LOCATION GUIDE
haley adele photography
Maukatia Bay
Muriwai, Auckland
A beautiful West Coast Beach, just 50 minutes from Auckland City. This spot is an absolute favourite due to it's beautiful cliffs and dark sand.
This location can be quite windy so it's best suited for couples, hair down and outfits that move in the wind!
Best time to shoot
Parking & Access
At sunset and a lower tide although a medium tide is still acceptable. The beach is usually less busy at sunset than Muriwai Beach, which is just on the other side of the cliffs.
There is a bathroom to change, plenty of parking and a short walk down the hill on a gravel path to the bay itself.
furbabies
Dogs are unfortunately not allowed here.
MURIWAI BEACH
Muriwai, Auckland
A beautiful West Coast Beach, just 50 minutes from Auckland City. This spot is a very long beach with dark sand and sand dunes with beach grasses.
This location can be ultra windy so it's best suited for couples, hair down and outfits that move in the wind!
Best time to shoot
Parking & Access
At sunset and a lower tide although a medium tide is still acceptable. The beach can be very busy but it is extremely long so it's easy to find a quiet spot.
There is a bathroom to change, plenty of parking and barely any walking to get onto the beach itself.
furbabies
Dogs may be allowed, depending on the time of day, year and on-off leash areas.
Ngarunui beach
Raglan, Waikato
A beautiful West Coast Beach, just 45 minutes from Auckland City. This spot is an absolute favourite due to it's beautiful sunsets and reflective dark sand.
This location can be quite windy so it's best suited for families on less windy days.
Best time to shoot
Parking & Access
At sunset and a mid-low tide although a medium tide is still acceptable. The beach is usually less busy at sunset but sometimes we do need to move down the beach to avoid people.
There is a bathroom to change and plenty of parking options. There are two walkways down to the beach, both long and downhill.
furbabies
Dogs may be allowed, depending on the time of day, year and on-off leash areas.
Te Toto Gorge
Raglan, Waikato
Set above the West Coast, the Te Toto Gorge lookout is a gorgeous option for those that want windswept cliff images but don't want to go down to the beach.
This location is best suited for couples rather than families as it doesn't have a lot of flat areas.
Best time to shoot
Parking & Access
At sunset to capture the beautiful sun going down over the water. This spot can be extremely windy so it's best with hair down or curled as pony tails will just whip in the wind.
There are no bathrooms here and limited parking. The road is very windy and long.
furbabies
Dogs are not allowed.
RUAPUKE beach
South End, Waikato
A beautiful West Coast Beach, just under an hour Hamilton. This spot is a favourite due to it's beautiful sunsets, isolation and reflective dark sand. This end of the beach has beautiful grass covered dunes as well although it can quite windy so it's best suited for couples or families only when not windy.
Best time to shoot
Parking & Access
At sunset and a mid-low tide although a medium-high tide is still acceptable. The beach is a very isolated area, with a gravel road to the carpark.
There are two carparks, the north end and southern end both having basic toilets and a long but easy walk to the beach from the South end carpark.
furbabies
Unknown.
ruapuke beach
North End, Waikato
A beautiful West Coast Beach, just under an hour Hamilton. This spot is a favourite due to it's beautiful sunsets, isolation and reflective dark sand. The North End of the beach has beautiful cliffs that you can shoot right underneath. This location can be quite windy so it's best suited for couples or families only when not windy.
Best time to shoot
Parking & Access
At sunset and a mid-low tide although a medium-high tide is still acceptable. The beach is a very isolated area, with a windy gravel road to the carpark. There is a basic toilet at the carpark.
There are two carparks, the north end and southern end with basic toilets at either end. This end of the beach has barely any walking to the beach from the carpark.
furbabies
Unknown.
NGARUNUI BEACH
Raglan, Waikato
The walkway above Ngarunui Beach is Raglan has a gorgeous view over the beach, cliffs in the distance as well as often, a very long grass field in the gully between the farmland and the walkway down to the beach which is gorgeous for maternity, couples and family photoshoots. Just make sure to wear shoes as it has prickles!
Best time to shoot
Parking & Access
Definitely at sunset, it's too bright at any other time of day here and the sun sets over the water, which is absolutely gorgeous at that time of day.
There is plenty of parking as well as bathrooms and the location is a reasonably short walk. The gate is closed to this carpark though, so it's important to check those timings.
furbabies
Dogs may be allowed, depending on the time of day, year and on-off leash areas.
PAPAMOA BEACH
Bay of Plenty
A stunning white sand beach on the East Coast, only 15 or so minutes from Taruanga. This beach is perfect for maternity, families and couples and is gorgeous for sunset or sunrise.
