Instagram spots in Queenstown, New Zealand 

If you’re visiting New Zealand’s South Island, chances are you’ll be including Queenstown in your itinerary. For my photography lovin’ friends, I’ve put together a guide to the best Instagram spots in Queenstown. 

So if you’re after Queenstown photography locations, read on my friends!

Psst: for more Instagram photography locations in New Zealand, check out my guide to Instagrammable places on New Zealand’s South Island!

1. Queenstown Hill 

The Queenstown Hill trail is a short 1-2 hr walk that gives you incredible views of both Queenstown and the Lake Wakatipu (the lake that Queenstown sits on). 

You can access this walk either by walking from your hotel in Queenstown or driving. You’ll find side street parking here, which can get busy on weekends or public holidays.

2. Bob’s peak or Skyline Gondola

If you aren’t a fan of hiking, taking the Skyline Gondola to Bob’s Peak is a great alternative to the Queenstown Hill hike.  

You can take the Gondola up to see similar views to as at Queenstown Hill.

3. Onsen Hot Pools

The Onsen Hot Pools is probably the most popular place in this guide to Instagram spots in Queenstown!

It is incredibly popular with bloggers and Instagrammers. And while I won’t recommend the hot pools purely for the photo op, if you want to relax with a beautiful view, this is your place!

4. Bob’s Cove

Bob’s Cove is only a 15 min drive from Queenstown and is a great place to stop if you’re driving to Glenorchy. We loved the views of the aqua blue water from the small pier. 

Psst: the car park can get busy, as it’s quite small. If you’re stopping by Bob’s Cove on the way to Glenorchy, I’d recommend going in the morning if possible. 

5. Glenorchy Wharf, Glenorchy

Once you’re in Glenorchy, it’s a photographer’s dream. The Glenorchy Wharf is an incredibly photogenic spot to visit. 

If you have time, I’d also recommend going on the short 1 – 2 hr walk on the Glenorchy Walkway. 

6. Lake Wakatipu

Lake Wakatipu is the lake that Queenstown sits on. Of all places listed in this guide to Instagram spots in Queenstown, this is probably one of the most unassuming. 

When in Queenstown, the footpath around the lake gives incredible lake views but also of Queenstown. 

7. Rope swing at Lake Wakatipu

Also around Lake Wakatipu (the lake that Queenstown sits on the banks of) is a rope swing “hidden” in the trees. This is a fun place to try to find on your walk around Lake Wakatipu and is a cute spot to snap some photos!

8. Moke Lake

I missed this unfortunately when in Queenstown, but have added it my bucket list for when I’m back in Queenstown later this year.

The Moke Lake Viewpoint is popular with locals. While some tourists do visit, it hasn’t made it to the tourist must-do list (yet!) 

If you’d like to visit, Destinationless Travel has a great guide to finding the Moke Lake Viewpoint. 

9. Ben Lomond Saddle / Summit

The Ben Lomond Summit (or Saddle) is Queenstown’s equivalent of Wanaka’s Roy’s Peak and is an incredibly beautiful spot if you’re looking for Queenstown photography locations.

I finally made it to Ben Lomond Summit on my second visit to Queenstown on a cloudy and cold day. The view from the summit while incredible was freezing and I’m not going to lie – I spent maybe 15 minutes up here before needing to descend!

10. The Remarkables Ski Area

Yep, I’ve listed a ski area in this guide, even though I don’t ski! A 30-minute drive from Queenstown is the Remarkables Ski Area which gets super popular during winter.

But during the warmer months?

This area is incredibly empty and has some beautiful views looking out over Queenstown and the nearby mountains. I visited during October (which is autumn) and I was one of the few cars I spotted on the drive up!

11. The view from your plane window

If you’re lucky enough to be flying into or out of Queenstown, make sure you get a window seat! The views flying in/out of Queenstown Airport are some of the best in the world.

I was lucky enough to be flying around sunset, and the mountain views were out of this world during this time of day!

Hopefully, this guide to Instagram spots in Queenstown helps you plan your adventures. 

Remember: regardless of where you go in Queenstown, you’re bound to find a beautiful spot.

So when visiting, keep your eyes peeled and ready to snap some photos!

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