Exploring Tongaporutu – A Hidden Gem for New Zealand Landscape Photography
New Zealand is full of incredible photography locations, but some of the most breathtaking spots remain relatively undiscovered. Tongaporutu, home to the famous Three Sisters rock formations, is one of those hidden gems. Situated along the rugged Taranaki coastline, this dynamic landscape offers a constantly changing scene due to the powerful tides and ever-shifting sands.
A Photography Walk Through Tongaporutu
For this outing, I wanted to focus on capturing the raw beauty of the area while keeping things simple—just me, my camera, and the landscape. This wasn’t a heavily structured shoot; instead, it was a relaxed photography walk, allowing me to explore compositions organically. My video from this trip follows that same approach, featuring short video clips of the scenery, minimal talking, and 34 carefully selected images that showcase the stunning textures, light, and mood of the location.
Capturing the Mood and Movement
I arrived at Tongaporutu at 6:00 AM during low tide, the only time you can access the Three Sisters rock formations. With about two hours before the water started coming back in, I traveled light—just my Panasonic Lumix S1R with a 24-70mm lens and the DJI Osmo Pocket 3 for video. The goal was to have fun and capture the moment without overcomplicating the setup.
One of the standout features of Tongaporutu is how the landscape transforms with the tide. At low tide, the wet sand creates stunning reflections of the towering sea stacks, and with Mount Taranaki visible in the background, it’s a dream for landscape photographers. I focused on getting low to maximize the reflections while adjusting compositions as the light shifted.
The Ever-Changing Three Sisters
Although the location is known for its “Three Sisters,” erosion has reshaped the scene over time. One of the original sea stacks collapsed into the ocean years ago, but a new rock formation is emerging from the cliffside, slowly taking its place. This natural evolution makes Tongaporutu an ever-changing destination, ensuring that no two visits are the same.
Why Tongaporutu is a Must-Visit Photography Location
If you’re looking for a stunning yet less-traveled spot for landscape photography in New Zealand, Tongaporutu should be high on your list. It offers a perfect blend of dramatic coastal scenery, ever-changing conditions, and rich photographic opportunities. Whether you're capturing golden-hour reflections, moody seascapes, or detailed textures in the sand, this location has something for every landscape photographer.
Tips for Photographing Tongaporutu:
Check the tides. The Three Sisters are only accessible at low tide.
Arrive early or stay late. The best light happens around sunrise and sunset.
Travel light. The wet sand and long walk make a minimal setup ideal.
Experiment with reflections. The slick sand provides stunning mirror-like surfaces.
Respect the environment. The landscape is constantly shifting, and erosion is an issue—tread carefully.
Watch the Video
To see the full experience and explore Tongaporutu through my lens, check out my video from this outing on my YouTube channel. It’s a relaxed yet immersive journey through one of New Zealand’s most underrated photography locations.
Have you photographed Tongaporutu or other hidden gems in New Zealand? Let me know in the comments—I’d love to hear about your experiences!