I get asked all the time - where should we get our maternity photos done in Wellington? Everyone knows it's a city surrounded by beautiful, accessible locations but with the unpredictable weather and overwhelm of choice this can be harder to decide than initially thought. I've done maternity photoshoots all over the region and I wanted to share my top 5 locations with you (including photos) and why so you can start to envision what vibe fits your personality and how your photoshoot could look. Every rose has it's thorn however so I've also included some aspects that could be considered "cons" when weighing up which location is right for you.

A silhouette stands on a beach at sunset with waves rolling in and mountains in the background.

1. Kapiti Coast: Paraparaumu Beach, Raumati Beach, Waikanae Beach

For sunsets, privacy, long uninterrupted coastlines, golden sand and Coromandel vibes.


This coastline never disappoints - long, ruggered and private with unbeatable sunsets, Kapiti Coast is an all-time favourite for photoshoots. There's sanddunes at the top of the beaches to frame the scene and golden sand to walk across to bring a summer-time, northern beach look to your images without having to travel to the Coromandel. Kapiti Island sits peacefully in the background which gives an interesting background to water shots, and lets not forget front-row seats to the most epic sunsets. There are so many parts along this coast-line that are completely deserted so you'll never feel watched when getting some photos done, nude or clothed. I can't say the sea is exactly warm because let's be honest there's no warm water around here but bring along a towel & thermos hot chocolate and you'll be happy to swim in no time. Cons: A bit of a drive depending where you're based in Wellington.

Silhouettes of two people walking along a beach at sunset with ocean waves and warm orange sky in the background.
Black and white photo of a pregnant woman in white dress standing in shallow ocean water.
A woman in white swimwear poses gracefully in ocean waves during golden hour sunset.
Expectant mother in white lace robe sits in ocean waves during golden hour maternity photoshoot.
Expectant mother in white attire poses at beach during warm sunset with waves gently lapping at shore.
A series of black and white photographs showing a couple embracing in ocean waves at sunset.
Silhouette of a pregnant figure in a flowing dress standing in ocean waves during golden sunset.
Silhouette of a pregnant woman at sunset on beach holding surfboard against golden ocean waves and sky.
A romantic couple embraces on a beach at sunset with waves lapping at their feet as golden light illuminates their silhouettes.
Silhouetted figure in white dress stands at sunset beach edge with gentle waves lapping at shore in golden light.
Silhouette of an expectant mother in a white dress standing on a beach at sunset with waves in the background.
A pregnant figure in a white bikini top and lace cardigan stands on a beach at sunset, cradling their belly.
A serene beach photoshoot at sunset with a white dress flowing in the ocean breeze.
A person walks along a sandy beach at sunset while waves roll onto the shore.
A couple walks hand in hand along a serene beach at sunset, creating silhouettes against the ocean waves.
Silhouetted couple walking together on a beach at sunset with waves rolling onto shore in golden light.
A couple walks hand in hand along a serene beach at sunset, their silhouettes casting long shadows on the sand.
A couple embraces on the beach during golden hour as sunlight creates a warm romantic glow around them.
A couple stands together in a golden wheat field at sunset with mountains in the distance.
A maternity photoshoot at sunset shows a pregnant woman in a brown dress walking along a serene beach.

2. Scorching Bay, Oruaiti Reserve (Breaker Bay), and Princess Bay

For privacy, sunrises, ruggered coast and rocky scenes, inner-city access


Quite a different look and feel to the first location, the eastern suburbs and south coast locations like Scorching Bay, Breaker Bay, Oruaiti Reserve and Princess Bay offer special scenic spots that feel remote and mysterious all with the convienence of being a few minutes from your car. Rocky formations and dramatic coastlines make up these bays and reserves so if you're looking for golden sand dunes and endless beach scenes these are not what you're looking for. What makes these locations so special is the interesting scenes they're surrounded by and feeling like you could be in a different country with the types of images you can get, all with being so so easy to access in those later stages of pregnancy. These bays are positioned south-east so the best time of day is by far sunrise to capture these scenes at their most beautiful. It's also nice and quiet around sunrise so again you'll feel like you've got the locations to yourself.


A little bit of specifics about each of the locations mentioned above:

  • Scorching Bay: Most eastern-facing so gets the best sunrises (where most of the photos below are taken), beautiful rocky formations and still waters as further from the south-coast. Cons: Very close to the road so least private.
  • Breaker Bay: A known nudist beach so very acceptable to have nude photos taken here, very private, beautiful large rock formations to frame scenes. Cons: A bit of a walk from the car (10 mins) on very uneven rocky ground.
  • Oruaiti Reserve: On a cliff overlooking Seatoun and Breaker Bay so beautiful cliff-top images with vast landscapes, very private from the road and not many walkers through there at the right time of day. Cons: Exposed to the wind if it's a windy day, and a bit of an uphill walk from the car (around 10 minutes).
  • Princess Bay: Offers some golden sand dunes coupled with rocky formations, a diverse beach so lots of variety for photo spots in a very condensened location. South-facing so gets beautiful sunsets. Surrounded by beautiful mountains behind, overall a very aesthetically pleasing and interesting location. Cons: Because it's so beautiful everyone else agrees and it can be quite a busy place all times of the day! Also no dogs allowed.
Black and white photo of a couple embracing in a romantic moment with a soft, intimate atmosphere.
Scenic coastal wedding photoshoot at sunset with mountains and calm ocean waters in the background.
A person in a brown dress stands on a beach at sunset with mountains and ocean waves in the background.
A person in a flowing white dress walks along a rocky beach at sunset with mountains in the distance.
Pregnant woman in black swimwear and lace cover-up stands on rocky beach at sunset with ocean and mountains in background.
A romantic sunset photoshoot on rocky coastal cliffs with mountains and ocean views at golden hour.
A person in a white off-shoulder dress poses thoughtfully by the ocean at sunset in black and white photography.
Pregnant figure in black swimwear and white lace robe poses on rocky beach at sunset with mountains in background.
A couple walks along a rocky beach at sunset with dramatic coastal cliffs and ocean waves in the background.
A pregnant woman in a white off-shoulder dress stands by a serene lake at sunset.
A black and white photo montage showing silhouettes of intimate couples embracing and kissing against various backgrounds.
A person in a flowing white dress stands on a rocky beach at sunset with mountains in the distance.
Black and white photo series showing silhouettes of people walking and standing along a serene beach at sunset.
A serene coastal scene at sunset with silhouettes against the ocean and rocky shoreline.
A person in a white flowy dress stands contemplatively by the ocean shore at sunset.
Figure in flowing peach dress poses gracefully among coastal rocks at sunset with ocean view in background.
A couple embraces on a rocky beach during sunset with dramatic coastal scenery in the background.
Black and white maternity photo of an expectant mother standing in water wearing a bikini and flowing sheer cover up.

