Moke Lake

Moke Lake is a small lake located 20 minutes from the center of Queenstown. Because of its location 20 minutes outside of Queenstown, and the fact it’s accessed by a dirt road, Moke Lake doesn’t attract that many visitors. In fact, Moke Lake is a very peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of Queenstown. It is one the best accessible locations to get big mountains in the back of your photos.

Due to the large lawn size down by the lakefront, Moke Lake can hold Weddings of any size as. Though, it is most popular for elopements and pre-wedding shoots.

Deer Heights

Located in Kelvin Heights, Deer Park Heights is a scenic drive and animal encounter situated in the heart of Queenstown. However, for a small fee, you get get a photography permit for a small photoshoot or even hold a wedding up the mountain.

The great thing about Deer Heights is the number of photoshoot spots! You can pretty much shoot in 360 degrees as you are perched high above the Whakatipu basin. There is a clean gravel road that takes you around the entire area which means it really accessible for any car.

Photography Permit Fee: $250 NZD

Coronet Peak

Home to Queenstown’s closed skifield, Coronet Peak has a long winding road that heads up to the ski resort car park. However, near the top, you will find astounding lookout points over Queenstown below. Coronet has become a local favourite to take couples due to the free and easy access as there are to gravel roads.

Coronet Peak is best suited to just after sunset time once the sun has gone behind the hills. Then a soft glow appears over the landscape and creates absolute beauty.

Skippers Canyon

Hidden through a bumpy gravel road off the Coronet Peak road lies a slightly dangerous but gorgeous photography spot. Here you will have to drive down to a little peak where only 2 cars maximum can park up at a time. The drive is worth the adventure as you will get incredible sights down the Skippers Road valley. If you are not familiar with the area, we highly recommend jumping in your photographer’s car when heading to this location.

WARNING! This narrow gravel road edges the precipice of a steep cliff face and, depending on the weather, it can be quite dangerous to drive on. Due to the safety risks involved with driving on this road, rental car providers prohibit their vehicles from being driven here.

Coromandel Peak

An iconic alpine wedding location overlooking Lake Wanaka. With sweeping views of both the Southern Alps and across the islands dotting Lake Wanaka, this location has become internationally famous in its own right.

Yes, this location isn’t technically in Queenstown, however, due to its popularity of couples taking a helicopter from Queenstown to Coromandel Peak, we had to include it in the list. If you want a photoshoot up this mountain peak, the helicopter will land and you have around 1 hour to take photos before you need to head down.

Helicopter cost from Queenstown - $3,500 NZD

Helicopter cost from Wanaka - $2,000 NZD

Routeburn Track

One of the most underrated areas to take couple photos at which is just outside of Queenstown. A stunning 1 hour drive from Queenstown and you will drive through some farmland and forest to arrive at a car park. Most of the people are at this location to start their trek through the Routeburn Track.

The area is pretty much undeveloped due to its isolation and so the natural beauty is very untouched. Every couple we have taken here has been blown away by the area and can’t believe there aren’t more tourists that visit.

The main spot here is the riverside with the tall mountains in the background. There is also an abundance of forests around the area, and we know a few amazing spots that are very moody and beautiful.

Glenorchy

A picturesque 45-minute drive and you’ll find yourself at the famous Glenorchy Wharf. When we shoot in this area, we try leave early in the morning as this area can become filled with tourists on bus tours. You can take some pictures on the wharf, in front of the iconic red shed, or go for a walk out to the river as you look down the Dart Valley river.

If you time your photoshoot from mid-November, you might be lucky enough to visit during Lupin season where the lupins come out in hoards. There is a eye-catching riverside spot just past Glenorchy that is perfect for some couple photos.