With the beach dunes covered in grasses, this location is great to double as two looks.
Best time to shoot
Parking & Access
At sunset to capture the beautiful sun going down over the dunes or a sunrise where it comes over the water. A very long beach with lots of space.
Loads of parking along the length of the beach, easy to find bathrooms at the main carparks and little walking to the beach from the car.
furbabies
Dogs may be allowed, depending on the time of day, year and on-off leash areas.
OCEAN beach
Waihi Beach, Bay Of Plenty
Situated just 15 minutes away from Waihi township, Ocean Beach in Waihi is a gorgeous stretch of coastline on the East Coast that has so many perfect spots for photoshoots.
The sun sets over the dunes rather than the water, making it gorgeous at both sunset and sunrise.
Best time to shoot
Parking & Access
At sunset and a mid-low tide although a medium tide is still acceptable. This area of the beach is usually very empty except a few dog walkers in the evening.
There is barely any walking to get onto the beach from many of the carparks littered along this stretch of the coast.
furbabies
Dogs may be allowed, depending on the time of day, year and on-off leash areas.
BOWENTOWN
Waihi Beach, Bay Of Plenty
20 Minutes from Waihi is the section of beach at Bowntown. This is a beautiful spot if youo want some beach dunes with grasses and some rocks as well.
The sun sets over the dunes rather than the water, making it gorgeous at both sunset and sunrise.
Best time to shoot
Parking & Access
At sunset and a lower tide although a medium tide is still acceptable. The beach can be very busy during the holidays but there are plenty of parking.
There is a bathroom to change, plenty of parking and barely any walking to get onto the beach itself.
furbabies
Dogs may be allowed, depending on the time of day, year and on-off leash areas.
Hamilton Gardens
Hamilton, Waikato
The Hamilton Gardens boosts 19 different themed enclosed gardens that are perfect for couple & pre-wedding photoshoots. No matter whether you prefer a more manicured garden, a gorgeous Italian themed garden covered in vines or a beautiful villa - there is something for everyone.
Best time to shoot
Parking & Access
Either first thing when the gardens open or the last entry, this ensures there are less people in the gardens watching but also that we have softer light.
There is a bathroom to change, plenty of parking and a short walk into the gardens. There is an entry fee.
furbabies
Dogs are unfortunately not allowed here.
Hamilton city
Hamilton, Waikato
For couples that aren't afraid of doing something a little different, shooting in amongst the city at sunset is a gorgeous option and a whole bunch of fun. With all the beautiful buildings, doorways and cute restaurants and cafes, a city shoot is definitely something cool and different.
Best time to shoot
Parking & Access
Sunset for the beautiful light as well as building lights or later in the afternoon, close to evening, when it isn't so busy. I'd recommend avoiding shooting in the day during business hours near the holidays.
While there is plenty of parking around the CBD there is a time limit on free parking.
furbabies
Dogs are not allowed in the CBD.
THE REDWOODS
Rotorua, Waikato
The Redwoods forest in Rotorua is a stunning location for family, maternity or couple photos with so many different tracks giving a large variety of backdrop options.
This location can be quite busy but there are often areas that are less busy too.
Best time to shoot
Parking & Access
Any time but around midday, the sunlight is filtered through the trees but it's still nice to have it coming in on a angle rather than being right above us.
There is plenty of parking as well as bathrooms onsite at the main carpark. Access to various spots does require some walking.
furbabies
There are dog walking tracks here.
Riverhead forest
Riverhead, Auckland
A gorgeous pine forest west of Auckland features so many options for photographs including ones with your furry friend. Although not all area's are accessible due to it being a working forestry area there are many locations that are.
Best time to shoot
Parking & Access
Any time but midday is usually best. Sunset is always my favourite time but morning and afternoon work in the forest as well as there is plenty of shade.
As long as there isn't an event on there is usually parking available although there isn't bathrooms.
furbabies
Dogs are allowed on many of the tracks here.
YaRNdleys Bush
Te Awamutu, Waikato
5 Minutes from Te Awamutu is a gorgeous little walkway loop called Yarndleys Bush.
This spot is perfect for couples or maternity but doesn't work for families as the pathways and boardwalk are too narrow.
Best time to shoot
Parking & Access
Either morning, later in the afternoon or like these two, near to golden hour. As the sun sets it comes through the trees and makes for gorgeous light.
There is a small carpark located across the road from the entrance to the walkway although the walkway to the start of the bush is rather long.
furbabies
Dogs are allowed on leash.
