Photographers love reflection shots, and I’m no exception. They can be quite elusive as so many elements need to come together – a calm day, nice light, interesting clouds and/or strong background elements – but when it happens there’s no better feeling than to capture the perfect reflection photo.
Here are 7 locations around New Zealand that are ideal for reflection shots:
1. Lake Tekapo
When you think of photogenic locations in New Zealand, Lake Tekapo has to be up there as one of the best. There are so many types of shots you can get here, whether it’s the classic shot of the Church of the Good Shepherd, lupin photos in spring, milky way shots, snowy photos during winter, or simple sunrises/sunsets by the lake, it’s definitely a photographer’s paradise. Catch the lake on a calm day, and you can add epic reflections to those shots.
2. Twizel
Just 20 minutes away from Lake Tekapo is another haven for landscape photographers. Often used as a base for photographing Aoraki Mount Cook, the town itself has several small lakes scattered around which can make for some beautiful reflection photos. My favourite time of year to visit Twizel is autumn, when the trees surrounding the lakes turn golden, although winter is also a good time of year due to the mist and frost. I have yet to visit Twizel in winter, but it’s on my to-do list!
3. Lake Tarawera
The thing I love about Lake Tarawera are the numerous jetties scattered along the lake front. These, combined with Mt Tarawera in the background, make for some amazing reflection photos if you’re lucky enough to catch it on a calm day.
4. Tasman Lake
There are not many lakes where you can get icebergs in the foreground and mountains in the background, but Tasman Lake is one of them (Hooker Lake is another, although I have yet to go there). Just a 20 minute walk from the car park makes this a very easily-accessible location as well.
5. Glenorchy
Glenorchy is a small town about 45 minutes from Queenstown. You can get reflection shots from Glenorchy Wharf when Lake Wakatipu is calm. The wharf itself makes a great foreground and there is also a group of willow trees submerged in the water that makes for a striking photo. There’s also Glenorchy Lagoon which is probably easier to get reflections from, being a smaller body of water, and during autumn it’s particularly beautiful with all the golden trees surrounding the area.
6. Lake Kirkpatrick
This lake is a 20 minute drive from Queenstown and is often overlooked in favour of its more well-known neighbour, Moke Lake. However Lake Kirkpatrick can offer some amazing reflection shots, especially if there’s some mist or frost around.
7. Wharariki beach
One of the more remote beaches in New Zealand, Wharariki is yet another photographer’s paradise. The famous Archway Islands make for a spectacular background, and at low tide you can get some nice reflections in the sand.
