The most Instagrammable spots in Auckland

With its diverse landscapes and neighbourhoods, Auckland is a dream content playground. Imagine sleek cityscapes, jaw-dropping natural beauty, and a vibe so effortlessly cool it’ll have your followers double-tapping in seconds. 

Here’s your guide to the most Instagrammable spots in Auckland. 

Capture Auckland from above at the Sky Tower

If your feed doesn’t have a snap of the iconic Sky Tower, did you even come to Auckland? Offering panoramic views of the city, the Hauraki Gulf, and beyond, the Sky Tower is the perfect backdrop for dramatic central city shots.

Want to up your selfie game? Impress your followers with a pic of you on the SkyWalk, walking around the Sky Tower 192 metres above ground, or careening back down to earth on the SkyJump.

Orbit 360 Dining, the tower’s rotating restaurant offers the opportunity to take a pic while immersing yourself in a unique dining experience, with changing vantage points of Auckland in the background below you. Or, level-up your glass-of-bubbles shot by taking it at 182 metres in the clouds, on level 50 at SkyBar.

Get the perfect urban backdrop at Britomart

Britomart’s mix of historic buildings, boutique shops, trendy eateries and gorgeous laneways, where modern materials mix with brick facades, makes it an epic spot for showcasing your own street style.

Snap the artfully designed interiors, vibrant murals, or a perfectly plated brunch that’ll have your followers asking “Where is this??”. Come by at night and capture the twinkling overhead lights that reflect the magic of this precinct.

Snap the coastal serenity at Achilles Point

Capture a shot of the Auckland Harbour at Achilles Point, a beautiful lookout serving up an idyllic backdrop featuring Rangitoto Island and the sparkling Waitematā Harbour. Think dreamy blue hues, coastal pōhutukawa, and a perfect place to hit pause and soak up the moment.

Time your visit for sunrise and you’ll have a scroll-stopping masterpiece to add to your feed. Find the viewing platform only a few minutes’ drive from Mission Bay, just past St Heliers Bay.

Peak aesthetic goals at Maungawhau / Mount Eden

As the tallest Tūpuna Maunga (ancestral mountain) in Auckland, Maungawhau Mount Eden is where you can quite literally take your content to new heights. Hike to the summit for sprawling 360-degree views of Auckland’s skyline that’ll leave your followers with FOMO and your notifications popping.

Pose with the volcanic crater for an iconic combo of nature and city. Remember, as this sacred area is wāhi tapu, please stick to the designated paths to get your pics and respect the significance of this beautiful landmark.

Absolute #scenes at Takapuna Beach

Picture this: you, a scoop of gelato from a beachside eatery, Takapuna Beach Cafe, and Rangitoto Island creating the ultimate dreamy backdrop. Whether you’re lounging on the golden sands, strolling the waterfront with a coffee in hand, or snapping that effortless sun-drenched selfie, a photo here practically captions itself. #Beachlife.

Piha Beach & Lion Rock: #NoFilterNeeded

If rugged beauty is your aesthetic, Piha Beach is calling your name. Its dramatic black sand, bush-covered hills, crashing surf, and iconic Lion Rock are absolutely ideal for filling your Instagram feed with breathtaking shots of nature. Bonus points if you time your visit for sunset, because nothing says #GoldenHour goals like an Auckland west coast beach.

Get windy and whimsical pics at Takarunga Mount Victoria

Hop on a ferry to Devonport and head up Takarunga Mount Victoria. The views here tick all the boxes: Auckland’s skyline, the harbour, and nearby islands all in one frame. Oh, and those quirky mushroom-shaped vents? Pure Instagram gold.

A wintergarden wonderland at Pukekawa Auckland Domain

Step into a lush botanical wonderland at the Wintergardens within Auckland Domain. From the impressive glasshouses to lush ferns, this spot is bursting with photo ops. Whether you’re into close-ups of vibrant blooms or dreamy wide-angle shots, your feed will get a colourful glow-up thanks to this special spot.

Go chasing waterfalls at Kitekite Falls

Located in the Waitākere Ranges, Kitekite Falls is a stunning multi-tiered waterfall that’s well worth the walk. Follow the Kitekite Falls Path; while it’s a moderate, gradual climb through beautiful bush, there are several stream crossings and stairs which add to fun (but can make it tricky for those less mobile).

