Top Instagrammable spots on your North Island road trip
New Zealand’s North Island is dotted with beautiful landmarks and destinations. And taking a road trip by camper is the best way to make the most of each, especially if you’re keen to top up your feed of enviable Instagram photos. From the iconic Cathedral Cove walk to the reflective glory of the Pouakai Tarns, every stop is an opportunity to capture breathtaking and iconic New Zealand photography.
So, prime up your camera and get ready for an unforgettable campervan road trip. In this handy guide, we reveal the North Island’s most Insta-worthy stops.
1. Te Paki Sand Dunes, Northland
Located near the northern tip of New Zealand, the Te Paki Sand Dunes are a testament to the raw power of wind and tide. These giant dunes are sculpted into towering peaks and valleys that shift with the seasons, offering a dramatic backdrop for any New Zealand photography enthusiast.
The dunes' golden sands against the stark blue of the sky create a contrast that's nothing short of Instagram gold. For the best shots, visitors can climb to the crests of the dunes, where the views are panoramic, and the perspective is unparalleled. There are designated lookouts that serve as perfect vantage points for capturing the grandeur of this landscape.
The best time to visit is during the New Zealand summer when the skies are clear, and the golden hues of the dunes are at their most vibrant. Early morning or late afternoon are the prime times for photos, with the sun casting long, dramatic shadows and the light soft enough to give your images a professional touch.
Note, you can’t take your Apollo campervan on the sand, but there are accessible parking areas.
2. Cape Reinga Lighthouse
At the very tip of the North Island, where the Pacific Ocean meets the Tasman Sea, you’ll find the iconic Cape Reinga Lighthouse, one of the country's most spiritually significant and photogenic spots. This sentinel of light is also a beacon for motorhome travellers on their New Zealand road trip.
The lighthouse itself is a pristine white structure, standing tall against the backdrop of the deep blue sea and the vibrant green of the surrounding grasslands. It's a sight that encapsulates the essence of coastal New Zealand travel, offering a picture-perfect moment.
It’s easy to snap your Instagram photos from the walkway that leads to the lighthouse. This path offers a few lookouts, each providing a unique angle with the dramatic meeting of the waters in the background. The area around the lighthouse, with its famous signpost showing distances to various cities around the world, is also a favourite for photographers.
The best time to visit Cape Reinga Lighthouse is during the warmer months, from late spring through to early autumn when the weather is most conducive to clear skies and gentle seas. For the best lighting, aim to be there at sunrise or sunset when the sky is ablaze with colour.
Image: Tourism New Zealand
3. The Pinnacles, Coromandel
Located in the beautiful Coromandel Peninsula, The Pinnacles present an awe-inspiring highlight for any New Zealand road trip. These rugged rock formations, born from volcanic activity millions of years ago, tower into the sky. The majestic scene is a magnet for anyone with a camera and a love for the great outdoors.
The journey to The Pinnacles is as rewarding as the destination itself. The walk up is a popular track known for its historical significance, once trodden by kauri loggers. As you ascend, the scenery unfolds into a dramatic spectacle of jagged rock spires that reach skyward, set against a canvas of lush native bush.
For the ultimate Instagram photos, the summit provides a 360-degree view that's simply unmatched. From this lofty vantage point, photographers can capture the grandeur of the Coromandel ranges, the sweeping forests, and the distant coastline. The Pinnacles themselves, with their craggy, otherworldly appearance, make for a striking contrast against the soft light of dawn or the fiery hues of dusk.
Timing your visit can make all the difference in capturing that perfect shot. The best times to visit are during the spring and autumn months when the weather is mild and the tracks are less crowded.
4. Cathedral Cove, Coromandel
Tucked away on the eastern coast of the Coromandel Peninsula, Cathedral Cove is a hidden gem that seems to have sprung straight from the pages of a storybook. Accessible by foot, boat, or kayak, this iconic cove is renowned for its natural archway and pristine beach, making it a must-do on any New Zealand travel itinerary.
The cove is surrounded by towering cliffs and punctuated by a massive arch that perfectly frames the South Pacific Ocean. The natural rock formations, including the archway, are flanked by white sandy beaches and native pōhutukawa trees, whose crimson flowers add a splash of colour during the New Zealand summer.
For the quintessential Cathedral Cove photo, the beach itself offers the best shot, with the archway in the background creating a stunning natural frame for your Instagram photos. At low tide, you can capture the reflection of the arch in the wet sand, adding to its ethereal beauty.
The best time to visit Cathedral Cove is during the summer months when the weather is warm, and the skies are clear. However, it's also the busiest time, so for those seeking a quieter experience, the shoulder seasons of late spring and early autumn are ideal. The cove faces east, making sunrise the optimal time for photography, as the early light illuminates the arch and bathes the entire cove in a soft, golden glow.
5. Lake Tarawera, Bay of Plenty
In the heart of the Bay of Plenty region, Lake Tarawera is a place of tranquil beauty and historical significance. The expansive body of water lies under the watchful gaze of Mount Tarawera. This volcano is famous for its devastating eruption in 1886, which dramatically altered the landscape.
Lake Tarawera's blue waters are fringed by lush native bush and rugged terrain that tells a story of both creation and destruction. The lake's surface often mirrors the sky, creating a perfect symphony of blues that make for an Instagrammer's paradise.
For those seeking the best spots to capture the lake's majesty, park up your campervan and take the Tarawera Trail. Along the way, you’ll find several lookouts with breathtaking views. The trail winds along the lake's edge, offering a variety of perspectives for photographers. The jetty at The Landing is another popular spot, providing a classic shot of the jetty jutting into the lake with Mount Tarawera in the background.
