• Menu
  • Skip to right header navigation
  • Skip to main content

The Wandering Suitcase

Travel Blog

  • Home
  • Start Here
  • New Zealand Travel
  • Destinations
    • Australia
    • Fiji
    • Finland
    • Japan
    • New Zealand
    • Scotland
    • Singapore
    • Sweden
    • USA
    • Vietnam
  • Musings
  • Tips & Tools
    • Balancing a Career with Travel
    • Blogging
    • Budget Travel
    • Driving Overseas
    • Hiking
    • Moving Overseas
    • Photography
    • Winter Travel Tips
    • Sustainability
  • About
  • Home
  • Start Here
  • New Zealand Travel
  • Destinations
    • Australia
    • Fiji
    • Finland
    • Japan
    • New Zealand
    • Scotland
    • Singapore
    • Sweden
    • USA
    • Vietnam
  • Musings
  • Tips & Tools
    • Balancing a Career with Travel
    • Blogging
    • Budget Travel
    • Driving Overseas
    • Hiking
    • Moving Overseas
    • Photography
    • Winter Travel Tips
    • Sustainability
  • About

17 Instagrammable spots in New Zealand’s South Island

June 7, 2019 //  by Mae-Gene//  3 Comments

Why, hello there! This post might contain affiliate links, which means I earn a commission (at no extra cost to you!) if you purchase from them. 

Pin2K
Share10
Tweet
2K Shares

New Zealand’s South Island is known for its epic views and oh-so-photogenic mountains. When visiting, I couldn’t help but want to take photos of everything.

To help my fellow travelers who love taking photos, I’ve put together this guide to the most Instagrammable spots on New Zealand’s South Island.

Psst: don’t worry if you don’t have the time to visit all these places.

New Zealand is so beautiful there are photogenic places everywhere! 

So here are my favorite Instagram-worthy spots in New Zealand’s South Island:

1. Mueller Hut, Aoraki / Mt. Cook National Park

Mueller Hut has to be my favorite place I visited in New Zealand. This hut has oh-so-amazing views of Aoraki / Mt Cook and is 100% worth the loooong hike.

If you’d like to visit Mueller Hut, make sure you check out my guide to hiking up to Mueller Hut here.

Instagram Spots in New Zealand's South Island - Mueller Hut Aoraki View
Instagram Spots in New Zealand's South Island - Mueller Hut

2. Lake Tekapo, Tekapo

Known for its aqua-blue water, Lake Tekapo is especially famous for the lupin flowers that bloom in the spring by the lake. If you’re visiting during other times of the year, it’s also worth driving up to Mt John Observatory (or hiking up) for the beautiful views of the lake.

This photo was taken at the Earth & Sky Astro Cafe, which is located at the Mt John Observatory.

Instagram Spots in New Zealand's South Island - Lake Tekapo

 

3. Lake Pukaki

Another aqua blue lake, Lake Pukaki is a great place to stop when you’re driving on the way from Mt Cook to Wanaka. This Lake is especially famous because on a clear day you can also see Aoraki / Mt Cook in the distance.

Want to include Lake Pukaki in your South Island itinerary? I’ve got a 10-day New Zealand South Island itinerary which will help you do that! It includes picturesque locations (just like this one), driving time and suggestions on places to stay.

Instagram Spots in New Zealand's South Island - Lake Pukaki view
Instagram Spots in New Zealand's South Island - Lake Pukaki lookout

4. Hooker Valley Track, Aoraki / Mt Cook National Park

If you’re not an experienced hiker, or you don’t fancy an overnight hike, the Hooker Valley Track is the most popular day hike in Mt Cook and a great alternative to more difficult hikes (like Mueller Hut!).

This hike is known for the iconic boardwalk leading to the mountains, making it one of New Zealand’s most photographed spots.

5. #thatwanakatree, Wanaka

I’m not going to lie, I actually avoided #thatwanakatree when in Wanaka. Part of me didn’t understand what the big deal was (I mean, it’s a tree!)

But part of me has a little regret because gee, this is an incredibly photogenic tree!

2020 Update: unfortunately, someone has cut off a significant part of #thatwanakatree and it isn’t looking quite the same as before. The tree, however, is still there and I still recommend visiting the place that has captured many photographer’s hearts!

Instagram spots in New Zealand's South Island - That Wanaka Tree

6. Roy’s Peak, Wanaka

Did you really go to Wanaka if you didn’t hike to Roy’s Peak?

This hike is a super popular day hike in New Zealand, all because of that view from Roy’s Peak. If you’re a keen hiker and don’t mind the early morning wake up, I’d recommend hiking up for sunrise.

Psst: wondering where the photo at the top of this post was taken? At Roy’s Peak in Wanaka!

The crowds are smaller (though these days it can still get busy for sunrise!) and you get to see Roy’s Peak during Golden Hour (which honestly – is so magical!)

Note: The Roy’s Peak track is closed for lambing season every year from 1st October – 10th November.

Instagram Spots in New Zealand's South Island - Roys Peak Wanaka

7. Isthmus Peak, Wanaka

If you’re after an alternative to Roy’s Peak or Roy’s Peak is closed, Isthmus Peak is a great alternative.

The views are just as epic and grand, minus the crowds of tourists!

Note: Isthmus Peak is closed for fawning from 20th November – 20th December.

Instagram spots in New Zealand's South Island - Isthmus Peak, Wanaka

8. Milford Sound, Fiordland

I’m not going to lie, I have a bit of a love-hate relationship with Milford Sound.

