Chasing photo locations through Fiordland National Park
4 min read
Fiordland National Park is packed with photography spots. The locations in this post are only a small handful of what I could cover, there are hundreds, if not thousands of places worth capturing.
Me and my partner spent four days traveling in a campervan, so my list is focused on places that were realistic to reach in a short trip. If you want updates from future Fiordland adventures and other photography locations I visit, subscribe to my newsletter below.
Every location listed here is accessible by car except the last two. Please park carefully and stay aware of other motorists, especially on narrow roads and roadside pull-offs.
Mirror Lakes
Mirror Lakes is a very easy stop on SH94. It is only a short walk from the car park, and on a clear day the mountain reflections can be incredibly sharp in the still water.
Pops View Lookout
This lookout is another quick roadside stop on SH94, just after The Divide car park. Sunset is often the best time to shoot here as the light catches the upper mountain peaks while the valleys begin to fall into shadow.
Falls Creek
Around the single-lane bridge at Falls Creek, you can view the waterfall from safe roadside points and nearby walkways. It is a fast stop, but the flowing water and steep valley walls make strong compositions in changing weather.
Hundred Falls Lookout
Near Homer Tunnel, stopping options are limited, so safety comes first. On the Milford Sound side before the tunnel, there is a spot where you can pull over and photograph the valley.
I also used a telephoto lens here to isolate details in the landscape, like snow patterns and rock textures that are easy to miss in wider shots.
Milford Sound Lookout
For this viewpoint, you can park at the Milford Sound car park (payment may apply). If you prefer a free option, there is usually parking about 200 meters before the airport, then a short walk down to the lookout area.
From here, you can get a great view of Mitre Peak and the surrounding peaks. Sunset is typically the best time to shoot, but unfortunately I did not get a clear sunset on either of the two days I stayed in Milford Sound.
Milford Sound Cruise
A visit to Milford Sound is not complete without taking a cruise through the fiord. You get remarkable views of dramatic waterfalls, steep cliffs, and constantly changing light across the landscape.
If you want to read more about photographing from the cruise, check out my other post: Journey through hundred falls - Milford Sounds.
Journey through hundred falls - Milford Sounds
Discover the breathtaking beauty of Milford Sound's cascading waterfalls and dramatic landscapes in this photographic journey.
14 June 2025Campgrounds in Fiordland National Park
In a campervan, Fiordland campgrounds are an excellent way to stay inside the park and wake up surrounded by the landscape. You can catch dawn and dusk light more easily, and you are never far from your next photo stop.
I stayed at Cascade Creek Campground and had a great experience. Other options include Upper Eglinton Campground, Eglinton Valley Campground, Totara Campsite, and Deer Flat Campsite. Check DOC resources and trusted camping apps for up to date details.
Buy landscape prints from Fiordland collection
Checkout the Fiordland collectionLake Te Anau and Lake Manapouri
Photos of Lake Te Anau
These lakes are close to each other and both are rewarding for landscape photography. I spent a full evening at Lake Te Anau near Marakura Wharf and captured some of my favorite sunset images from the trip.
The following morning, I photographed Lake Manapouri in softer light. Visiting both gives you variety in mood and composition without a major travel detour.
Lake Marian and Key Summit
Photos of Lake Marian
These are the two locations in this list that require hiking to reach the best viewpoints. They are ideal if you have extra time and want more dramatic alpine perspectives beyond the roadside stops.
Panoramic Photo of the tarn at Key Summit, reflecting Mount Christina
You can read my full comparison in the Lake Marian vs Key Summit post to decide which track suits your time, fitness, and access needs.
Lake Marian vs Key Summit
Dive into the stories behind each track, from trail details to the shifting moods and photography conditions that define your shots.
15 March 2026Fiordland rewards every kind of photographer, from easy roadside lookouts to full-day hikes and cruise perspectives. Plan around light, drive carefully, and give yourself time to slow down because some of the best frames appear when the weather shifts.