One of the most important parts of creating beautiful, relaxed images is choosing the right setting. Over the years, I’ve found a collection of go-to spots that I absolutely love - places that offer the perfect blend of natural beauty, soft light, and peaceful surroundings.
From golden grasses on the Port Hills to quiet tree-lined tracks and wide open beaches, these locations provide stunning backdrops that let your family’s connection shine. Whether you're after soft and serene or bold and dramatic, I’ll help guide you to a location that suits your vision.
I’m always happy to travel if you’d like to explore somewhere a little further afield - please note that travel fees apply for any locations more than 50km from Rolleston.
Things to Consider:
Do you feel most at home near the ocean, among tall trees, or up in the hills with sweeping views? Would you love soft pastel tones at the beach, lush greens in the forest, or golden grasses in the countryside? Thinking about the kind of setting you’re drawn to will help us pick somewhere that feels right for your family.
It’s also worth thinking about how easy a location is to get to - especially if you have little ones or anyone who might find uneven ground tricky. Some spots involve a bit of walking, while others are closer to parking and easier to navigate. Let me know what suits your family best, and I’ll recommend options to match.
Some of the most meaningful sessions happen in places that hold a special place in your heart. Maybe it’s the park where you walk your dog, a beach where your kids built their first sandcastles, or your favourite weekend picnic spot. Choosing a location that’s personally significant can make your photos feel even more authentic and full of heart.
Christchurch has some stunning spots, but a few can get very busy - especially on weekends or during peak seasons. Popular locations like Sumner Beach, the Botanical Gardens, and Halswell Quarry (especially in spring when the blossoms are out) tend to attract a lot of visitors. For a more relaxed and enjoyable experience in these spots - with fewer people in the background - I recommend scheduling your session early in the morning or later in the evening during the week when it’s quieter.
Lighting is one of the most important parts of great photography! Early morning or late afternoon light is soft and flattering, which is why I’ll often suggest those times for your shoot. If you’re unsure, don’t worry - I’ll guide you on what will work best for your chosen spot and help you plan the timing so we can make the most of the light.
Port Hills & Surrounding Areas
Port Hills is perfect for families wanting epic views, soft golden tones, and a slightly adventurous feel. It has a romantic, windswept vibe with beautiful hilltop and harbour backdrops - ideal for those who love nature and want a bit of drama in their gallery.
Some spots are easy to drive right up to, while others involve a short walk. Uneven or sloped terrain is common, so it's not ideal for prams or anyone who may struggle with hills.
Golden hour - either just after sunrise or in the 1–2 hours before sunset - is absolutely stunning here. The hills glow beautifully in summer and autumn, but it's lovely all year round.
It’s often windy, so be ready for windswept hair and movement in dresses. This can add beauty to your images but might not suit everyone.
Flowy dresses, textured knits, and earthy tones like rust, sage, mustard, and oatmeal look amazing against the natural backdrop.
Nestled just above the city, these beautiful tree-lined pathways are perfect for shorter Classic Maternity or Half Family sessions. They offer soft filtered light and lush textures all year round. For Luxe Maternity sessions, this can be a magical first stop before heading further up the hill to catch those dramatic hilltop views.
Ideal any time of year. Best photographed early to mid-afternoon through the winter months, and early to late afternoon during summer.
Tucked midway up Dyers Pass Road, this hidden gem features a peaceful grove of oak trees and soft greenery. It’s perfect for Classic Maternity and Family sessions, or as a beautiful first stop for Luxe Maternity shoots before heading further up the hill for a change of scenery. With lovely filtered light and a more intimate feel, it’s quickly becoming a new favourite.
Best through summer and autumn when the warm tones and soft light filter beautifully through the trees. Most stunning in the mid to late afternoon.
A short 5-minute walk uphill rewards you with sweeping views over both the city and the harbour. This spot features rocky outcrops, golden grasses, and a beautifully rugged feel. Ideal for maternity or family sessions with a touch of adventure.
