The Ultimate Photographers Guide to Auckland
In this ultimate photographers guide to Auckland I will tell you some of my most favourite spots to photograph, whether it’s with my phone or I’ve packed my camera for a day of semi-serious photography.
From iconic photography locations in Auckland city that capture all angles of the sky tower, to the rugged and wild coastal beaches and rainforest hikes in West Auckland, Auckland has something to inspire every artist. Head to Muriway to photograph the popular gannet colony, or head south to explore the Hunua ranges for beautiful waterfall photography.
This list of the best photography spots in Auckland encompassed the best sunrise and sunset spots in Auckland, bird photography and urban street photography for the grungy artists.
Auckland Street Photography
If you’re looking for some of the best photography spots in Auckland for street photography then look no further than this list below. From quaint suburbs on Aucklands north shore to the bustling streets of Auckland CBD, there’s a vibe to fit every photographers niche.
Auckland CBD
The sky tower, downtown ferry buildings and Karangahape Road are only a few great inner city photography locations. Karangahape Road has great little laneways and funky street art, the new City Rail Link train terminals are a great place for urban fashion or portrait photography.
Devonport
Devonport is a bayside village on Aucklands’ North Shore. Widely loved for its historic buildings, boutique shops, calm beaches and military history. Visit Devonport during sunset to capture Devonport being drenched in the warm shade of gold. Or wake up early to watch the sunrise from the summits of either North Head or Mt Victoria.
Mission Bay
Mission Bay is one of the most popular inner-city beaches that sits on the fringe of Auckland city. With its famous water fountain and beautiful skyline featuring Rangitoto island that stretches from bay to bay; perfect your sunrise photography skills by catching one of the best sunrises in Auckland city.
Hidden Gems within Auckland City
Auckland CBD has more than just sky scrapers and street art; these urban parks have large sprawling trees and historic statues.
Winter Gardens
For seasonal flowers and gardens that are well maintained throughout the year, The Winter Gardens are located within Auckland domain near the Auckland Museum. Featuring native ferns, marble statues and gorgeous flowers
Auckland Domain
The Auckland domain is where you can catch sports games and music festivals in action. The Domain is Aucklands oldest park covering 75 hectares of an explosion crater from the Pukekawa volcano. The Winter Gardens and War Memorial Musuem sit proudly within Auckland Domain so no matter what the weather, you’ll find something to photograph in Auckland Domain.
Parnell Rose Garden
Parnell Rose Garden is exactly what you’d expect if you’re wanting to photograph flowers in Auckland; just make sure you visit during late spring as this is when roses typically bloom.
Best Bridges with the Best Views in Auckland
These bridges in Auckland provide some of the best views to photograph Auckland city. Get a long exposure shot of Auckland traffic from Shelly Beach overbridge or capture the full effects of the city at night from Exmouth Road footbridge. Or get one of the most impressive photography shots from Hillcrest Bridge near Orewa.
Shelly Beach overbridge
This motorway overbridge stretches across the section of motorway between Auckland City and the harbour bridge, and is the location of many popular photographs which feature long expose shots of the motorway below and the glowing city and sky tower in the foreground, which also poses a great locations for Auckland sunset photography.
Exmouth Road footbridge
This small pedestrian bridge sits between the harbour bridge and Esmonde road offramps, and has recently become a popular location for car spotting. Set yourself up with a tripod on a weekend morning and look out for American muscle cars or European super cars being taken for their weekend drive.
Hillcrest Bridge
This is the large bridge that stretches across State Highway 1 just before Puhoi tunnel. If you want to photograph part of the Auckland motorway network from a birds eye view then this Auckland bridge is exactly where you need to be
Photographing Auckland’s Rugged Beauty
The best part of any city, in my opinion, is getting out of the concrete jungle and being fully immersed in the natural beauty that allows native plants and wildlife to flourish.
West Coast Beaches
Head to the beach to capture the wild west coast waves and surfers in action, or take the drive to Muriwai where you can have a gander at the Gannet colony.
- Piha Beach
- Bethells Beach
- Karekare Beach
Hiking Trails
Many of Auckland’s west coast hiking trails allow for the perfect sunset photography if you’re prepared with good walking shoes and a headlamp. Otherwise grab a friend and your water bottle and head out to make the most of these Auckland hiking photo spots.
- Omanawanui
- Mercer Bay Loop
Waterfalls in Auckland
These Auckland waterfalls are some of the most popular places for amateur and professional photographers to hone in their skills. The best time to visit any of these waterfalls is during the middle of the week when there are less likely to be large crowds, and either the end of Autumn or beginning or Spring where again, there are less crowds because of the cooler weather.
Auckland Bird Photography
If you’re anything like me and love a bit of bird photography then this next list of the best photography spots in Auckland will be right up your alley.
