The Best Lighthouses in New Zealand to Photograph
New Zealand’s rugged coastline is home to more than 100 lighthouses, each steeped in history and offering unique scenic vistas for lovers of landscape, coastal views, and lighthouse photography.
This guide spotlights some of the best lighthouses in NZ - like Cape Reinga, Nugget Point, Castlepoint, Pencarrow, and Tiritiri Matangi - while answering popular questions and revealing local activities and photo-friendly secrets that set these gems apart from others.
Of course, getting to each of these amazing lighthouses and photo opportunities requires a car and if you are looking for a rental car for a New Zealand adventure, look no further than RaD. With branches in 22 destinations around the country, you’re never too far from one of these spectacular lighthouses when you rent a car with RaD.
We’ve included some top tips from our local team members below to help you to make the most of your adventure and ensure you capture the perfect Insta-worthy moment in all its glory.
Let’s hit the road with RaD Car Hire and discover the best lighthouses NZ has to offer!
Why Are NZ Lighthouses Must-Visit Scenic Photo Spots?
New Zealand’s lighthouses aren’t just navigation aids - they’re historical icons located on dramatic headlands, beaches, and cliffs with panoramic coastal views NZ and wildlife encounters. Each spot offers unique opportunities for creative compositions, sunrise and sunset shots, and images where weather and light shape the story.
- Most are easy to reach with a rental car, making them favourite stops on scenic drives and road trips.
- The landscape changes from lush bush to wild beaches and towering rock formations, perfect for varying backdrops.
No matter where you travel in the world (unless it’s landlocked, of course!), you will come across lighthouses of all shapes and sizes, and they never fail to disappoint. Here in New Zealand, we are proud of our maritime history and love that these lighthouses stand as a testament to time for people to enjoy, both the lighthouses themselves and the scenic locations in which they are usually found.
Cape Reinga Lighthouse: Where Two Oceans Meet
Why is Cape Reinga Lighthouse iconic for photographers?
Cape Reinga, perched on New Zealand’s northernmost tip, is the only place where the Tasman Sea and Pacific Ocean visibly collide - a unique phenomenon that makes for incredible photo opportunities. The winding path to the lighthouse creates dynamic leading lines, and early morning or late afternoon brings magical colour and clarity.
Nearby activities & attractions:
- Tapotupotu DOC campsite for quick access and sunrise/sunset shoots.
- Te Paki Sand Dunes for dramatic landscape photography, only minutes away.
- Start the Te Werahi Track for sweeping vistas beyond the lighthouse.
RaD Car Hire Team Tip – Whangarei Branch: Arrive early to avoid crowds and catch the spiritual significance for Māori in the spectacular setting. The legendary pohutukawa tree, visible from the cape, adds to the composition opportunities for your perfect photo capture.
Nugget Point Lighthouse: Wildlife and Dramatic Views
What makes Nugget Point a top pick for coastal views NZ and lighthouse photography?
Nugget Point, in the Catlins, offers panoramic ocean views from a stone platform overlooking wave-eroded rock “nuggets” that Captain Cook likened to gold nuggets. The compact size of the lighthouse, perched 76 metres above sea level, provides dramatic angles, especially at sunset.
Nearby activities:
- Roaring Bay track for close encounters with yellow-eyed penguins (best seen late afternoon).
- Seal, penguin, dolphin spotting along the cliff-top track.
- Picnicking at dusk for epic golden-hour shots over the sea.
RaD Car Hire Team Tip – Dunedin Branch: The walk is family-friendly and just 20 minutes; late afternoons bring wildlife and fewer people.
Castlepoint Lighthouse: North Island’s Scenic Gem
Why is Castlepoint Lighthouse legendary among NZ photo spots?
Castlepoint Lighthouse, rising from the unique curved Castle Rock headland, offers stunning coastal panoramas and rugged marine backdrops. The interplay of rock, beach, and ocean makes this one of the most scenic photo spots for dynamic landscape and stormy sea themes.
Nearby attractions and activities:
- Deliverance Cove Track for elevated views and photographs of the lighthouse from above.
- Dolphin and whale watching seasonal opportunities - bring binoculars!.
- Relaxing at Castlepoint Beach, local cafes, and exploring the small seaside village.
