Outdoor Sunset locations - Marlborough, NZ
We’re so lucky here in Marlborough to be surrounded by such stunning natural beauty. From golden hills and lush vineyards to rugged coastlines and ocean views, there’s no shortage of incredible backdrops for your session. Whether you dream of a shoot in the hills, by the sea, or nestled among trees, Marlborough offers the perfect setting to capture your story in a way that feels both timeless and uniquely “you.”
Why having your session during sunset is so important?
Sunset also known as golden hour is the most magical time of day for photos. The soft, golden light is incredibly flattering on skin, adds warmth to every image, and creates a dreamy, soft glow that simply can’t be replicated at other times of the day. It’s when the sun is low in the sky, casting long, gentle shadows and bathing everything in rich, natural tones. Whether we’re shooting in a field, at the beach, or among the trees, golden hour gives your photos that extra touch of magic and vibe you’ll fall in love with.
Sunset times change throughout the year, which means our sunset sessions will start at different times depending on the season. In summer, we’ll be shooting later in the evening, while in winter, sessions will start much earlier in the afternoon. Below is a rough guide for when your session would begin, but don't worry I’ll always confirm the exact time when booking!
Approximate Golden Hour Start Times (1 Hour Before Sunset) – Marlborough, NZ:
- January – 7:30 pm
- February – 7:00 pm
- March – 6:15 pm
- April – 5:15 pm
- May – 4:30 pm
- June – 4:15 pm
- July – 4:30 pm
- August – 5:00 pm
- September – 5:45 pm
- October – 6:30 pm
- November – 7:15 pm
- December – 7:45 pm
I've put together a list of my favourite spots the locations are tried and tested and chosen by me. The key things I have taken into consideration when selecting these locations are are: ease of access, being semi private, the beautiful scenery, great lighting and all within 1 hour drive from central Blenheim. This guide makes choosing the perfect location for YOU so easy!
Please note I am open to photographing at a location that might not be listed like your home property/farm or a spot that is special to you. I will request a video or images to see if it's suitable and ask you check the time the sun sets there so we can make sure we start out session at the correct time (generally 1 hour prior to the sunset).
If you have a different vision in mind - let me know and I can always see what else I have up my sleeve. There are some amazing seasonal locations that are great at certain times of the year.
Please note: The look of each location changes throughout the different seasons especially the colour of the grass, trees and what's growing.
FAQ
Can we choose a location that's not in the guide?
Absolutely! I want to personalise your session to feel really like YOU. Whether it's at session on your own property/farm or an outdoor location that holds meaning to you or you simply prefer the look of. I recommend scouting the location and sending me a couple of photos or a video at sunset. This will give me a good idea of the location to check its suitability so that we can start our session at the best time. Often if there are big hills around the sun set might set earlier than a wide open space.
What happens if the weather is yucky on the day of our outdoor session?
Unfortunate we cannot control the weather. If the weather is raining or extremely windy/stormy we will reshedule. If the weather is extremely overcast (low lighting) we will touch base at 12pm on the day discuss if we go ahead or reschedule. If we go ahead we can start the session up to 1.5 hours earlier. I want to ensure the best possible outcome for your photos so I will do my best to be flexible to reschedule where possible.
Can we start our session earlier?
I highly recommending having your session during sunset which I know in summer this can be much later than bed time for little ones. There are some easy ways to support them with the later evening like an extra nap during the day, bringing snacks, popping on the pjs after the session for the drive home etc. I do understand some children are extremely sensitive to bedtime and the stress may not feel 'worth it'. Definitely something we can talk about, I will suggest particular locations that have some tall trees providing some good open shade to avoid the brighter light.
Sunset locations:
Grass colour/look varies throughout the seasons.
Such a stunning location with the large open field with long grass and wild flowers, a little pond/creek area and the large trees.
The Field
If you are wanting an easy location super close to town this is the one!
10 minutes drive from Blenheim central
Walking distance from the car to the location?
Allow 5 mins walking from the car down to the field then the pond area is another couple of minutes past the field.
Pros
This location is my 'easy' spot. It's close to town, has trees that provide open shade if you want to start your session slightly earlier and also super beautiful for sunsets. Does look different throughout the seasons as to the colour of the grass and how long it is.
Con
This is along a public walkway so there is the possibility that someone will bike past or walk by with a dog.
Lots of long dry grass, some kids do not enjoy the texture of walking in it.
Worth a mention: to be mindful of the kids safety if you decide to use the pond area too.
Grass colour/look varies throughout the seasons.
Rustic field vibes with the river and hills in the background. This location is super easy, conveniently close driving distance and a lovely safe spot for kids to play in the long grass. Offers a stunning back drop with 360 views.
Rustic River
River meets open field, most beautiful on a still evening.
15 minutes drive from Blenheim central
Walking distance from the car to the location?
Super close walk from car park to spot less than a minute.
Pro
Great spot with minimal walk from the car.
Con
Can't go in the water here it's only as a beautiful backdrop. Occasionally has lama or alpaca in the paddock next door.
This location is pretty consistent all year round but does peak around December/January for the beautiful bunny tails.
Long dry grass, seasonal bunny tails are about, dirt roads, sandy beach with some rocks, often drift wood about, mountains in the far distance & the ocean. This spot is so varied and beautiful it's probably my most popular location as it is stunning all year round.
Wairau Beach
My most popular location, easy to see why!
19 minutes drive from Blenheim central
Walking distance from the car to the location?
