{"id":692,"date":"2021-11-15T15:48:15","date_gmt":"2021-11-15T15:48:15","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wanaka-best-photography-spots\/"},"modified":"2024-08-19T16:29:19","modified_gmt":"2024-08-19T15:29:19","slug":"wanaka-best-photography-spots","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wanaka-best-photography-spots\/","title":{"rendered":"7 Photography spots in Wanaka that will make you go &#8220;WOW&#8221;!"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_76 counter-hierarchy ez-toc-counter ez-toc-grey ez-toc-container-direction\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\" style=\"cursor:inherit\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a href=\"#\" class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" aria-label=\"Toggle Table of Content\"><span class=\"ez-toc-js-icon-con\"><span class=\"\"><span class=\"eztoc-hide\" style=\"display:none;\">Toggle<\/span><span class=\"ez-toc-icon-toggle-span\"><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" class=\"list-377408\" width=\"20px\" height=\"20px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" fill=\"none\"><path d=\"M6 6H4v2h2V6zm14 0H8v2h12V6zM4 11h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2zM4 16h2v2H4v-2zm16 0H8v2h12v-2z\" fill=\"currentColor\"><\/path><\/svg><svg style=\"fill: #999;color:#999\" class=\"arrow-unsorted-368013\" xmlns=\"http:\/\/www.w3.org\/2000\/svg\" width=\"10px\" height=\"10px\" viewBox=\"0 0 24 24\" version=\"1.2\" baseProfile=\"tiny\"><path d=\"M18.2 9.3l-6.2-6.3-6.2 6.3c-.2.2-.3.4-.3.7s.1.5.3.7c.2.2.4.3.7.3h11c.3 0 .5-.1.7-.3.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7zM5.8 14.7l6.2 6.3 6.2-6.3c.2-.2.3-.5.3-.7s-.1-.5-.3-.7c-.2-.2-.4-.3-.7-.3h-11c-.3 0-.5.1-.7.3-.2.2-.3.5-.3.7s.1.5.3.7z\"\/><\/svg><\/span><\/span><\/span><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class='ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1 eztoc-toggle-hide-by-default' ><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wanaka-best-photography-spots\/#1_That_Wanaka_Tree\" >1. That Wanaka Tree<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wanaka-best-photography-spots\/#2_Roys_Peak\" >2. Roys Peak<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wanaka-best-photography-spots\/#3_Glendhu_Bay\" >3. Glendhu Bay<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wanaka-best-photography-spots\/#4_Bremner_Bay\" >4. Bremner Bay<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wanaka-best-photography-spots\/#5_Mount_Iron\" >5. Mount Iron<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wanaka-best-photography-spots\/#6_Treble_Cone\" >6. Treble Cone<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wanaka-best-photography-spots\/#7_Lake_Hawea\" >7. Lake Hawea<\/a><ul class='ez-toc-list-level-3' ><li class='ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wanaka-best-photography-spots\/#Bonus_Aurora_Australis_or_the_Milky_Way\" >Bonus: Aurora Australis or the Milky Way<\/a><\/li><li class='ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-3'><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wanaka-best-photography-spots\/#Where_to_stay_around_Wanaka\" >Where to stay around Wanaka<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n\n<p><strong>Wanaka is without a doubt a photographer&#8217;s paradise,<\/strong>&nbsp;there\u2019s no two ways about it. You can tell by the amount of professional photographers who not only host their workshops here, but come here to get shots for their portfolios in their \u201cspare time&#8221;.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>I have been lucky to meet these 3 pillars of photography in Wanaka so far: Joshua Cripps, Chris Burkard and Trey Ratcliff.<\/strong>&nbsp;If you don\u2019t know who these people are you&nbsp;should look them up right now!<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>I&#8217;ve spent&nbsp;many sunrises and sunsets&nbsp;in Wanaka&nbsp;and I&#8217;m consistently flabbergasted by the amount of photo opportunities that keep cropping up in and around town.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The action never stops here, even the&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/most-scenic-drives-in-new-zealand\/\">roads to Wanaka are amongst some of the most scenic<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;in the south island.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>So when (not if) you come to Wanaka you\u2019re going to need to know where to go. Here\u2019s my&nbsp;list of the best spots around town.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-10556821699\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"1_That_Wanaka_Tree\"><\/span>1. That Wanaka Tree<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/That-Wanaka-Tree-8-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"Top Photography Spots In Wanaka in New Zealand\n\" class=\"wp-image-13251\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/That-Wanaka-Tree-8-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/That-Wanaka-Tree-8-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/That-Wanaka-Tree-8-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/12\/That-Wanaka-Tree-8.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">The most famous tree in the World, known as That Wanaka Tree<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A short&nbsp;<strong>5 minute walk away from the Stoney Creek Car Park<\/strong>&nbsp;the Wanaka Tree is one of the biggest names in New Zealand\u2019s landscape photography circles. In my opinion it\u2019s most beautiful, and most popular, in&nbsp;<strong>Autumn<\/strong>&nbsp;when the leaves turn gold. Each year this happens around&nbsp;<strong>mid to late April<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>In the morning it can be busy here,<\/strong>&nbsp;arriving ten minutes earlier than planned could secure you the exact spot you want.