‘ sign.
Napier
Following an earthquake in 1931 that destroyed much of the town, Napier’s centre was rebuilt in a mix of Art Deco, Spanish Mission and Classical styles. Many of those buildings still stand today, meaning that there is plenty of architectural fodder to add to your Instagram feed. Some of the best facades to look out for include Bridge Street’s National Tobacco building and the Masonic Hotel and the Daily Telegraph buildings on Tennyson Street. Be sure to train your gaze upwards as you explore and wander the streets, so you don’t miss any of the vintage signage and other quirky architectural details.
City Views
Mount Eden, Auckland
When it comes to stepping up your Instagram game, you can’t go wrong with a sweeping city shot. Find your next skyline panorama from the summit of Mount Eden in Auckland. This mountain-top spot offers some of the best views of the City of Sails and the outlook is beautiful at any time of the day. Check it out early in the morning, or time your visit to coincide with sunset. You might even pack a picnic to have breakfast, lunch or dinner with a view. The summit is easily reached on foot, and the two-kilometre return walk takes about an hour to complete.
Mount Victoria, Wellington
Another great spot for capturing like-worthy city panoramas is the summit of Wellington’s Mount Victoria. Take in incredible views of the country’s capital, and cast your gaze over the city, across Evans Bay or out to Wellington Harbour. Head to the summit on a clear sunny day, or stop by after dusk to see the city lights twinkle against the night sky. Several trails lead up to the summit if you want to make the walk, or car access is also available.
Ready to see one of these Instagrammable locations for yourself? Whether you do or do not upload to your feed, you can still see these places up close when you book cheap flights with Webjet. You can also book your accommodation, holiday packages or even car hire.
Hero image: Roys Peak. Photo by Ondrej Machart on Unsplash