Perfect all year round, with each season bringing slightly different textures and colours to the landscape. Best photographed just after sunrise or within the final couple of hours before sunset for the softest light.
This location boasts gorgeous views of both the harbour and the city, with a classic hilly Port Hills landscape. It’s ideal for sessions that want a real sense of place and natural beauty without too much walking required.
Beautiful year round, especially in the softer light of early morning around an hour or two after sunrise. It’s also lovely in the couple of hours leading into sunset.
Bathed in golden grasses and often kissed by the very first or last light of the day, Lamar Track is perfect for capturing soft, glowing sunset or sunrise images. It has open views across the city and a peaceful, spacious feel.
Beautiful in every season, though especially stunning when the grasses are golden through summer and autumn. As this is a very open location, overcast or softer light works best. Most magical in the hour before sunset.
One of my most requested locations - and it’s easy to see why! This spot offers breathtaking views across the harbour and surrounding hills, with a dreamy mix of golden grasses and layered textures. A go-to for both maternity and family sessions, especially those after a dramatic and expansive backdrop.
Perfect all year round. The landscape takes on rich golden tones through summer and autumn, while winter and spring bring subtle green hues. Best photographed around an hour after sunrise or a couple of hours before sunset.
Beach
Beach sessions are relaxed, dreamy, and playful - perfect for families who love the outdoors and don’t mind a bit of sand between their toes. They're ideal for carefree moments like paddling at the shoreline, drawing in the sand, or running barefoot along the water's edge. The vibe is light and natural, with plenty of space for kids to explore and be themselves.
Most beaches have nearby parking, but access usually involves walking across soft sand or dunes, which can be tricky for prams or anyone with limited mobility. It’s best suited to families comfortable walking on uneven surfaces and not needing wheels for little ones.
Early morning or golden hour in the evening provides the softest, most flattering light. Beaches are stunning year-round, but summer and early autumn often give us the best skies. If we can time the session with the tide going out, we may be able to capture those magical reflective shots in the wet sand!
It can get windy, and young children can sometimes be unsure about the sound or movement of waves. If that’s a concern, we’ll stay further from the waterline.
Soft, flowing outfits in neutral or pastel tones (white, cream, soft blue, beige) suit the beach beautifully. Bare feet are encouraged! Consider layers or light knits if there’s a breeze. Avoid dark or heavy colours that can feel too formal in this relaxed setting.
A quiet gem with a wide, open beach, low dunes, and a backdrop of pine trees. In November and December, yellow lupins bloom across the dunes, adding a gorgeous golden pop to your photos. For Luxe sessions, we can begin amongst the tree-lined pathways and wander toward the beach for the second half as the sun dips lower.
Lovely throughout the year, with late spring and early summer bringing beautiful seasonal lupins. Stunning at sunrise with the light rising over the water, or just before sunset when the trees glow golden.
A peaceful stretch of coastline with beautiful dunes and dreamy views of the Sumner cliffs in the distance. In late spring, yellow lupins add a soft, colourful touch. For Luxe Maternity or longer Family sessions, we can also explore the grassy tracks and pockets of greenery in the reserve before finishing up on the beach.
Beautiful year round, with late spring being especially lovely when the lupins bloom. Sunrise and sunset both work beautifully here for soft light and dreamy coastal tones.
For a more dramatic, coastal vibe, Sumner offers striking rocky outcrops, layered textures, and a bold, natural backdrop. We can also take advantage of the nearby dunes and lush greenery to add softness and variety to your session.
Please note: Sumner can get quite busy on weekends during the warmer months, so weekday sessions are usually best for a more relaxed experience and fewer crowds.
Beautiful all year round, especially through late spring, summer, and early autumn when the coastline feels warm and vibrant. Best photographed at sunrise or a couple of hours before sunset, as the light drops behind the hills quite early here.
