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This is just a collection of beautiful New Zealand sunset photos shot from around the country. Captured as the colour bursts from the sky as the sun sets beyond the horizon. An island nation, we tend to get stunning NZ sunsets over the bays and waters.

Living in New Zealand, sunset is a treat I get to enjoy often.

New Zealand sunsets over the Hauraki Gulf

The Hauraki Gulf is the 4000 km² body of water north of Auckland. It’s bound to the west by the Hauraki Plains and to the east by the Coromandel Peninsula, with its Northern most point being Great Barrier Island.

While there are over a dozen islands of the Hauraki Gulf, there are countless beaches and and coves to dock a boat, or watch NZ sunset from the shore. Here are a few of favourite Hauraki Gulf sunsets:

Motuora Island

Motuora Island anchorage

Waiheke Island

One of the few populated islands, there is an easy ferry service from Auckland to Waiheke Island. It’s a great place to spend a few days or longer. There is plenty to do on Waiheke, the two highlights being wine tasting or relaxing at some of the lovely beaches.

Boat anchored off of Rocky Bay on Waiheke Island
Rocky Bay at sunset, Waiheke Island

Yacht racing

I captured both of these shots just after we crossed the finish line during a few seasons of twilight racing. The first was two yachts still on course about to round a buoy. The second was looking back just after the sun dipped beyond the horizon on a red sky night.

  • Two yachts racing on the Huraki Gulf
  • Red and orange night sky on the Huraki Gulf

More from around the country

More North Island New Zealand sunsets

Bay of Islands

The Bay of Islands is known for its beauty and both the early morning mist and sunset are my favourite times of the day. Of course, there arfe plenty of things to do in the Bay of Islands, both on and off the water. On our last visit, we took a ferry over to Russell where I captured this image whilst waiting for the return ferry.

Sunset in Russell New Zealand
Bay of Islands

Waipu Cove

The clouds formed by the impending rain made for a lovely sunset. This one from a campsite in Waipu Cove, several hours north of Auckland.

Stormy sunset in Waipu Cove
Waipu Cove

Auckland region

Sunset seem so different depending on which part of Auckland you are in. Here are some of our favourites:

Sunset seen from Army Bay beach in Shakespear Park, New Zealand
Army Bay beach in Shakespear Park.
Golden hour in Okoromai Bay, New Zealand
The golden hour, just before sunset is one of my favourite times of the day. This shot was taken from our deck.
Auckland at sunset seen from Mount Victoria Devonport in New Zealand
Mt Victoria in Devonport
Sunset seen on the bridge into Mission Bay Auckland, New Zealand
Tamaki Drive crossing the ridge into Mission Bay
Muriwai Beach at sunset in New Zealand
The “Wild West Coast” was looking pretty calm on this low tide evening on Muriwai Beach.
Night Photography Workshop in Auckland, New Zealand
Westhaven Marina

South Island NZ sunsets

Hokitika Beach

Some say the country’s most vivid sunsets are found on Hokitika beach. We know we were not disappointed. And, there was plenty to do in Hokitika during the days.

Sunset over Hokitika Beach in New Zealand
Hokitika Beach
Sunset seen in Hokitika New Zealand
Hokitika Beach

My camera information

My current camera is an Olympus OMD Em5 Mark II. Many of these images are from several years ago shot on other gear.

All yacht racing photos were shot on my iPhone, often just after we crossed the finish line.

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A collection of sunset photo shot in New Zealand

Do you prefer to watch the sunset from the beach, a boat, or from indoors?

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About Rhonda Albom

Capturing the essence of travel through photography, Rhonda Albom is the primary author and photographer at Albom Adventures. She is an American expat based in New Zealand. She travels the world with her husband.

Reader Interactions

Comments

  3. Nancie

    Hi, Rhonda. This is a beautiful collection. I love sunrises and sunsets. There’s just such an element of surprise to each one.

    Reply

  4. Mri

    New Zealand always seemed to have such beautiful sunsets and all of these photos really make me want to visit again, especially since I’ve only been around the South Island so far. (:

    Reply

  5. Amila Wickramarachchi

    I love watching sunset too.But for a long time,I didn’t get the opportunity to watch such amazing sunset views.These are truly wonderful sunsets with beautiful sky colours.

    Reply

  8. Lauren

    Are you kidding?! These are unbelieveable!! You weren’t kidding when you said New Zealand has some amazing sunsets! And Lightroom is seriously amazing! I tried a free trial but just couldn’t get nyself to take the plunge to paying monthly. Maybe one day!