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12041148299\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"2_Roys_Peak\"><\/span>2. Roys Peak<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Roys-Peak-Lake-Wanaka-1-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13330\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Roys-Peak-Lake-Wanaka-1-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Roys-Peak-Lake-Wanaka-1-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Roys-Peak-Lake-Wanaka-1-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Roys-Peak-Lake-Wanaka-1.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Pioneered by local wedding photographers for decades this ridgeline on Roys Peak (Or the nearby Coromandel Peak accessible only by helicopter) has recently seen a huge boom in popularity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>The undulating pathway is around a&nbsp;<strong>2-3 hour hike away from the Roys Peak Car Park<\/strong>. During New Zealand\u2019s main tourism season in December\/January&nbsp;<strong>queueing to take this photo is not uncommon.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Alternatively, if crowds aren\u2019t your thing,&nbsp;<strong>Isthmus Peak<\/strong>, another&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-hikes-wanaka\/\">hike in the Wanaka area<\/a><\/strong>, offers just as good, if not better, views of ridgelines and rocky outcrops. Plus you\u2019ll encounter a tiny fraction of the amount of people. This is what makes it one of&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-day-hikes-new-zealand-south-island\/\">the best hikes on New Zealand\u2019s South Island.<\/a><\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12041150099\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"3_Glendhu_Bay\"><\/span>3. Glendhu Bay<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Glendhu-Bay-Wanaka-Reflections-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-12022\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Glendhu-Bay-Wanaka-Reflections-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Glendhu-Bay-Wanaka-Reflections-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Glendhu-Bay-Wanaka-Reflections-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/Glendhu-Bay-Wanaka-Reflections.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Driving west from the townsite around the&nbsp;<strong>shoreline of Lake Wanaka,<\/strong>&nbsp;after around 10 minutes&nbsp;you\u2019ll get to Glendhu Bay. There\u2019s an extremely popular campsite there, hidden behind those yellow trees in the photo. With views like this its popularity is easily justified.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12041150699\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"4_Bremner_Bay\"><\/span>4. Bremner Bay<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"940\" height=\"627\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Bremner-Bay-2.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13331\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Bremner-Bay-2.jpeg 940w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Bremner-Bay-2-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Bremner-Bay-2-768x512.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Within&nbsp;<strong>walking distance of the centre<\/strong>&nbsp;of Wanaka, Bremner Bay is great for a stroll, a picnic, a refreshing swim in the shallows or a session of photography.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>On a still day you\u2019ll be treated to&nbsp;<strong>stunning reflections of the surrounding peaks.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:50px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12041151099\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"5_Mount_Iron\"><\/span>5. Mount Iron<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"940\" height=\"626\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mount-Iron-1.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13332\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mount-Iron-1.jpeg 940w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mount-Iron-1-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Mount-Iron-1-768x511.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" \/><figcaption class=\"wp-element-caption\">If someone wants to buy me this house then they are more than welcome.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>A small hill that&nbsp;<strong>overlooks Lake Wanaka<\/strong>&nbsp;to the west&nbsp;<strong>and Albertown<\/strong>&nbsp;to the north east, the summit of Mount Iron is a common dog walking spot for locals and a beginner ski slopes in the winter. To reach the&nbsp;<strong>summit takes around 45 minutes.<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12041151799\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"6_Treble_Cone\"><\/span>6. Treble Cone<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-full\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"940\" height=\"626\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Treble-Cone-Skier.jpeg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13333\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Treble-Cone-Skier.jpeg 940w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Treble-Cone-Skier-300x200.jpeg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Treble-Cone-Skier-768x511.jpeg 768w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 940px) 100vw, 940px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>The closest ski field to Wanaka, Treble Cone offers the largest off-piste ski area in New Zealand. From Wanaka it\u2019s around a&nbsp;<strong>40 minute drive to the main building<\/strong>. From there scenic rides on a lift is available.