When everything looks like it belongs in a fairytale, you know that you’ve arrived in New Zealand. While it’s impossible to see all this iridescent nation in one trip, one can get snippets of its marvelous, awe-inspiring beauty from images. More so, from Instagram images that infuse life into mundane, everyday feeds. Yes, Kiwi Land has that effect on people!

Want to know how?

Take a look at Thomas Cook’s list of picturesque and Instagrammable places in New Zealand!

Here's a summary of what you can expect from each:

• Bay of Islands - cruise picture, biking picture, skydiving picture

• Milford Sound - shore picture, kayaking picture

• Hobbiton – farmland picture, food picture

• Lake Tekapo – floral picture, star gazing picture

• Tongariro National Park – cliff picture, hiking picture

Bay of Islands:

Colour-wash your Instagram profile with the glorious hues of Bay of Islands. 140 subtropical isles, rainbow-hued and picturesque, make up an enclave in New Zealand’s North Island. Enjoy a sun-kissed day amidst cheerful dolphins and silvery, foamy waterfalls. We’ve got a number of ideas that will make for wonderful pictures, here. Cruise around the bay (from Paihia Wharf) and ask your companion to get a shot of you gazing out at the glassy waters. Make sure your body language is poised and the frame opens to striking panoramas of the landscapes. Or, hop onto your bike and hit the Waitangi Mountain Bike Park for a delightful woodland picture. Strike an adventurous pose as you cross one of the old bridges, helmet clad and drunk with laughter. And if you’re itching for that quintessential mid-air shot, skydive from 16,000 ft. and yelp “woohoo”!

Milford Sound:

One of New Zealand’s most coveted tourist destinations also happens to be one of its most instagrammable spots. And, why not? Milford Sound is a fierce, moonlight fjord in the South Island, famed for its graceful peaks, silky waterfalls and fur seal colonies. Come sunshine or snow, an ethereal backdrop is promised. One of our recommendations would be to capture the fjord from the shore. Stand amidst the haze of autumnal-winter tall grass and glimpse straight ahead as twilight drenches the rock. For this shot, we’d suggest wearing a woolen beanie and shawl. Another of our favourites is a summer click out in the bold, blue waters. Set about a kayaking trip and row-row-row your boat. This is yet another back-facing image, so sport some stylish swimwear.

Hobbiton:

You need not be a Lord of the Rings fan to fall in love with the Shire, a village from J. R. R. Tolkien's fictional Middle-earth. The unequivocal beauty of this farmland, dotted with pine trees and quaint, dreamy hobbit homes, cannot be missed. Trust us, there’s no better place to create Instagram magic than from the source of movie magic itself! A fantastical movie set tour will end at the Green Dragon Inn, where a sumptuous feast awaits. Rustic interiors complemented by the faint glow of candlelight and firewood, poses as the perfect backdrop for your next picture. Take a shot of the decadent spread that ticks off every sensory category. Capture the richness of golden roast chicken, pumpkin stuffed with chargrilled succotash, baked apple crumble and butterscotch sauce. 

Lake Tekapo:

Despite its miniature population, Lake Tekapo remains one of the most desired locales in New Zealand’s sensuous South Island. Its delicate, romantic beauty is something to be admired in person, but looks darn good in pictures too! There are plenty of pretty nooks to keep the camera-hungry busy. For instance, the musky, radiant and pastel lupine flowering plant was born to bloom for the Polaroid. You must feature these petite pinks, peaches and purples flailing in the wind, overlooking turquoise waters that sparkle like Cinderella’s slipper. And as stunning as this hamlet is in the day, it is even more spellbinding at night under the glint of countless stars. So, make sure to get a sweeping image that will make Vincent Van Gogh proud. You can even leverage the boomerang feature to make things interesting. 

Tongariro National Park:

Decorate your Instagram grid with ribbons of adventure. Tongariro National Park, situated in central North Island, is unlike anywhere else in the world. Breathtaking and masterful, this unique landscape should be on every photographer’s wish-list. Nestled in wilderness-wonderland, let your camera run along the grooves and crevices of dramatic volcanoes as you zip across the sky on a scenic flight. Upload a live story, while soaring high in the air, the excitement is simply unparalleled. For the Lord of the Rings groupies out there, discover the infamous Mt. Doom or Mount Ngauruhoe and capture its glory in a series of aesthetic and thrilling shots. Why don’t you get that classic hiking picture out of the way, you know the one overlooking a sheer drop? Yes, this is the best time to convert yet another Instagram fantasy into reality. 

Tricks of the Trade:

1. While Instagram has its very own camera feature, use your smartphone, tablet or digital camera to take pictures instead. The sharper the image resolution, the more engaging the snap. 
2. Always maintain a steady hand while clicking pictures. Invest in a mini tripod to ensure your pictures are aligned to perfection. Use the focus feature to create emphasis.
3. Make provisions for camera angles, background, symmetry, balance and lighting. Leverage natural light and colour contrasts for the best results. 
4. Use filters sparingly as it takes away from the essence of a natural setting. If you’re going for a creative spin, select from a wide range of editing apps that can completely transform the image.
5. Opt away from the traditional landscape and portrait mode, as Instagram images are confined to a box in a grid. Use a square ratio of 1:1, placing your subject in the centre of the frame.

Have we inspired you to sprinkle your Instagram profile with a little Kiwi love? If yes, book your New Zealand package today!