Gardens, Parks & Reserves
Perfect for young families or those wanting a relaxed, tidy setting. Gardens and parks offer a lovely mix of manicured paths, trees, open lawns, and floral backdrops - great for cuddly, connected moments and playful exploration. It’s also a favourite with kids who love to run freely or climb trees!
Most gardens and parks have flat, pram-friendly paths and nearby parking, making them one of the easiest and most comfortable options for all ages.
Spring is perfect for blossom and fresh flowers, summer offers vibrant greenery, and autumn brings warm golden tones. Late afternoon or early morning is best for light and fewer crowds.
Spots like the Botanic Gardens, Mona Vale, and Halswell Quarry can get very busy on weekends - especially in spring. Weekday sessions or quieter local parks are great alternatives.
Soft, classic colours work well - think dusky pinks, cream, sage green, and warm tones in autumn. Avoid neons or busy patterns so the natural surroundings shine.
An iconic Christchurch location with something beautiful around every corner - from vibrant seasonal gardens to tall trees, greenhouses, and gentle river views. The Botanic Gardens are a great option for clients wanting variety within one location. Best suited to quieter weekday sessions, especially during peak seasons.
Beautiful year round, with each season offering something unique - blossom trees in mid-September, delicate white Queen Anne’s lace flowers in mid to late October, lush greenery and hydrangea blooms through summer, and stunning golden leaves in autumn. Best photographed early to mid-morning or mid to late afternoon for the softest light. The greenhouse is open daily from 10am–4pm and can be a beautiful indoor option on poor weather days. Weekday sessions are highly recommended, as weekends can become very busy.
With its picturesque bridges, rose gardens, and grassy river banks, Mona Vale is a romantic and elegant setting. The red brick arches around the fernery are an especially stunning feature of this location. This spot works beautifully for maternity, motherhood, and family sessions where you want that soft garden magic.
Most beautiful in late spring and summer when the gardens are full of blooms, while mid to late autumn brings gorgeous golden tones throughout the grounds. Best photographed early to mid-morning or mid-afternoon for soft, flattering light. The fernery and bath house are open Monday–Friday from 9am–4pm and can add a lovely touch of variety to your session.
A beautiful mix of open grassy areas, native plantings, and rustic stone walls - Halswell Quarry is great for relaxed family sessions with lots of space for kids to run around. There are gorgeous views of the quarry, tree-lined paths, and hidden nooks to explore.
Beautiful all year round, with cherry blossom appearing in mid to late September and stunning late-falling oak leaves through May and early June. Best photographed early to mid-morning or mid to late afternoon. Weekends during blossom season can be extremely busy, so weekday sessions are strongly recommended at that time of year.
A short 5-minute walk from the carpark leads you to this stunning, open landscape with sweeping views and beautiful natural textures. Kaituna Quarry Reserve really shines in golden hour light, with warm tones and soft shadows that create a dreamy, expansive feel. A lovely option for maternity or family sessions for those happy with a brief walk to reach something truly special.
Beautiful throughout every season, though especially magical in the warmer months when the grasses turn golden. Best photographed within the hour before sunset for that soft golden-hour glow.
Forest
Forests offer a peaceful, grounded feel with tall trees, dappled light, and a quiet atmosphere that’s perfect for intimate, connected moments. Families love the sense of adventure - whether it’s little ones collecting pinecones, climbing logs, or simply walking hand-in-hand among the trees. It’s ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors and want a more earthy, timeless look to their gallery.
Some forest tracks are very easy to access, others involve more of a walk. I’ll recommend the right spot based on your family’s needs.
Forests can be used year-round, but the best light is between mid-morning and early afternoon when the sun is high enough to filter through the trees.
Forests are beautiful but can be quite dark. Sessions here work best on clear or lightly overcast days. Avoid late afternoons when it’s too dim under the canopy.
