From the shining waters and purple flowers of Lake Tekapo to the lush green forests of Fiordland, New Zealand is one of the most stunning places to travel and photograph in the world — and no one knows this better than professional landscape photographer William Patino.
Originally from Wollongong, Australia, Will fell in love with nature photography in 2012 and has since been travelling the world, capturing the rare beauty, atmosphere, and light of the natural environment. Of all the places he's been, New Zealand is the one that's most captured his heart — he even moved to the mountainside town of Te Anau in the South Island.
Whether it's aerial shots of snow-capped mountains or dynamic photos of ocean shores, Will knows a thing or two about photographing New Zealand in all its vast and varied forms of beauty. Ted's Cameras teamed up with Will to get a behind-the-scenes look at his top landscape photography tips, cameras, lenses, and equipment essentials.
1. Full-Frame Mirrorless Cameras
As a professional landscape photographer, the key things Will looks for in a camera are a large dynamic range (DR), in-body image stabilisation (IBIS), high resolution (MP), and convenience.
"I see the main differences in models and brands today being ones of convenience," says Will. "Similar to cars, there are so many companies and models available — all of which can get you from A to B. The main differential is generally points of convenience."
"At the moment, Sony and Nikon mirrorless cameras are the best bodies for my style of shooting, which is generally handheld in the elements with scenes containing low or dynamic light. A high dynamic range means the camera can capture great detail without the need to take multiple exposures."
2. Sony A7R Series Mirrorless Camera
Will's camera of choice for shooting landscape photography in New Zealand is the Sony A7R series. Built for resolution and dynamic range, the A7R lineup features advanced phase-detection autofocus, fast continuous shooting, and exceptional Exmor R CMOS sensors with up to 61MP resolution and outstanding dynamic range.
The full-frame sensor pairs with Sony's BIONZ image processor to deliver exceptionally detailed stills with low noise even in dimly lit scenes. The combination of durability, weather-sealing, and built-in 5-axis image stabilisation is perfect for rugged conditions and tricky lighting — just what you need when you're in the field 300 days a year.
According to Will, his Sony mirrorless cameras have survived waves, waterfall spray, negative temperatures, and all manner of wear and tear. You can shoot with freedom and confidence. Browse the current Sony mirrorless camera range at Ted's.
3. Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8
One of Will's go-to lenses for handheld and low-light shooting is the Sony FE 16-35mm f/2.8. With fast, quiet, and incredibly accurate performance, this wide-angle zoom produces exceptional images with amazing consistency. Combining a versatile wide-angle zoom range with a fast f/2.8 maximum aperture, it's the ideal landscape lens for hiking up a mountainside or camping out for a stunning sunrise.
© William Patino
The large aperture lets in plenty of light so you can travel light and leave the tripod at home without worrying about blur. Sony's Direct Drive Super Sonic Wave AF motor delivers excellent still and video performance, while a focus hold button lets you pinpoint your area of choice.
4. Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8
The Tamron 28-75mm f/2.8 is a high-performance zoom lens designed with the Sony E-Mount in mind. This versatile lens provides a wide-to-portrait focal range — perfect for travel shooting that takes you from city streets to snowy mountain tops in the same day. The large f/2.8 maximum aperture delivers stunning low-light performance and excellent depth-of-field control.
© William Patino
Images are sharp, detailed, and free from common optical issues, thanks to extra-low dispersion and aspherical elements, plus Nano AR and Fluorine coatings. The lens is also dust and moisture resistant — ideal for New Zealand's unpredictable weather.
5. Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS
For wildlife, sports, and action photography, Will reaches for the Sony FE 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6 GM OSS super-telephoto zoom. This lens combines a far-reaching focal range with fast AF performance and optical SteadyShot stabilisation. Despite its length, it's surprisingly lightweight and compact, with excellent dust and moisture resistance for New Zealand adventures. Full-frame compatible, it delivers edge-to-edge sharpness in all conditions.
A camera and lens for every adventure
As Will points out, there's an incredible range of excellent lenses and mirrorless cameras for travel photography that will help you capture stunning landscape photography of New Zealand — it's just a matter of figuring out what works best for you.
For more expert camera gear advice, check out our guides to the best digital cameras for photography in 2026 and the best landscape photography tips for beginners. You can also browse our full range of cameras and lenses online, or visit a Ted's Cameras store for personalised advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the best camera for landscape photography in New Zealand?
A high-resolution full-frame mirrorless camera with strong dynamic range and in-body image stabilisation is ideal for New Zealand landscape photography. The Sony A7R series and Nikon Z series are both excellent choices, offering the resolution and dynamic range needed to capture the country's dramatic light and scenery. Weather-sealing is also important given New Zealand's unpredictable conditions. Browse our range of mirrorless cameras to find the right option for your needs.
What lenses should I bring to New Zealand for landscape photography?
A wide-angle zoom (16–35mm) is essential for capturing sweeping landscapes, fjords, and mountain ranges. A versatile mid-range zoom (28–75mm or 24–105mm) covers everyday travel and portrait shooting. A telephoto zoom (100–400mm) is useful for wildlife, compressed mountain shots, and isolating distant subjects. If you're packing light, a wide-angle zoom and a mid-range zoom will cover the vast majority of situations.
Do I need a tripod for landscape photography in New Zealand?
It depends on your shooting style. A tripod is invaluable for long exposures, golden hour shots, and any situation where you want maximum sharpness. However, modern mirrorless cameras with in-body image stabilisation — like the Sony A7R series — allow for sharp handheld shooting in many conditions, which is Will Patino's preferred approach for creative freedom in the field. Read our ultimate tripod buying guide if you're considering adding one to your kit.
Is New Zealand good for wildlife photography?
Yes — New Zealand has unique wildlife including kea, kiwi, fur seals, dolphins, and albatross, among others. A telephoto lens (200–400mm) is recommended for most wildlife subjects. The South Island in particular offers excellent opportunities for wildlife photography alongside its dramatic landscapes.
What time of year is best for landscape photography in New Zealand?
New Zealand offers stunning photography year-round, but the shoulder seasons — autumn (March–May) and spring (September–November) — often provide the most dramatic light and fewer crowds. Winter brings snow to the Southern Alps and moody, atmospheric conditions in Fiordland. Summer offers long golden hours and lush green landscapes. Each season has its own character worth capturing.