The best time to visit Lake Tarawera is during the autumn months when the crowds have thinned, and the surrounding foliage begins to turn into a riot of autumnal colours. The air is crisp, and the light is soft, ideal for photography. Dawn and dusk are the prime times for capturing the lake's beauty.
6. Redwoods Forest, Rotorua
In the heart of the Whakarewarewa Forest, just a short drive from Rotorua, is the magnificent Redwoods Forest, home to swathes of mammoth Californian redwoods. The Redwoods Forest is a photographer's dream, with the towering trees creating a natural cathedral that inspires awe and tranquillity. The interplay of light and shadow through the dense canopy, the soft, earthy scent of the forest floor, and the rustle of leaves make for a sensory experience that's as memorable as it is photogenic.
For an elevated view, the Redwoods Treewalk offers a unique perspective. Suspended high above the ground, this walkway weaves between the trees, providing a bird's-eye view that is perfect for capturing the forest's grand scale and the intricate patterns of the foliage.
The forest is a year-round destination, each season offering its own palette and mood. The lush greens of spring and summer give way to the warm tones of autumn, and even in winter, the forest has a stark beauty. For the best light, early morning or late afternoon are the times to visit, when the sun's rays filter through the trees, creating a soft, diffused light that is ideal for New Zealand photography.
Image: Tourism New Zealand
7. The Emerald Lakes, Tongariro National Park
Part of the dual World Heritage site of Tongariro National Park, the Emerald Lakes are a stunning example of New Zealand’s geothermal activity. These three striking lakes, each a different shade of brilliant green and blue, are coloured by minerals leached from the adjoining thermal area. The result is a visual spectacle that's a feast for the eyes and a guaranteed stand-out among your Instagram photos.
The lakes are accessible via the Tongariro Alpine Crossing, one of New Zealand's most famous day walks and a popular activity for campervan travellers. The best vantage points for photography can be found as you reach the summit of the crossing. Here, you can capture the panoramic grandeur of the lakes, set against the rugged backdrop of volcanic peaks and stark, lunar-like landscapes.
The optimal time to visit the Emerald Lakes is in the spring or autumn months. During these seasons, the weather is typically milder, and the crossing is less crowded, allowing for a more leisurely hike and plenty of opportunities to take photos without haste. The light of early morning is particularly magical, as the rising sun illuminates the lakes and enhances their vivid colours.
8. Three Sisters, Taranaki
The Three Sisters and the Elephant provide a breathtaking addition to any New Zealand road trip and are sure to be a highlight of your New Zealand photography collection. Despite the name, visitors will discover that due to erosion there are now only two sisters standing. Sitting on the beach near the Tongaporutu River mouth, these towering pinnacles have become a symbol of the Taranaki region’s rugged coast. This area offers a unique blend of natural artistry and the raw power of the New Zealand coastline.
For the best Instagram photos, the beach provides various angles to capture both the formations and the sweeping views of the sea. At low tide, it's possible to get close to the rock formations, allowing for more detailed and dramatic perspectives. There are also higher vantage points along the cliffs that offer a broader view of the formations within the coastal landscape. The soft light of early morning or late afternoon is ideal for photography here.
9. Pouakai Tarns, Taranaki
Taking pride of place within Egmont National Park, the Pouakai Tarns are a series of reflective alpine pools that offer one of the most iconic views in New Zealand. The tarns, which sit beneath Mount Taranaki, provide a mirror-like surface that reflects the mountain's peak on a clear day. The resulting symmetrical vista is photography magic.
The tarns are most famously captured from the Pouakai Hut and the nearby boardwalk, where the stillness of the water creates the perfect reflection of the mountain, framing a shot that captures the grandeur of the region. This spot is a jewel in the crown of a New Zealand photography road trip and a highlight for many travel itineraries.
The best time to visit the Pouakai Tarns for photography is during the spring and autumn months when the weather is generally more stable, and the crowds are fewer. The tarns are particularly enchanting at dawn or dusk which is also often when the winds are at their calmest.
10. Castle Point Lighthouse, Wairarapa
Located on the Wairarapa coast, a scenic drive from Wellington, Castlepoint Lighthouse overlooks the vast Pacific Ocean. This historic beacon has been guiding ships since 1913 and is one of New Zealand's most iconic coastal landmarks.
The lighthouse, with its crisp white structure, contrasts perfectly with the blues of the sea and sky, making for striking Instagram photos. The walk up to the lighthouse provides several photographic opportunities. The path itself offers dramatic views of the rugged coastline and the lighthouse in the distance.
For a panoramic shot, the lookout point near the lighthouse gives you a sweeping view of the bay, the imposing Castle Rock, and the lighthouse itself. At this vantage point, the vastness of the ocean and the beauty of the landscape come together in a harmonious composition.
The lighthouse is a year-round destination, but visiting during the off-peak seasons of spring and autumn can provide a more solitary experience, allowing for uninterrupted photography sessions.
Image: Tourism New Zealand
Picture yourself exploring the North Island?
From the reflective serenity of the Pouakai Tarns to the historic sentinel that is Castlepoint Lighthouse, these Instagram-worthy destinations are simply magical. With the convenience of a Mighty campervan hire you can chase the first light at Lake Tarawera or capture the ethereal twilight in the Redwoods Forest. And all with the comfort of knowing that your cosy retreat is just a few steps away.
Image: Tourism New Zealand
Image: Tourism New Zealand
Image: Tourism New Zealand