Earthy colours like warm browns, rust, greens, mustard, and cream look amazing. Textured knits, boots, and linen fabrics suit the setting perfectly.
Just a short drive from the city, McLeans Island features tall pine trees, wide stony tracks, and easy access with plenty of parking. We can stay close to the carpark areas for convenience, or head further into the forest if your family is keen to explore a little more. It has a natural, earthy vibe and works beautifully for family sessions, especially those with young kids who love space to run and play.
A lovely option all year round, with soft earthy tones and greenery in every season. Best photographed early to mid-morning or mid to late afternoon when the light filters beautifully through the trees.
Just a few minutes past Darfield, McHughs Forest feels truly magical. With its towering trees, lush greenery, and soft filtered light, it offers a fairy-tale backdrop all year round. Perfect for maternity or family sessions with a sense of adventure, this location is worth the short trip for its stunning, immersive forest atmosphere.
Beautiful in every season. Best photographed mid to late morning when the sun is higher and can filter through the canopy, as forests naturally become quite dark. Sessions here work best on clear or lightly overcast days, and late afternoons are generally avoided due to limited light under the trees.
Rivers & Streams
These locations offer a peaceful, natural setting with a lovely mix of textures - think stony riverbanks, gently flowing water, tree-lined paths, and wildflowers in spring. They’re perfect for families who love a relaxed, outdoorsy vibe and want to include a little adventure in their session. Kids love splashing at the water’s edge, climbing over rocks, or tossing stones into the stream.
Access can vary - some spots are easy to park beside with a short walk to the river, while others may involve a bit more of a trek over uneven ground. Not ideal for prams, but fine for confident walkers and families used to outdoor exploring.
Best in spring and summer when the wildflowers bloom and the water is gentle and inviting. Early-morning or golden hour in the evening provides the softest, most beautiful light.
Bring a change of clothes if little ones love water play - things can get wet quickly! These areas are best suited to adventurous families who don’t mind a bit of mud or stones underfoot. Watch footing around slippery rocks and uneven terrain.
Natural, earthy tones like sage, cream, tan, rust or denim look gorgeous against the riverbank. Linen, cotton, and soft layers add texture, and sandals work beautifully here if it’s warm enough.
Just by the Waimakariri River, The Willows offers stony tracks, trees, and a rocky riverbank. Families need to be comfortable climbing down to the river over rocks. This location has beautiful views of the mountains and is perfect for sunrise or sunset sessions, creating dramatic light and reflections on the water.
Best through summer to early autumn when there are leaves on the trees and warmer weather and golden light really complement the landscape. Sunrise and sunset both work beautifully here for soft light, reflections, and mountain views.
Coes Ford features a peaceful stony riverbank lined with trees, perfect for families who want to enjoy a little paddle in the shallow water or simply explore the natural surroundings. Its calm, relaxed vibe, gentle river, and shaded areas make it ideal for capturing candid family moments or soft, natural maternity portraits. It’s also a popular camping spot, so weekends can get busy - weekday sessions are best to avoid the crowds.
Most beautiful through late spring, summer, and early autumn when the river is ideal for paddling and the surrounding landscape feels warm and vibrant. Best photographed in the late afternoon through early evening for soft, flattering light filtering through the trees.
The studio
My cosy Rolleston studio offers a timeless and relaxed setting, perfect for creating everything from elegant fine art maternity portraits to natural, intimate maternity and family images. Whether you're drawn to classic posed portraits against my simple backdrops or a softer, lifestyle feel on my cane couch surrounded by beautiful textures, the studio provides plenty of variety in one comfortable space. It's a wonderful option for shorter sessions, or longer Luxe sessions with multiple outfit changes, and because we're indoors, it's perfect any time of the year - no need to worry about the weather.
The studio is a little space, and is best suited to maternity sessions and smaller families of up to 3–4 people. It's also an ideal choice for anyone who prefers a private, comfortable environment or would rather avoid walking to an outdoor location.