Why?

I have one word for you…

Sandflies

But honestly, this place is so beautiful, you can ignore the fact that there are sandflies, for views like this…

Instagram Spots in New Zealand's South Island - Milford Sound

9. Queenstown Hill, Queenstown

The Queenstown Hill walk is shorter than many of the South Island’s walks, but despite this, you’re offered amazing views of Queenstown and the surrounding lake.

Want more suggestions on photographic spots in Queenstown? Make sure you check out my guide to Instagrammable spots in Queenstown! 

Instagram Spots in New Zealand's South Island - Queenstown Hill

10. Onsen Hot Pools, Queenstown

The Onsen Hot Pools are a must for those wanting to get that Instagram shot.

If you’re planning on visiting, make sure you book in advance, especially if you want to shoot around sunset.

Instagram Spots in New Zealand's South Island - Onsen hot pools

11. Glenorchy Wharf, Glenorchy

Glenorchy makes a great day trip from Queenstown, and these views from Glenorchy don’t disappoint. The area does get pretty busy during peak season, especially with tour groups, but is worth the visit.

Instagram Spots in New Zealand's South Island - Glenorchy Hut

12. Franz Josef Glacier or Fox Glacier, Fiordland

While Glaciers aren’t necessarily known for being “instagrammable” places, I’ve included Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers because they’re glaciers.

I haven’t quite figured out the trick to shooting on ice, but when do you get to stand on a glacier?

Almost never my friends!

Instagram Spots in New Zealand's South Island - Franz Josef

13. Lindis Pass Viewpoint

Lindis Pass Viewpoint is a great place to stop if you’re driving around Wanaka / Queenstown area. We were driving from Aoraki / Mt Cook to Wanaka when we stopped here.

Instagram spots in New Zealand's South Island - Lindis Pass
Instagram spots in New Zealand's South Island - Lindis Pass Viewpoint

14. Bob’s Peak / Skyline Gondola, Queenstown

Another incredible place in Queenstown is Bob’s Peak. You can hike up here, or take the Gondola up! Once up here enjoy the incredible views over Queenstown, or you can partake in any of the activities up here (like bungee jumping!)

Instagram spots in New Zealand's South Island - Bob's Peak

15. Mt Iron, Wanaka

Mt Iron is my favorite short walk in Wanaka, and for good reason! This walk may be short, but it provides incredible views over Wanaka. Here are some photos I snapped on a overcast and rainy day in Wanaka…

Instagram spots in New Zealand's South Island - Mt Iron View
Instagram spots in New Zealand's South Island - Mt Iron Walk

16. Nugget Point, Catlins Coast

The Catlins Coast is one incredible road trip along the south-east of New Zealand’s South Island.

My favorite spot along the Catlins was Nugget point.

It was a bit windy, but the Nugget Point Lighthouse is a short paved walk from the carpark.

Instagram spots in New Zealand's South Island - Nugget Point LIghthouse

17. Hot Tubs Omarama, Omarama

Yes, my second Hot Tub / Onsen recommendation in this blog post!

The town of Omarama is a 1.5 hr drive from Wanaka and is a cute town to stop at if you’re heading further east.

My favorite place in Omarama? Hot Tubs Omarama!

Even though I was solo road tripping, it was still fun to rent a Hot Tub here and relax my muscles after days of hiking.

Instagram spots in New Zealand's South Island - Hot Tubs Omarama

So there you have it, my suggestions for Instagrammable places on New Zealand’s South Island! 

Honestly though? 

New Zealand is so beautiful, I could have just written “all of New Zealand” and called it a day! 

Regardless of where you go, you’ll find a beautiful spot or place even if it isn’t on this list! 

Happy photographing my friends!

Did you like this post? Pin it for later:

Instagram Spots in New Zealand's South Island - Pinterest
17 places you can't miss on New Zealand's south island
Pin2K
Share10
Tweet
2K Shares

Category: New Zealand, South Island NZ

About Mae-Gene Yew

Why hello there, new friend! I'm Mae-Gene, the travel-obsessed Aussie girl behind The Wandering Suitcase blog.

I'm obsessed with eating copious amounts of sushi and hiking in New Zealand. But on most days you can find me in my home city of Melbourne dreaming of my next adventure, working my lil' corner of the internet (this blog!) or gettin' ready to strap on my hiking boots. Read more...

Previous Post: «instagram photo tips A dummies guide to getting “that” instagrammable shot
Next Post: The ultimate guide to hiking gear for beginners hiking gear for beginners - macpac bag»

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Kylie

    September 24, 2019 at 1:43 am

    This is such a great article girl! Thank you!

    Reply
  2. Leah

    May 24, 2020 at 2:43 am

    Great post, I agree about the Wanaka tree but was sad to learn someone has hacked off its photogenic branch. It looks more like mangled broccoli now 🙁

    Reply
    • Mae-Gene

      June 5, 2020 at 2:42 am

      Hi Leah, glad you enjoyed this post! I heard about the damage done to the Wanaka tree too but didn’t realize so much of the tree was damaged. Thank you for bringing this to my attention – I will update the post to reflect this. Hopefully, they find out who did this damage + the tree grows back (though growth I can imagine is slow!)

      Reply

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Site Footer

The Wandering Suitcase is a participant in several affiliate programs.

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

You can find our full disclosure and privacy policy here.

Copyright © 2023 The Wandering Suitcase · All Rights Reserved · Powered by Mai Theme