Top 10 Instagram-Worthy Spots Around Queenstown: A Self-Drive Tour
Looking for the perfect shots to fill your Instagram feed? Grab your camera and hire a car – we’re about to show you Queenstown’s most photogenic locations. From hidden gems to famous viewpoints, this self-drive tour will take you to spots that’ll make your followers wish they were here.
Table of Contents
● Introduction
● Photo Locations
○ Lake Wakatipu from Bennetts Bluff
○ That Wanaka Tree
○ Moke Lake
○ Crown Range Road Lookout
○ Lake Hayes Loop Track
○ Arrowtown’s Historic Streets
○ Bob’s Cove
○ Glenorchy Wharf
○ Paradise Valley
○ Skippers Canyon
● Planning Your Photo Tour
○ Best Times to Visit
○ Photography Gear to Pack
○ Driving Tips
○ Safety Notes
1. Lake Wakatipu from Bennetts Bluff
Best time for photos: Sunrise or late afternoon
Driving time from Queenstown: 25 minutes
The road to Glenorchy offers one of New Zealand’s most stunning photo opportunities, winding alongside Lake Wakatipu, New Zealand’s third largest lake. Pull into Bennetts Bluff lookout for a sweeping shot of Lake Wakatipu curving between snow-capped mountains. The natural frame created by surrounding peaks makes this spot particularly Instagram-friendly.
Photography tip: Use a wide-angle lens to capture the lake’s distinctive ‘lightning bolt’ shape.
View this post on Instagram
Credit: Instagram @newzealand
2. That Wanaka Tree
Best time for photos: Dawn
Driving time from Queenstown: 1 hour
This lone willow tree standing in Lake Wanaka has become a social media sensation. Visit at sunrise when the water is typically still, creating perfect reflections. Frame your shot with Mount Aspiring in the background for extra impact.
Photography tip: Try different angles – get low to the ground or use the nearby beach for varied perspectives.
3. Moke Lake
Best time for photos: Golden hour
Driving time from Queenstown: 15 minutes
This hidden treasure offers mirror-like reflections of surrounding mountains. Walk the loop track for different angles, or climb the nearby hill for an aerial perspective that shows the lake’s unique horseshoe shape.
Photography tip: Visit on a windless day for the best reflections.
4. Crown Range Road Lookout
Best time for photos: Sunset
Driving time from Queenstown: 30 minutes
New Zealand’s highest main road provides spectacular vantage points. Stop at the summit for panoramic shots of the Wakatipu Basin. In winter, snow adds an extra magical element to your photos.
Photography tip: Include the winding road in your composition to add depth.
View this post on Instagram
Credit: Instagram @kathywallace.photography
5. Lake Hayes Loop Track
Best time for Photos: Early morning
Driving time from Queenstown: 15 minutes
Known as the ‘Mirror Lake’, Lake Hayes offers stunning reflection shots. The loop track provides numerous photo opportunities, with the Remarkables mountain range creating a dramatic backdrop.
Photography tip: Look for spots where overhanging trees frame the reflections.
6. Arrowtown’s Historic Streets
Best time for Photos: Mid-morning or late afternoon
Driving time from Queenstown: 20 minutes
This former gold mining town’s preserved buildings and tree-lined streets offer charming photo opportunities. In autumn, the changing colours create a spectacular display.
Photography tip: Focus on details like the Chinese Settlement’s restored huts or the vintage shopfronts.
7. Bob’s Cove
Best time for photos: Midday for turquoise waters
Driving time from Queenstown: 10 minutes
This sheltered bay boasts crystal-clear turquoise waters. Walk to the viewing platform for elevated shots, or capture the wooden jetty extending into the lake.
Photography tip: Use a polarising filter to enhance the water’s colour.
View this post on Instagram
Credit: Instagram @queenstownlife
8. Glenorchy Wharf
Best time for photos: Sunrise
Driving time from Queenstown: 45 minutes
The red boat shed and wooden pier create perfect leading lines into the mountain backdrop. This iconic spot works in any weather – moody clouds can add drama to your shots.
Photography tip: Try both landscape and portrait orientations to capture the pier’s length.
9. Paradise Valley
Best time for photos: Late afternoon
Driving time from Queenstown: 1 hour 15 minutes
True to its name, Paradise Valley offers otherworldly views. Rolling meadows lead to snow-capped peaks, while ancient beech forests add character to every shot.
Photography tip: Include the gravel road in your composition to create depth.
10. Skippers Canyon
Best time for photos: Morning
Driving time from Queenstown: 30 minutes (4WD recommended)
This historic road carved into sheer cliff faces offers dramatic shots. The combination of rugged terrain and the winding road creates striking images.
Photography tip: Capture the scale by including vehicles or people in your shots.
View this post on Instagram
Credit: Instagram @justdowntheroadnz
Planning Your Photo Tour
Best Times to Visit
– Spring (September-November): Wildflowers and snow-capped peaks
– Autumn (March-May): Golden colours and still weather
– Winter (June-August): Snow and dramatic skies
– Summer (December-February): Long daylight hours and clear skies
Photography Gear to Pack
– Wide-angle lens for landscapes
– Tripod for low-light shots
– Polarising filter for water shots
– Spare batteries and memory cards
Driving Tips
– Allow extra time for photo stops
– Some locations require 4WD vehicles
– Book your ideal vehicle early, especially during peak seasons
– Always park in designated areas
Safety Notes
– Stay on marked paths
– Check detailed local weather forecasts on MetService before setting out
– Carry water and snacks
– Share your planned route with someone
Start your Instagram journey around Queenstown today – these spots await your creativity! Remember to respect the environment and follow Department of Conservation’s (DOC) guidelines while capturing your perfect shots.
#QueenstownNZ #NZMustDo #QueenstownLife #NZTravel #SouthIslandNZ #PureNewZealand #QueenstownLakes #NewZealandPhotography #InstaNZ #TravelNZ