Photographer's Tip: Weather can shift quickly, so plan for wind. Long exposures can produce dramatic effects, especially after a storm.
Pencarrow Lighthouse: History Meets Stormy Vistas
How does Pencarrow Lighthouse stand out for photographers and history buffs?
At the storm-lashed entrance to Wellington Harbour, Pencarrow Lighthouse headlines as New Zealand’s first lighthouse and boasts impressive cliff-top views of “The Storm Coast”. Interpretation panels line the walk, sharing stories of shipwrecks and New Zealand’s only female lighthouse keeper, Mary Jane Bennett.
Nearby activities:
- Coastal track from Eastbourne: hiking, mountain biking, and wild birdwatching.
- Discover both the upper cast iron lighthouse and the secondary lower one dating from 1906.
- Visit Wellington’s Te Papa Museum or Mount Victoria for extra city-based cultural stops.
RaD Car Hire Team Tip – Wellington Branch: The four-hour return walk offers plenty of scenic and historical photo stops - pack layers for changing wind and weather.
Tiritiri Matangi Lighthouse: Wildlife and Night Skies
What makes Tiritiri Matangi irresistible for lighthouse photography and nature lovers?
Just offshore from Auckland, Tiritiri Matangi Island isn’t only famous for its lighthouse but also as a sanctuary for rare bird species and spectacular night-sky photography. Unique bush tracks let photographers capture both the lighthouse and endemic New Zealand wildlife.
Nearby activities:
- Birdwatching for kiwi, saddleback, stitchbird, tui, and bellbird - walk multiple island tracks.
- Opportunity to book overnight on the island for prime golden and blue hour shots, as well as astrophotography under dark skies.
- Ferry ride offers coastal views and occasional dolphin sightings.
Photographer’s Tip: Pack a telephoto lens for wildlife captures. Plan to stay overnight for dark sky astrophotography over the lighthouse.
Secret Photo Spots and Unique Experiences
Whilst these are five of the most popular lighthouses in New Zealand when it comes to photography, most of the 100+ offer keen photographers a rare opportunity, whether it’s the lighthouse itself or the rugged coastline that it protects. Keen photographers shouldn’t overlook:
- Cape Egmont, Taranaki - challenging to capture both lighthouse and Mount Taranaki - spring visits recommended for vibrant foregrounds.
- Manukau Heads, Auckland - striking views with less foot traffic, rewarding sunsets and panoramic coastal imagery.
- East Cape, Gisborne - remote, windswept, and utterly dramatic for those willing to travel further afield.
- Tutukaka’s Kukutauwhao Island - low tide reveals hidden compositions and unique perspectives from the bush tracks.
FAQ: Best Lighthouses NZ, Coastal Views, and Lighthouse Photography
What’s the best time of day for lighthouse photography in NZ?
East coast lighthouses like Castlepoint and Tiritiri Matangi shine at sunrise; west coast spots like Cape Reinga and Pencarrow produce stunning sunsets and moody dusk shots.
Are New Zealand lighthouses easy to access by car hire?
Most major lighthouses are accessible by road with designated car parks and well-maintained tracks, perfect for self-drive travel itineraries.
Do lighthouses in NZ offer wildlife photography opportunities?
Yes - seal, dolphin, penguin, and native bird encounters are frequent around Nugget Point, Tiritiri Matangi, Castlepoint, and Pencarrow.
Can I stay overnight near any lighthouse for sunrise/sunset photos?
Yes - Tapotupotu campsite (Cape Reinga), Castlepoint village, and the overnight bunkhouse on Tiritiri Matangi offer direct lighthouse access for golden hour shoots.
Is there a cost to visit these lighthouses?
Most lighthouse tracks are free to enter, though some locations (such as Tiritiri Matangi) may have ferry or accommodation fees.
Final Thoughts
Capture New Zealand’s lighthouse magic with RaD Car Hire - plan the ultimate road trip for coastal views, unique wildlife, and dramatic panoramas documented in every click. These scenic photo spots and hidden gems guarantee memorable shots and insider experiences for any travel photographer.
Ready to hit the road? Pick up your car at RaD Car Hire branches in one of our 22 branches around the country, including major hubs in Auckland, Wellington, Christchurch, or Queenstown, and let your Kiwi adventure begin.