Lake Okareka
Lake Okareka, Rotorua
Lake Okareka Reserve and Walkway is a gorgeous boardwalk surrounding the lake which has a beautiful sunset from the farmlands surrounding the lake.
This location is best suited for couples or maternity as it is a narrow boardwalk.
Best time to shoot
Parking & Access
At sunset or early morning as the pathway is exposed to the light. It usually isn't too windy here but there aren't opportunitis to get off the boardwalk.
There is a small carpark area but no bathrooms.
furbabies
Dogs are not allowed.
Owharoa falls
Karangahake Gorge, Waikato
With a very short walkway to the falls, this location is great for maternity photoshoots and couple photoshoots.
It's best at sunset as the falls are exposed to the light but the bonus is it is very sheltered from the wind.
Best time to shoot
Parking & Access
Either morning, later in the afternoon or at golden hour. It's best at sunset as the falls are exposed to the light but the bonus is it is very sheltered from the wind.
There is a very small carpark but there are no bathroom facilities here. There are some nearby at Karangahake Gorge.
furbabies
Dogs are allowed while under control.
morrinsville river walk
Morrinsville, Waikato
A beautiful location in Autumn with leaves falling above the walkway at the recreation center and fields as well as the beautiful walkway itself, running along side the river with a more native forest vibe.
Best time to shoot
Parking & Access
Morning, afternoon or sunset. This location is perfect for families as well as couples and maternity.
There is plenty of parking along with bathroom facilities right there.
furbabies
Dogs are allowed on lead here.
Taitua Arboretum
Hamilton, Waikato
Taitua Arboretum is a great place if you want to bring your family, do a couple shoot or have your furbaby present. This location has multiple loops and various backdrops to use depending on what look you like best. Some locations are beautiful for sunset photos and others you won't see the sunset from.
Best time to shoot
Parking & Access
Either morning, later in the afternoon or at golden hour. As the sun sets it comes through the trees and makes for gorgeous light but it isn't always visible in all areas of the park.
There is a carpark along with bathrooms located at the start of the track. There is usually plenty of parking but there is definitely a bit of walking to get to the various spots.
furbabies
Dogs are allowed on leash.
THE RIVER
Hamilton, Waikato
All around Hamilton River are gorgeous walkways, although these can be quite busy at times, there are plenty of backdrops that look beautiful around the river.
Depending on where you want to walk from, there are various points of access and differing facilities.
Best time to shoot
Parking & Access
Sunset or late afternoon, earlier in the morning. Large portions of the River Walks are in the shade but some areas aren't.
Depending on where you want to walk from, there are various points of access and differing facilities.
furbabies
Dogs are allowed, depending on where you start.
Te Miro Bike Park
Te Miro, Waikato
Often used for wedding photos, the Te Miro Mountain Bike Park is a perfect spot for those that want a pine forest in Waikato. There are multiple tracks as well as a lake creating various different looks for your photos.
Best time to shoot
Parking & Access
Either earlier in the day before lunch or at golden hour for sunset. The lake area is exposed to the sun so if you want that featured, sunset is best.
There are basic bathroom facilities and a main parking area. There is a reasonable walk down and up the hill to get to and from the locations.
furbabies
Dogs can be brought here on leash.
Te Aroha Mt.
Te Aroha, Waikato
Te Aroha Mountain Gold Mining Walking Tracks are stunning for those that want a little bit of an adventure. With various caves, old mining tracks and a little river at the beginning of the walkway, these are great for those that want that native greenery look. Perfect for couples, and for maternity for those that just want the river and greenery rather than the tracks as well.
Best time to shoot
Parking & Access
This area is beautiful at sunrise with the fog as well as at sunset. For most of the track, it's within the trees so it can be shot during the day aswell.
While there is plenty of parking but no bathroom facilities. The walking tracks themselves are a mix off grades but there is a shorter loop that can be done.
furbabies
Dogs are not allowed.
Alphra lavenders
Te Awamutu, Waikato
Alphra Lavender Farm is a beautiful location at sunrise, early morning and sunset from December til February. With bathrooms, an adorable gift shop and the stunning gardens themselves, this is a great spot to head to for a picnic and a photoshoot. This location does have a fee and costs $10 per person and this fee needs to be paid in advance to the photographer.
Best time to shoot
Parking & Access
Either at sunrise, early morning or sunset. Sunset is outside of the normal business hours and needs to be booked with the venue.
There are bathroom facilities, a gift shop and a parking area. The farm is reasonably flat and has some accessible lavender aisles.
furbabies
Please contact Alphra Lavender park directly for information on this.
