Making Memories: Top Photo Spots for Families in the Waitomo Region

The Waitomo region is a treasure trove of natural beauty and awe-inspiring landscapes, making it the perfect destination for groups and families looking to create lasting memories. Whether you’re snapping shots for the family album or capturing Instagram-worthy moments, this guide will help you find the best photo spots in the region. From magical caves to enchanting waterfalls, Waitomo offers endless opportunities for stunning photos.

The Caves: A Magical Underground Wonderland

No trip to Waitomo is complete without visiting the world-famous Waitomo Caves. Photography is permitted in Ruakuri Cave & Aranui Cave. There is also a special photography tour available through Ruakuri Cave. Photography is not permitted in the Waitomo Glowworm Cave; however, you can purchase photos while there.

Use a slow shutter speed. The caves are dark, and glowworms emit a soft, blue-green light. A slow shutter speed allows your camera to capture more light, making the glowworms stand out in your photo.
Keep still: To avoid blurry photos, steady your camera on a tripod or a flat surface.
Turn off the flash. Flash photography is not allowed in the caves as it disturbs the glowworms. Let the natural glow do the work.

Marokopa Falls: The Perfect Backdrop for Family Photos

Just a short drive from the Waitomo Caves, Marokopa Falls is a must-visit spot for nature lovers. This stunning 35-meter waterfall is one of the most picturesque in New Zealand, offering a dramatic backdrop for family photos. The best part? The falls are accessible via a short, reasonably easy walk, making it a great spot for families with children.

Visit in the morning: The light is softest in the early hours, making the waterfall look even more majestic.
Let the waterfall be the star of the photo by positioning “your people” in the foreground. This creates a sense of scale and emphasises the grandeur of the falls.
Use a wide-angle lens. A wide-angle lens will help you capture the entire scene, including the lush greenery that surrounds the falls.
The Falls are often best after recent rain.

The Mangapohue Natural Bridge: A Scenic Wonder

The Mangapohue Natural Bridge is another fantastic spot for photos. It’s a gorgeous, short walk that takes you back in time. This limestone arch, a remnant of an ancient cave system, is a sight to behold. The bridge is surrounded by native bush and offers stunning views of the surrounding landscape.

Photograph at golden hour: golden hour, the hour after sunrise or before sunset, provides the best natural lighting, casting a warm glow over the landscape.
Capture the arch from below: Stand beneath the arch and shoot upwards to capture its impressive height and the light filtering through the trees above.
Include the stream in your shot. The gentle stream flowing beneath the arch adds a serene touch to your photos.

Lush Forest Trails: Embrace the Greenery

Waitomo’s lush forests are ideal for capturing family moments surrounded by nature. The Ruakuri Bushwalk is a popular choice, offering a mix of native bush, limestone outcrops, and hidden caves.

Play with depth of field: Use a wide aperture to blur the background slightly, making your family the focal point while still capturing the lush greenery.
Look for natural frames: Use the trees, branches, or even the cave entrances to frame your family in the shot, adding a creative touch to your photos.
Involve the kids: Let the little ones explore and capture candid moments of them interacting with nature.

Photography Tips for Families

Be patient. Great photos take time. Allow your family to relax and enjoy the moment, and the perfect shot will come naturally.
If you’re using cameras, bring extra batteries and memory cards. You don’t want to miss out on capturing these beautiful spots due to a lack of storage or power.
Have fun with it! The best photos are those that capture genuine happiness and love. Don’t stress about getting the perfect shot—focus on enjoying the moment together.

Final Thoughts

The Waitomo region is a photographer’s paradise, offering endless opportunities to capture beautiful family moments. Whether you’re exploring caves, marvelling at waterfalls, or wandering through lush forests, every spot provides a unique backdrop for your family photos. Why not make Waitomo Top 10 Holiday Park your base while making memories that will last a lifetime?