3. Whitireia Park - Titahi Bay

For cliff-top views of stunning west coast sunsets, soft sunrises also, provides a long grass field too giving diversity to your images.


Another very sought-after location for jaw-dropping images, this park is a huge asset to the Wellington region with it's large open fields with long grass, 180 views of the west coast and Wellington scenery and elevated views of world-class sunsets. You can drive up to the cliff-side views in Whitireia Park, making it a very short, easy walk to some stunning locations that look very remote and unique for photos. This is another very popular spot for all photo-sessions and it's not uncommon to find another photographer there while we go there for your session. Cons: In summer-time is prone to becoming very dry and a fire risk so can be closed in peak summer months, very exposed on windy days.

Ethereal maternity photo of an expectant mother in white lace robe standing on coastal cliffs at sunset.
A series of black and white photos showing a pregnant woman in a white dress standing against a rugged hillside landscape.
A woman in a flowing white dress stands in golden grass at sunset overlooking the ocean.
Romantic couple in white clothing embraces against a dramatic sunset sky over a coastal meadow.
A person in a flowing white dress walks along a grassy coastal path at sunset.
A woman in a white lace dress poses in a grassy field with rolling hills and cloudy skies in the background.
A person in a flowing white dress stands in a golden field at sunset holding their pregnant belly.
A figure in a white dress stands on a coastal cliff overlooking the ocean and rolling hills at sunset.
Silhouette of pregnant woman in white dress standing in golden field at sunset.
A person in white clothing sits on a grassy hillside overlooking the ocean in a black and white photo series.
A figure in a flowing white dress dances gracefully through a windswept field against a moody sky.
Woman in flowing white dress twirls through a golden field at sunset near the ocean.
A black and white photograph shows a pregnant figure in a lace dress gently cradling their belly outdoors.
A figure stands in a golden wheat field at sunset with sunlight creating a warm ethereal glow through flowing fabric.
A bride in a flowing white dress stands on a scenic coastal cliff overlooking the ocean at sunset.
A black and white panoramic photo collage showing seven different scenic coastal views with waves and cliffs.

4. Percy's Reserve, Maungaraki

For deep forest greens, any-time of day, stunning native bush and natural scenes, covered from the elements.


This location is very different from the others, but equally stunning in it's own right - Percey's Reserve offers lush native bush backdrops and tranquil walks by running streams, making this another great location choice for any photoshoot. A short walk to some of my favourite spots, you'll be surrounded by dense old NZ bush full of rich greens and layers of native species to make your photoshoot feel connected and grounded in nature. For the really keen, there's a beautiful waterfall at the end of the walk which you can get in and have photos in too. Cons: Walk through the bush isn't suitable for anyone who is reliant on walking aids eg: wheelchairs or crutches, and takes roughly 20 minutes walk to get to ideal photoshoot locations, can get dark if sun isn't abundant that day.

A maternity photoshoot captures an intimate moment against a scenic waterfall backdrop in a lush forest setting.
A lush green forest scene with dense foliage and tropical vegetation creates a natural wilderness atmosphere.
A figure in dark clothing walks through a dense tropical forest path surrounded by palm fronds and lush vegetation.
A woman in a white textured dress holds her baby bump against a sunlit forest backdrop.
A black and white photograph of an expectant mother standing in a lush tropical forest setting.
A black and white photo of someone standing in a lush tropical garden with palm fronds in the background.
A series of images showing a person in a brown dress walking through a lush tropical forest with palm trees and greenery.
A person stands in silhouette against a lush tropical forest background with palm fronds overhead.
A person in a brown dress sits contemplatively among lush tropical foliage in a forest setting.
A serene waterfall cascades down moss-covered rocks in a lush tropical forest setting.

5. Wellington City central

For urban scenes, interesting architecture, botanical gardens, waterfront scenes.


And lastly a favourite location for photoshoots is the Wellington CBD. There are so many spots to choose from across the city, no two galleries will ever look the same. Shooting in the city gives us a chance to bring a bit more of your personality into the session by choosing some of your favourite spots, or going with some that make great backdrops. Mt Vic gives you a good vantage point to look over the city, getting native bush and city scenes in the background. The Wellington waterfront is always a cool spot for a walk, grabbing an icecream and getting some cool shots dock-side. There's loads of trending spots throughout the CBD with interesting architecture to use for photoshoots to get that real urban vibe and capture your special baby bump in a unique way. Cons: Being Wellington CBD you can guarentee a lot of people around during your photo-session, luckily Wellington is such a creative capital that you probably won't be paid much attention!