There are several areas that are available to use at this location. It all depends if you want to use the beach, the field, walk down the dirt roads (or stay near to the car) as to how far you want to venture. All within a 5-10 min walk from car park area.
Pro
The variety of this location is unmatched, trees, fields, dirt roads and beach it has it all.
Con
Not an ideal spot for anyone with mobility issues. Ground can be uneven and we tend to walk around a bit at this location. Occasionally people out fishing and often rubbish at some of the spots where fishermen go which is unfortunate.
Lots of area to avoid other people if they are fishing.
We will only enter into the paddock if no animals in there. There could be cow poo around. Beautiful road side views.
Another location that is super easy, conveniently close driving with an amazing view over the hills. Offers a stunning views both ways.
The Pass
Dirt road with stunning hill views.
20 minutes drive from Blenheim central
Walking distance from the car to the location?
Super close walk from car to spots, if we can get into the paddock might be a couple of minutes walk.
Pro
Such an epic view with short drive time.
Con
This location is on a rural gravel road that very occasionally a car will drive past. So possibly not the safest if you have heaps of kids that like to run around or a toddler that is a little clumsy and might fall and hurt themselves.
Beautiful all year around! Often super private as it's just that little bit further out of town
Large beach with soft sand, dirt roads, dry rocky hills, dry grass/tussocks and the ocean. Bit more of a drive but worth it for the views. But be warned it can often be a little windy.
Marfells beach
Marlborough best beach in my opinion.
45 minutes drive from Blenheim central
Walking distance from the car to the location?
Less than 5 minutes walk to the spot we start at. This location we do tend to walk around a bit to the water and back to the car.
Pro
Beautiful all year round, often private but the beach is huge so plenty of area to avoid if there are others about.
Con
It can get windy/cold because it is an exposed location so if you have kids that are really sensitive to wind it might not be the best option and we could look at changing location if the weather on the day isn't suitable.
Bit more of a drive but worth it for the views! Walking along the dirt roads, or in the long grass and soaking in the views, this spot is a beauty.
Cape view
Park up on the dirt road to enjoy stunning views over marfells beach & the salt flats surrounded by paddocks.
45 minutes drive from Blenheim central
Walking distance from the car to the location?
Literally park on the side of the road and we are here!
Pro
Super easy access just park and you're here. So much variety with 360 views.
Con
It is an exposed location so it can get cold and windy just depends on the weather on the day. Also to be super mindful that this is on a rural road so there could be a car that drives past. So safety of kids/dogs is important.
Afternoon locations:
Locations that are suitable for an earlier afternoon/evening start time starting around 2 - 2.5 hours before sunset especially great for the summer months if you have bedtime sensitive children.
The closet location if you are wanting something handy in town. There are lots of areas in open shade like the stairs by the bridge, the rocks in the 'fairy forest' and some cool large trees. Only con is it's not super private.
Pollard park
Explore the park there are lots of beautiful little nooks to use.
5 minutes drive from Blenheim central
What's the walking distance from the car to the location?
5 mins from the carpark, pram accessible and toilets near by.
Location is best suited to what type of session?
Great for motherhood or family sessions if you're are wanting a mid morning session. It is totally suitable for a maternity session too if you're comfortable with people being around.
Something to bear in mind
There may be gardeners or other families about so it's not super private.
Mid-morning locations
Locations that provide great open shade/lighting often with the sun peeping through some trees - this is perfect for week day morning sessions starting around 9am or 10am.
The perfect location if you are wanting a mid morning session. The sun filters beautifully through the trees providing excellent open shade.
The woods
Location close to town with a unique look.
12 minutes drive from Blenheim central
What's the walking distance from the car to the location?
Literally park on the side of the road and we are here! Occasionally someone may drive past to get access to the river.
Location is best suited to what type of session?
I imagine it's going to be popular for motherhood sessions if you're are wanting a mid morning session in saying that it's totally suitable for a solo maternity session too.
Something to bear in mind
If it has been raining the dirt road may have puddles.
Grass colour/look varies throughout the seasons, it's turning to green grass will be growing some wild flowers soon hopefully.
Easy spot if you're keen on an open field with longer grass, large woods area providing open shade great for shooting in. This location changes throughout the seasons from long dry grass to green grass with the most beautiful wild daisies peaking around November time. If you LOVE the look of this spot (or you live in Renwick and like the convenience) it is an option for a sunset session too.
Conder's bend
Trees on either side of an open field. Explore between the trees making the most of the sun peeping through.
15 minutes drive from Blenheim central
What's the walking distance from the car to the location?
2 - 5 mins, super close depends how far we wander around.
Location is best suited to what type of session?
I imagine it's going to be popular for maternity sessions! In saying that it's totally suitable for any session.
Something to bear in mind
It does look very different through out the seasons, I shoot here all year round. I have done sunset sessions here too if you really like the look of this spot!
Spot is beautiful with a short walk from the campsite carpark. Stunning if you like the look of the river, golden sand/rocks, clear water and tall trees. Option to go near the water and in among the trees.
Onamalutu
Great open shade and pockets of light perfect for a mid morning session.
30 minutes drive from Blenheim central
What's the walking distance from the car to the location?
Short walk.
Location is best suited to what type of session?
I picture this being beautiful for maternity but also great for family or motherhood sessions, especially if your little one needs a 30 min morning car nap on the way.
Something to bear in mind
I have done one session here and I've been told the area on the other side of the river is even nicer with more golden sand so I would love to get back there to explore the other side.
Please note: I am open to photographing at a location that might not be listed like your home property/farm or a spot that is special to you let me know in your questionnaire or via email.