&nbsp; You don\u2019t have to be a snowboarder or skier to take it. The&nbsp;<strong>road is only open in the winter.&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>From the top of the lift you can go exploring the area and even hike to the top of Treble Cone (ca 2 hours one way). Just be mindful of the skiers and keep to the side.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h2 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12041154199\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"7_Lake_Hawea\"><\/span>7. Lake Hawea<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Hawea-3-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13334\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Hawea-3-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Hawea-3-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Hawea-3-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2021\/11\/Hawea-3.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p>Situated only a&nbsp;<strong>short 15 minute drive<\/strong>&nbsp;north east&nbsp;<strong>from Wanaka<\/strong>, Lake Hawea is Lake Wanaka\u2019s little sister. Numerous photography spots are available from the&nbsp;<strong>pebble beach<\/strong>, to the&nbsp;<strong>western shores<\/strong>&nbsp;and lots of&nbsp;<strong>road side pull outs<\/strong>. You\u2019ll drive past this lake if you\u2019re following my&nbsp;<a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/2016\/10\/26\/2-week-road-trip-itinerary-new-zealand-south-island\/\">Two Week Road Trip Itinerary for Photographers coming to New Zealand.<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12041157199\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Bonus_Aurora_Australis_or_the_Milky_Way\"><\/span>Bonus: Aurora Australis or the Milky Way<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-gallery has-nested-images columns-2 is-cropped wp-block-gallery-1 is-layout-flex wp-block-gallery-is-layout-flex\">\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"13336\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Astrophotography-Wanaka-1-3-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13336\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Astrophotography-Wanaka-1-3-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Astrophotography-Wanaka-1-3-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Astrophotography-Wanaka-1-3-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Astrophotography-Wanaka-1-3.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"683\" height=\"1024\" data-id=\"13337\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Astrophotography-Wanaka-1-683x1024.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13337\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Astrophotography-Wanaka-1-683x1024.jpg 683w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Astrophotography-Wanaka-1-200x300.jpg 200w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Astrophotography-Wanaka-1-768x1152.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Astrophotography-Wanaka-1.jpg 800w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 683px) 100vw, 683px\" \/><\/figure>\n\n\n\n<figure class=\"wp-block-image size-large\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" width=\"1024\" height=\"683\" data-id=\"13338\" src=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Astrophotography-Wanaka-1-2-1024x683.jpg\" alt=\"\" class=\"wp-image-13338\" title=\"\" srcset=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Astrophotography-Wanaka-1-2-1024x683.jpg 1024w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Astrophotography-Wanaka-1-2-300x200.jpg 300w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Astrophotography-Wanaka-1-2-768x512.jpg 768w, https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/Astrophotography-Wanaka-1-2.jpg 1200w\" sizes=\"auto, (max-width: 1024px) 100vw, 1024px\" \/><\/figure>\n<\/figure>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"javascript:\"><\/a>Wanaka does lie far enough south that if a big aurora storm hits the Earth the Southern Lights are visible (providing there&#8217;s no cloud coverage).<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>It&#8217;s&nbsp;a&nbsp;<strong>rare sight<\/strong>&nbsp;but exceptionally beautiful.&nbsp;<strong>Keep an eye out on the aurora forecast<\/strong>&nbsp;whilst you&#8217;re in New Zealand. You never know, the stars might align for you.&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Wanaka isn&#8217;t a dark sky reserve like Tekapo but roughly 10,000 people who call Wanaka home don&#8217;t create that much light pollution.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The Milky Way&nbsp;season is between March and October<\/strong>&nbsp;as there&#8217;s more nighttime hours and the Earth&#8217;s tilt means the Core is above the horizon more of the time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n\n\n\n<h3 class=\"wp-block-heading\" id=\"cc-m-header-12402427599\"><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Where_to_stay_around_Wanaka\"><\/span>Where to stay around Wanaka<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h3>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-columns is-layout-flex wp-container-core-columns-is-layout-9d6595d7 wp-block-columns-is-layout-flex\">\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-contrast-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-contrast-background-color has-background\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Best Value<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/nz\/altamont-lodge.en.html?aid=1188554&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2&amp;room1=A%2CA\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/nz\/altamont-lodge.en.html?aid=1188554&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2&amp;room1=A%2CA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Altamont