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The Wānaka and Queenstown Lakes region offers more than just the iconic shots that fill your social feeds. Forget the queues at Roy’s Peak or the crowds around that famous tree. The real magic happens in the spaces between, where light plays across tussock-covered hills, where braided rivers create ever-changing patterns, and where alpine tarns mirror perfect skies far from marked trails.
For the softest light and clearest reflections, sunrise (5:30 – 7:30am in summer, 7:30 – 8:30am in winter) is hard to beat.
During golden hour (7:30 – 9:00pm in summer, 4:30 – 6:00 pm in winter), the mountains and tussock landscapes glow with warm light.
In autumn (April – May), the region transforms with gold and red foliage, especially around the lakefront and Clutha River. Winter (June – August) brings snow-dusted mountains and misty lakes that create a completely different mood.
For night photographers, our clear skies offer exceptional astrophotography with minimal light pollution which is ideal for capturing the Milky Way. Head to Eely Point, go up Mt Iron, or out to Kidds Bush for some of the best vantage points. PS: If you’re lucky, you might even see the Southern Lights!
A wide-angle lens for landscapes, a tripod for low light and long exposures, a polarising filter for managing reflections, and warm clothing (yes, even in summer!) for sunrise shoots.
Planning to capture our landscapes from above? Here’s what you need to know about flying drones in our region.
Our airspace has specific guidelines to keep everyone safe. Drones aren’t permitted within 4 kilometres of airports or helicopter landing areas, including both Wānaka airport and Queenstown airport.
If you’re hoping to fly over any of our conservation areas, it’s important to note that drones are not permitted to fly in our national parks and nature reserves. This includes Mount Aspiring National Park and Fiordland National Park. These special places are protected for everyone’s enjoyment and for conservation of our unique natural environment. Drone use can disturb wildlife and damage sensitive ecosystems.
For more information about drone use around conservation areas, visit the Department of Conservation (DOC).
For all the details on drone permits and regulations elsewhere in the region, head to the Queenstown Lakes District Council website.
Want local advice? Pop into the Wānaka Camera Shop. They’re always happy to share their knowledge on where you can legally capture those perfect aerial shots.
Yes! Look out for the Wānaka Photography Workshop and local competitions, often hosted by photography clubs, on our What’s On page.
Upcoming events:
NZ Mountain Film & Book Festival (June 20 – 27, 2025): This annual festival showcases films, books, and guest speakers focusing on mountain culture and adventure sports. The event takes place in Wānaka from June 20 to 24 and in Queenstown from June 26 to 27, 2025
Getting the perfect shot isn’t about rushing from spot to spot, it’s about taking the time to understand a place, to visit locations in different conditions, and to develop your own relationship with the landscape.
With extra days, you can chase perfect light, return when conditions change, and discover hidden compositions with help from locals. Those extra nights directly support the creative community that makes Wānaka special.
