Top 5 photoshoot locations in Cromwell

Exploring the Best Photo Locations in Cromwell, New Zealand:

A Photographer’s Paradise 📸

Cromwell, nestled in the heart of the Central Otago region, is a photographer’s dream with its dramatic landscapes, vibrant colours, and distinct seasonal changes. Whether you're after golden hour magic or the perfect midday light, Cromwell has something for every type of photographer. Here are some of my favourite spots in Cromwell that offer up the best light and scenery, depending on the time of day and season.

Lake Dunstan

Best Light: Early morning & evening

Time of Year: Year-round

Why it’s great: Lake Dunstan’s reflective surface makes it a prime location for early morning shots, especially when the calm water mirrors the surrounding mountains. In the evenings, the soft golden light is perfect for capturing the expansive landscape with the Southern Alps in the distance. The winter light here is particularly moody, with crisp mornings that create dramatic, mist-covered reflections.

Old Cromwell Town

Best Light: Golden hour (early morning or late afternoon)

Time of Year: All year, but autumn is magical

Why it’s great: The historic ruins of Old Cromwell are a fantastic subject, especially when the sun hits the old stonework during golden hour. The light filters through the trees, casting a warm glow on the buildings and surrounding landscape. Autumn is perfect for this spot, as the vivid red and orange leaves create a beautiful contrast with the weathered stone structures.

Pisa Moorings

Best Light: Late afternoon for soft, long shadows

Time of Year: Summer to autumn

Why it’s great: Located on the shores of Lake Dunstan, Pisa Moorings offers stunning views over the lake with the Pisa mountain range in the background. Late afternoon light creates beautiful reflections on the water, and in autumn, the poplar trees lining the shore turn golden, adding an extra layer of richness to your photos. This area can also be great for capturing moody winter sunsets.

Burn Cottage Road

Best Light: Late afternoon to sunset

Why it’s great: The road offers panoramic views of the Southern Alps, which provide a dramatic backdrop to any photo. During late afternoon, the mountains are often lit up with a warm glow as the sun sets, creating a stunning contrast between the soft, golden tones of the vineyard and the cool, rugged mountain peaks.

Bannockburn Sluicing Area

Best Light: Early morning or late afternoon

Why it’s great: The Bannockburn Sluicing Area is a historical site and one of the most dramatic locations in the area. The old mining relics, exposed rock faces, and dried riverbeds make for incredibly striking photos. The golden hour light works wonders here, casting beautiful shadows on the rugged terrain and highlighting the textures of the rock and gold-mining features. It’s especially stunning in autumn, when the dry hills contrast beautifully with the golden foliage of the nearby trees.