New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most beautiful and scenic locations, which is part of why the country attracts so many visitors each year. From natural mountainscapes to man-made filming locations, there are many spots to snap when visiting different parts of New Zealand. As December through to February is said to be the busiest time for Tourists, many visitors and locals will be looking to avoid the crowds and discover lesser known spots of beauty across the country.

Campervan travel company Travellers Autobarn wanted to discover which tourist-friendly destinations were the least snapped by visitors, so looked at regularly named photogenic destinations and monitored how many social media posts each had.

Hidden gem photo spots

1. Porari River Track

The Pororari River Track in Paparoa National Park is typically not too crowded, especially compared to more popular national parks. The track is a moderately challenging 7-7.5 km round walk that takes about 1.5 to 2.5 hours to complete. This route takes visitors through a scenic rainforest with glades of nikau palms. Top photo spots include Pororari Hut, offering stunning 360-degree views and the suspension bridge at the midpoint of the track.

2. Lake Rotomahana

Located at the base of Mount Tarawera, Lake Rotomahana has a rich history. Visitors can enjoy seeing natural wonders such as geysers, fumaroles and steaming cliffs. Access to Lake Rotomahana is primarily restricted due to surrounding private land but public access is available via Waimangu Volcanic Valley, which offers boat cruises across the lake. The cruise itself invites a multitude of photo-opps. A must-see photogenic part of your visit is the renowned Pink and White Terraces site, which is home to some of the largest silica sinter deposits on Earth.

3. Te Ara Hura Walkway

Te Ara Hura Walkway offers a mix of quiet and slightly busier sections, the key is knowing where to go to find more secluded spots to get the perfect pictures. For quieter photo opportunities, head along the section from Passage Rock to Trig Hill via Awaawaroa, which offers beautiful views and fewer crowds. The Rocky Bay to ‘The Roosters’ section provides stunning coastal views and a peaceful environment, while the walk from Man O’ War Bay to Passage Rock along the east coast tends to be less crowded. Some of these walks are suited only to experienced hikers so do your research before visiting. The Oneroa to Palm Beach walk along the northern coast is a more accessible and tranquil experience for capturing the natural beauty of Waiheke Island.

4. Lake Ōkāreka

Nestled near Rotorua, Lake Ōkāreka offers a serene escape, far from the crowds that often gather at more popular local lakes. It’s an ideal spot for peaceful activities like boating, swimming and family fishing, surrounded by picturesque hills and native forests. This tranquil environment makes Lake Ōkāreka a perfect getaway for those seeking quiet and natural beauty. Lake Ōkāreka offers several picturesque photography spots, including Boyes Beach and Benn Road Dock for scenic shots and the Ōkāreka Walkway for stunning views of the calm waters and surrounding hills.

5. Bennett’s Bluff

The route between Glenorchy and Queenstown is renowned as one of the most scenic drives in New Zealand. Located between Queenstown and Glenorchy is Bennett’s Bluff on the Glenorchy-Queenstown Road, this viewpoint is a short trail of just 0.6km. Scenic points of reference to snap from this viewpoint include the picturesque Lake Wakatipu, Humbolt Ranges and Mount Earnslaw. There is also a picnic spot to stop at. This trail is a short ten minute walk and you can even bring your dog (although it must be on a lead).

6. The Nevis Valley

The Nevis Valley in New Zealand is a tranquil and remote escape, perfect for those seeking peace and quiet. Hard to find, the spot is somewhat of a hidden gem for beautiful landscape views. The valley is accessible by car but may require an appropriate land vehicle to ensure safe arrival. Despite its appeal, it remains relatively undiscovered compared to other tourist hotspots. The valley’s dramatic landscapes are rich with gold mining relics, offering several key photo opportunities.

7. Wanui Bay

Situated within Abel Tasman National Park, Wainui Bay is a serene and stunning location that tends to be less crowded than other parts of the park. Its golden beaches and clear waters provide a picturesque backdrop for photography. Some of the best spots for capturing the beauty of Wainui Bay include the beach itself, with its golden sands and turquoise waters, as well as the coastal lookout points, which offer sweeping views of the bay and surrounding landscape.

8. Reserve walks, Conifer Grove

Reserve walks in Conifer Grove and Wattle Downs offer fantastic photo spots. Scenic lookout points provide panoramic views, while wildlife hotspots are perfect for capturing local fauna. Water features like streams and ponds make this a serene nature spot to snap. In Conifer Grove, sunset views can be seen through tree canopies and forest paths create magical photos.

9. Hooker Glacier Lake

At times, Hooker Glacier Lake can get busier but it is generally not an overcrowded spot. Hooker Glacier Lake in Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park offers several fantastic photo spots, including the picturesque wooden boardwalks and swing bridges along the Hooker Valley Track. The lake itself, with its turquoise glacial waters and floating icebergs, is a highlight to be captured. Mueller Lake is another must-see spot, as it offers stunning reflections of Mount Cook. You can also visit the Sealy Tarns Viewpoint offers panoramic views of the national park’s snow-capped mountains and glacial rivers. Early morning or late afternoon light can make these spots even more magical on camera.

10. Mou Waho

Although it attracts a few visitors during peak seasons, Mou Waho Island generally maintains a tranquil atmosphere. Accessible only by water taxi or private boat, the island is a haven of natural beauty. It features a hiking trail which leads to the stunning Arethusa Pool at the summit, where visitors can enjoy breathtaking views. Native wildlife, such as the Buff Weka and Mountain Stone Weta, can often be spotted when visiting.  The best photo spots on Mou Waho Island include the summit with its breathtaking views of Arethusa Pool and Lake Wānaka, as well as the picturesque shoreline.

Feature Image is Mou Waho