We live in a world where people will do anything for a kick-ass photo. And it just so happens that Auckland offers some iconic photo opportunities to spice up your social media feeds. From beautiful beaches to skyscraper experiences and stunning lookouts, here’s where to go in Auckland to snap incredible photos.
1. Piha Beach
This black-sand beach is one of the best beaches in Auckland, and a stunning place for photos. Renowned for surfing, there are also several walks with epic scenery in the surrounding hills and native forest. Whether you go night or day, with a good quality camera, you’ll capture some great shots for your Instagram feed.
2. Delamore Lodge Infinity Pool
Summer offers the perfect time to snap pretty photos as you relax in this rooftop infinity pool, with views of the Hauraki Gulf, at this 5-star hotel on Waiheke Island. If you have the money, why not?
đź“Ť83 Delamore Drive, Oneroa, Auckland 1081, New Zealand
3. Waiheke Island
Speaking of Waiheke Island, it offers amazing photo opportunities for selfies and landscape photography. With majestic views of the mainland, fields of breath-taking vines, lush beaches and so much more, your only problem will be deciding where to go. Get some wine and stroll through green vineyards for that money-making shot.
4. Muriwai Gannet Colony
Follow the cliff-top trails to the huge gannet colony, and you’ll find some exquisite views. Surrounded by cliffs and the ocean, you will be sure to seize epic pictures. Meanwhile, sunset lovers will adore the spectacular sunsets you can witness here, and it sure as hell makes for a picture-perfect moment.
5. Westhaven Marina
The City Of Sails is the largest yacht marina in the Southern Hemisphere. Spend some time wondering around the marina, or if you fancy making a day of it, rent a boat to ride the waves. Perhaps a new profile picture surrounded by boats and water could be exactly what you need?
đź“Ť 137 Westhaven Drive, Westhaven, Auckland 1011, New Zealand
6. Shakespear Regional Park
This dreamy place is just 40 minutes from Auckland and offers magnificent views of the Hauraki Gulf. There’s a gently taxing 5km round walk that includes the huge man-made photo frame, and you surely know what to do when you get there. We recommend going on a clear day for the best possible shots, although a cloudy, moody background can look pretty striking too.
đź“Ť 1501 Whangaparaoa Road, Army Bay, Auckland 0930, New Zealand
7. Achilles Point Lookout
Step onto the extended viewing platform at this lookout to watch an incredible sunset or sunrise. Equally, on a clear day, you can see the Coromandel peninsula and the city of Auckland, providing a mesmerising photo opportunity.
đź“Ť St Heliers, Auckland 1071, New Zealand
8. Lion Rock, Piha
Hike up this iconic landmark to capture the most magical pictures in Auckland. The rock formation itself has the profile of a lion lying down, hence the name of Lion Rock. It boasts great scenes from the top, so make sure you wear something cute to compliment the photo.
9. Mt Eden
Mt Eden boasts panoramic views of the whole city, so there’s no end of spots to try in order to get that ideal shot of the city. From the summit, you can capture fascinating images looking across Auckland’s skyline and beyond.
10. The Lightpath
This pink walkway and cycle path on Nelson Street is an ideal spot for capturing some Instagram-winning pictures. With the hot pink path and Sky Tower in the back, it provides the perfect backdrop for a selfie. Even at night, you can create the coolest content with the LED light poles turning different colours behind you.
đź“ŤTe Ara I Whiti – The Lightpath, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
11. Murrays Bay Wharf
The platform at Murrays Bay Wharf is a cool spot to go pier jumping. But it also presents a place for you to shoot unreal content and add colour to your feed by posing at sunset or sunrise on the platform. Additionally, enjoy views of Rangitoto Island in the background.
12. Sculptureum
This beautiful complex won the Travellers Choice Award in 2022. It boasts six art galleries, three quirky gardens with sculptures, a vineyard and a pretty alfresco restaurant, and there are no end of photo opportunities to be found here.
đź“Ť40 Omaha Flats Road, Matakana 0986, New Zealand