Capture the waterfall against lush green foliage and towering kauri trees, and you’ve got yourself a nature shot that’s nothing short of stunning. Pro tip: get there early for soft morning light that sparkles through the trees.

Be pretty in pink at Nelson Street Cycleway

Grab a bike and head to the Nelson Street Cycleway, otherwise known as Te Ara I Whiti – The Lightpath, or more colloquially as the ‘pink light path’. As if a snap of this vibrant pink path isn’t enough, the cycleway is illuminated at night with neon vibes and a backdrop of city lights. Capture a long exposure to impress your friends and followers!

Capture dream island aesthetics on Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island is a short ferry ride from downtown Auckland, but stepping onto its shores feels like being transported to a sun-soaked Mediterranean dream. Picture rolling vineyards, golden beaches, and Insta-perfect glasses of wine accompanying tantalising cheese boards.

This island doesn’t just do scenery, it serves full-on luxe vibes. Local tip: snag a golden-hour winery tour for shots among the vines. Trust us, every frame you capture here will scream "island getaway goals."

Snap west coast magic at Muriwai

Muriwai Beach has it all: rugged cliffs, crashing waves, and a snap-worthy gannet wildlife The powerful surf and expansive black sand make it feel like you’ve stepped onto the set of an epic film. From wide-angle shots of the dramatic coastline to up-close snaps of the gannets in their natural habitat, there’s a photo op everywhere you look.

Aim to hit the beach at sunset when the dusk light transforms the waves into liquid gold; it’s raw, untamed beauty that will add something unforgettable to your grid.

Get scenic snaps at Shakespear Regional Park

Shakespear Regional Park at the end of the Hibiscus Coast peninsula is where rolling green hills meet breathtaking ocean views that go on forever. Pack a picnic and find your spot under a shady tree, or wander along the trails that twist through lush greenery and farmland, opening on jaw-dropping vistas of the Hauraki Gulf. As a sanctuary, there is plenty of birdlife to spot, but you’ll also find a chance to capture a quintessential kiwi farm scene, with sheep and lambs grazing in the paddocks.

Go snap-happy at Cornwall Park

Cornwall Park is like stepping into a picturesque storybook, with its sprawling green fields, majestic trees, and winding paths. Add to that the historic Maungakiekie One Tree Hill, an iconic Auckland landmark. Whether you’re capturing the sun filtering through the trees, a peaceful picnic setup, or the panoramic views from the hill’s summit, this spot is a dream come true for nature lovers. If you’re visiting in spring, the blossoms will add a romantic pink hue to your shots!

A picture-perfect ocean peak

Adventurous content creators will love Rangitoto Island. Its rugged volcanic terrain and unique flora provide a backdrop that appears out-of-this-world. Start your journey with a ferry ride that treats you to spectacular views of the Hauraki Gulf.

Once on the island, the hike to the summit offers plenty of photo ops; think winding trails, fascinating lava fields, and sweeping panoramas that will take your breath away. Don’t forget to explore the lava caves for some mysterious shots to round out your carousel!

Hashtag FeelTheSerenity at Bayswater Marina

Bayswater Marina is a serene escape where the calm waters act like a natural mirror, reflecting moored boats and creating dreamy compositions that look almost too good to be true. Whether you’re framing the perfect silhouette of yachts or soaking in the peaceful vibes, this spot has an understated charm that elevates any feed.

From here, you can capture a whole new perspective of the city skyline and the Auckland Harbour Bridge; sunset will add a particular vibe as it lights up the buildings with an impressive glow.

Capture harbour lights and city nights at Westhaven Marina

There are too many content ops to count at Westhaven Marina, the largest recreational marina in the Southern Hemisphere. Picture rows of sleek yachts and impressively large vessels #goals. It’s a great spot to get unique angles of the Harbour Bridge, especially at night when it is illuminated in different colours. 

Fill your feed with serene skyline views

Little Shoal Bay is proof that sometimes the most striking content is all about simplicity! Tucked away on the North Shore, Little Shoal Bay is your go-to for a postcard-perfect pic looking back towards the city.

The panoramic views of the skyline will captivate your attention, especially when the city lights start shimmering at dusk and the bridge illuminates in all its glory. Bring a picnic to enjoy on the grassy areas and watch the shifting light on the city.