New Zealand’s Top Five Most Instagrammable Spots

There’s no denying it, New Zealand has one of the most beautiful natural landscapes in the world. From wild beaches to rugged mountains, glacier lakes and beautiful surf spots, everywhere you turn is the perfect picture spot. It’s no wonder that film executives from major companies choose to flock to this Southern Hemisphere country to have this landscape as the backdrop to their latest movie. Of course, if you’re visiting here, you’ll want to know where to head to get that perfect Instagram spot! The Instagram app has changed the way we see the world, and it’s important for most people while holidaying that they’re able to document their trip through this app. While it’s hard to choose as there’s simply so many, we’ve narrowed down our top five. This blog will outline the top five most Instagrammable spots in New Zealand so that you can ensure your next trip includes them!

Milford Sound

Described by Rudyard Kipling as the ‘eighth wonder of the world’, it’s no wonder that Milford Sound is at the top of this list. Milford Sound is one of the most beautiful places in the world, from the moment you head into the valley along Te Anau, leading to the main event, you’ll find yourself amazed at the sights ahead of you. Misty mountains and mirror lakes line the pathway leading to this iconic Fiordland. And as for the main event, book yourself on a boat trip and see the views for yourself. Cruise along the serene waters and gaze up at the towering mountain peaks above, feel the icy cold waters as they thunder down, and capture that all-important photo while you’re there. 

Queenstown

This South Island adventure town is Instagram-worthy on every corner. It’s something out of a dream: the town backs onto Lake Wakatipu, with a mountain range surrounding it. This means that wherever you look, there is a gorgeous view waiting to be pictured. Perhaps take a walk around Lake Wakatipu to capture the mountains from a different angle? A great way to get that perfect Instagram is if there are spots of low cloud: it really shows just how high the mountains are when the clouds don’t even reach the top. Or head up to Bob’s Peak Summit for that iconic panorama from high above. But, if there’s one thing for sure, from sunrise to sunset, Queenstown is a picture-perfect town. 

Tongariro National Park

Tongariro National Park is part of New Zealand’s UNESCO World Heritage sites. It’s a beautifully rugged landscape, made world-famous for its featuring of Mount Doom in the Lord of the Rings franchise. Indeed, many travellers come from all over the globe to tackle the iconic Tongariro Crossing and witness the beautiful landscape: active and extinct volcanoes, emerald lakes, blue lakes, and of course, Mt Ngauruhoe, which is an incredibly important volcano for Māori culture and also portrayed Mount Doom. Make sure to have your camera ready from the moment you complete the incline: the 20-kilometre crossing hike will give you plenty of Instagram pictures. 

Cathedral Cove

Another iconic movie site, Cathedral Cove was made world-famous by starring in the Chronicles of Narnia films. It’s an incredibly photogenic spot, with a gorgeous cave being the gateway to a stunning turquoise blue ocean water and golden sand beach. And the best part is you don’t even have to come here on a sunny day, this spot can be Instagram-worthy any time of year! So, head out on the walk down to this beautiful spot whenever you can, you won’t regret it. 

Lake Tekapo

This spot is just simply beautiful. It’s a South Island gem that’s a must-do on all photographers' to-do lists when visiting New Zealand. It’s perfect to visit all time of year: the vivid turquoise blue of the glacier lakes is a standout whenever you visit. However, if you want a picture that’s just that extra bit special, head here in spring when the lupins are in full bloom. It’s just incredibly beautiful. Climb up to the top of Mount John and take a pic overlooking the lake and other mountains - it’ll be sure to gather in a lot of likes. 

We could go on and on with this blog, as New Zealand is just so photogenic! If you’re an avid photographer, this is a trip that’ll fill you with joy as there are spots to snap wherever you turn. The places in this blog are on both the North and the South Island, so make sure to visit both while you’re on holiday here to truly get in all the views! And, most importantly of all - have the trip of a lifetime while you’re here, it’s a magical place just waiting to be discovered again and again.