Lodge<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What guests loved about it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Well-equipped kitchen and common areas<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Cosy rooms with wood panelling on the walls<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Lounge room with garden views<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-text-color has-contrast-color has-alpha-channel-opacity has-contrast-background-color has-background\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">Top Rated<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/nz\/lakeside-apartments.en.html?aid=1188554&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2&amp;room1=A%2CA\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/nz\/lakeside-apartments.en.html?aid=1188554&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2&amp;room1=A%2CA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Lakeside Apartments<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What guests loved about it:<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>Smart furnishing and decorations<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Spacious and sunny bedrooms<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Amazing balcony and terrace views<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<div class=\"wp-block-column is-layout-flow wp-block-column-is-layout-flow\">\n<hr class=\"wp-block-separator has-alpha-channel-opacity\"\/>\n\n\n\n<h4 class=\"wp-block-heading\">For Luxury Fans<\/h4>\n\n\n\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/nz\/wanaka-luxury-apartments.en.html?aid=1188554&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2&amp;room1=A%2CA\" data-type=\"URL\" data-id=\"https:\/\/www.booking.com\/hotel\/nz\/wanaka-luxury-apartments.en.html?aid=1188554&amp;no_rooms=1&amp;group_adults=2&amp;room1=A%2CA\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noreferrer noopener nofollow\">Wanaka Luxury Apartments<\/a><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>What guests loved about it<\/p>\n\n\n\n<ul class=\"wp-block-list\">\n<li>New and clean facilities <\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>great location<\/li>\n\n\n\n<li>Well-designed layout of the apartments<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>The links above are affiliate links meaning if you book through them I receive a small commission at no extra cost to you! If you found my articles useful and would like to support me please book your accommodation using the links above!&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Other photography spots<\/strong>&nbsp;around Wanaka can be found in the form of backcountry huts including&nbsp;<strong>Brewster, Liverpool&nbsp;or French Ridge Hut<\/strong>.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>They are some of&nbsp;<strong><a href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/best-backcountry-huts-in-new-zealand\/\">the most beautiful backcountry huts in New Zealand<\/a><\/strong>&nbsp;but as the trailheads are over an hours drive away from the town centre I have decided not to include them in this list.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>Remember,&nbsp; you&#8217;ll achieve the best results by being in the right place at the right time.&nbsp;<strong>Mornings and evenings are when the light is softest and most dramatic.<\/strong>&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p>In the summer it can happen as early as 5 o\u2019clock in the morning. Getting up so early it south sometimes but you have to remind yourself that in the end it WILL be worth it.<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Arriving early at the more popular spots<\/strong>&nbsp;such as the Wanaka Tree and Roy&#8217;s Peak will also guarantee you a spot to set up!&nbsp;<\/p>\n\n\n\n<p><strong>Have you visited Wanaka and would you add anything to this list? Make sure to share your own photos in the comments!&nbsp;&nbsp;<\/strong><\/p>\n\n\n\n<div style=\"height:70px\" aria-hidden=\"true\" class=\"wp-block-spacer\"><\/div>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Wanaka is without a doubt a photographer&#8217;s paradise,&nbsp;there\u2019s no two ways about it. You can tell by the amount of professional photographers who not only host their workshops here, but come here to get shots for their portfolios in their \u201cspare time&#8221;.&nbsp; I have been lucky to meet these 3 pillars of photography in Wanaka &#8230; <a title=\"7 Photography spots in Wanaka that will make you go &#8220;WOW&#8221;!\" class=\"read-more\" href=\"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wanaka-best-photography-spots\/\" aria-label=\"Read more about 7 Photography spots in Wanaka that will make you go &#8220;WOW&#8221;!\">Read more<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":12165,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[119],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-692","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-new-zealand-photography","generate-columns","tablet-grid-50","mobile-grid-100","grid-parent","grid-33"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/692","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=692"}],"version-history":[{"count":4,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/692\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":28034,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/692\/revisions\/28034"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/12165"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=692"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=692"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/inafarawayland.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=692"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}