Muriwai Gannet Colony
The Muriwai Gannet colony is one of the best west coast photography spots. This place is usually over run with tourists from near and afar, so if you want to visit the Muriwai Gannet Colony I suggest doing it early in the morning or on a weekday.
The Gannet Colony is exactly that, a large flat rock in Muriwai that is drenched in gannetts of all ages, but be aware that this place does stink thanks to all the bird poo.
Tiritiri Matangi Island
Tiritiri Matangi Island is one of the best places for bird photography in Auckland as its an open nature reserve. Prior to the Tiritiri Matangi Island regeneration project in the mid 1970’s, the island was predominantly pasture and rolling fields, since the 80’s the island has been the focus of a wide scale native tree planting projecting. 100% pest free, Tiritiri is home to thousands of native birds and reptiles which call Tiritiri Matangi Island home. This Auckland island is managed by DOC and volunteers who run tours of the island, fill feeding stations for the birds. Unlike Rangitoto Island there is a cafe and gift shop where you can refresh and refill your waterbottles.
Rangitoto Island
Rangitoto is another pest free island just off the coast of Auckland which is home to many native birds that you wouldn’t otherwise see in Auckland city. To get to Rangitoto you either need access to a private boat or you can hop aboard the Fullers ferry that leaves from Auckland city and Devonport wharves.
Unlike Tiritiri Matangi Island there aren’t any shops or cafes on Rangitoto, so you need to pack enough food and water to last you the whole time you’re there and make sure whatever you bring with you, you take back; there aren’t any rubbish bins on the island.
Auckland Sunset Spots
The sun sets in the west so if you want a romantic evening of the best Auckland sunset spots you’ll have to make your way to the wild west coast. Auckland beaches like Piha, Muriwai and Karekare have some of the best golden hours you can experience in Auckland, but much like the best Auckland sunrise locations; you can also head to any inner city volcano that gives you panoramic views across Auckland.
These Auckland sunset spots are the best excuse to pack a dinner of nibbles, a picnic blanket and treat yourself, your significant other or your best friend to an incredible view of golden light:
- Piha Beach
- Muriwai Beach
- Anawhata Beach (There’s a fair amount of walking involved for this)
- Omanawanui hiking track (Also great for sunrise)
- Karekare beach
Auckland Sunrise Spots
The sun rises in the east so if you’re looking for the best Auckland sunrise spots you need to head to places like Mission Bay, Devonport, Takapuna, Torbay, Gulf Harbour etc. Or if you don’t want to travel far you can drive to any of the inner city bridges or volcanoes to get the sunrise soaking the city in a golden light.
These Auckland sunrise spots are the best reason to get out of bed and venture into the cold:
- One Tree Hill (For panoramic views across Auckland city)
- Takapuna Beach (For beach photography)
- Devonport (A great mix of beaches, hills and urban sunrise photography)
However, there is an exception to every rule; Omanawanui on the west coast is one of the best Auckland sunrise locations despite it facing the wrong direction. Its elevation of 241 meters and sweeping 360 degree views across the Manukau harbour allow for incredible sunrise photography in Auckland
Best Views to Photograph in Auckland
This next list of the best photography spots in Auckland includes some of the best panoramic and 360 degree views across Auckland. From hiking up the edge of the west coast at Omanawanui to viewing the vast inner city landscapes from the top of One Tree Hill.
- Omanawanui
- Manukau Lighthouse
- One Tree Hill
- North Head
- Mount Eden
Off Leash Dog Parks in Auckland
Dog parks are the best photography spots in Auckland if you want to practice sports photography or simply want to photograph your beloved best friend in action. These off-leash dog parks in Auckland have wide open spaces for dogs to roam, sniff and run.
- Meola Reef, Westmere
- Kakamatua Inlet, Cornwallis
- Sanders Reserve, Paremoremo
- Big King Reserve, Mt Eden
- Milford Beach and Takapuna Beach, North Shore (You can walk from one to the other)
Practical Tips for Auckland Photography
Using Different Perspecitves
I’m certainly not a portrait photographer or an expert by any means, but I love putting people in my landscape photography to show the perspective and vast landscape of the landscape you are photographing. Also adding a sprinkle of nature into the foreground can really frame a shot; like branches or flowers if you’re taking your shot from a low angle.
Is it Legal to Use a Drone in Auckland?
Yes it is legal to use a drone in Auckland but you must follow the very strict Civil Aviation Authority rules and Auckland Council bylaws:
- Maximum height on 120 meters above ground level
- You must stay at least 4km away from any airport, airfield or helipad.
- You must keep the drone in your visual line of sight.
- Fly only during daylight.
- You cannot fly over private land unless you have explicitly permission from the property owners.
- Flying drones is strictly prohibited in public cemeteries, volcanic cones, the Auckland botanic gardens and Auckland Zoo.
- A permit is required to fly in regional parks, and a special certification is required for roads, footpaths and railways.
Drones are fun but they come with a lot of regulations, you can find a map of Auckland no fly zones here.
