Top places to watch the sunset in New Zealand

There is no shortage of beautiful places to watch the sunset in New Zealand with beaches, mountains and look out points galore.

There is something magical about rolling up to a secluded beach or taking a hike to the top of a mountain to watch the sunset, so we’ve rounded up some of the top places to go to after a long day of exploring the Land of the Long White Cloud.

Don’t forget your camera – these spots will make for the perfect photo opportunity!

Mt Eden, Auckland

Our first sunset destination is located close to the hustle and bustle of downtown Auckland. Mt Eden is located about 5km from the CBD and is the highest volcano in Auckland. From the top, you get 360-degree views of the city which makes this a fantastic spot to watch the sun go down.

Bob’s Peak, Queenstown

Bob’s Peak is hands down one of the most Instagrammed spots in Queenstown.

There are a few options when it comes to getting to the top. You can either hike up The Tiki Trail which will take you about an hour – depending on fitness levels – or you can take the Queenstown Skyline Gondola. From the top, there is stunning views right across Queenstown.

Cape Reinga Lighthouse, Cape Reinga

Cape Reinga is located as far North as you can get on the mainland and the Lighthouse is the shining light at the end of a long winding path. From here, you can see where the Tasman Sea meets the Pacific Ocean making it an incredibly destination for watching the sunset.

Anawhata Beach, Auckland

There is no shortage of beautiful beaches in New Zealand, but the Anawhata Beach and its famous black sand is particularly striking. There is a small hike you need to take to get to the beach, but it is definitely worth it to watch a spectacular sunset.

Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown

Located in Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu is the third largest lake in New Zealand and is bordered on all sides by mountains. The reflection of the sun setting across the lake is a must-see sight if you are visiting Queenstown.

Mount Taranaki / Mount Egmont, Taranaki

Taranaki is smack bang between Auckland and Wellington on New Zealand’s West Coast and home to one of the best sunset destinations, Mount Taranaki. Watching the sunset across the beautiful mountain ranges is something not to be missed.