    Reply

    • Rhonda Albom

      New Zealand has lots of natural beauty. I calculated the cost of monthly leasing a photo product over time was less than what I spent to outright buy a product and update it when it became obsolete.

      Reply

  10. Anda

    I love taking sunset photos too, Rhonda. Of all the moments in a day the sunset is probably the most beautiful one. Sunrises are equally beautiful if you are a morning person, but I haven’t seen that many in my life. I am a late sleeper, ha,ha,ha!

    Reply

  15. Michele {Malaysian Meanders}

    You started off with an especially great sunset photo. I really like the composition with the trees silhouetted in the foreground, the water and then the sun just about to disappear behind the hills. In fact, all the photos are fantastic. I like sunsets because you get another chance to see it every single day.

    Reply

    • Rhonda Albom

      Thanks, Michelle. I did put my favourite shot at the top. I never thought about sunsets like that before, but now that I have, I completely agree.

      Reply

  16. budget jan

    It must have been therapeutic sifting through all your images (and a tad scary). I love the photo taken from your deck – it must be a beautiful place to live.

    Reply

    • Rhonda Albom

      I would not call it therapeutic, more of a stress inducer. It’s a massive project that is still unfinished. However, the reliving some of the memories is quite fun. As for our house, I am picked it for the views.

      Reply

  19. Paula Atwell

    One of the things that is so great about travel is that you have time to watch sunsets. Your collection of photos is stunning. Enjoyed browsing.

    Reply

  21. Upeksha

    Such gorgeous sunsets. I hope to make it to New Zealand within the next couple of years, but your photos makes me want to go to go there so much sooner!

    Reply

  22. Wednesday Elf

    Absolutely stunning photos. I love watching sunsets from the beach especially, but sunsets anytime, anywhere are worth taking the time to view.

    Reply

  23. Lyn @ A Hole in my Shoe

    I love your sunset photos Rhonda, hopefully you will be able to get some great shots here in Perth when you get here next month. We have the most beautiful beaches to capture some great sunsets.

    Reply

  24. Sylvia Mayfield

    Stunning photographs! Sunsets are so romantic. I love seeing them from the beach, although the sun sets behind the dunes for us, instead of over the water. Of course, my favorite place to enjoy them is from my front porch with my hubby and some tea. 🙂

    Reply

  26. Kreete

    Stunning photos, Rhonda! I specially love the ones with yachts on it. Makes me dream about one day owning one and sailing into the sunset.. 🙂 I love when photos make your mind wander and this is exactly what these do!

    Reply

  27. Kathy Marris

    I’m a sucker for spectacular sunsets wherever I am. However if you got to West Australia the sun sets over the ocean which is absolutely stunning. Your sunset photos are wonderful. 🙂

    Reply

  30. Barbara Radisavljevic

    These are so beautiful it owuld be hard to choose a favorite. I take most sunset photos from my front yard. I don’t often get to a beach at the right time, and I don’t have access to a boat.

    Reply

    • Rhonda Albom

      Me too, that’s why it’s number one. If you come to New Zealand, I can take you to this spot – every night if you want. It’s about a 30 minute walk (or 5 minute drive)

      Reply

  43. shabana

    your photos are so beautiful .can’t remove my eyes from them .
    you are lucky to visit so many countries and meet various culture of the world

    Reply

  44. Lexa Cain

    Absolutely stunning! They’re all awesome, but my favorites were the first one and the Murwai Beach one. Breathtaking color and composition!

    Reply

  47. Ruth

    These set of photos is beautiful. Sunset are a favorite subject for me. Your photos remind me I haven’t observer a sunset (properly) in quite some time.

    Reply

  51. Hootin' Anni

    I saw your spectacular image as a linked thumbnail at Our World Tuesday and had to stop by….glad I did. Such a treasure trove of beauty!! To answer your question about where to view the sunset…I live just a few miles from the Gulf of Mexico…I’d prefer to be there. And for me, it’s the cool [or warm] colors of SUNRISE for me. I love watching the moonrise also.

    Reply

  52. Comedy Plus

    Some really great shots as always.

    I prefer all three. Whatever or wherever I am I’ll enjoy a sunset.

    Have a fabulous day. ☺

    Reply

    • Rhonda Albom

      That is my favourite of this collection too. I thought it was the way the tree wrapped around the ball of the sun. It is shot quite close to my house, about a 30 minute walk.

      Reply

  56. Teresa Kindred

    Hi Rhonda, I’m a big fan of sunsets too. Those are fabulous! I have several on my Instagram account (NanaHoodrocks) if you are on there!

    Reply

  58. L. Diane Wolfe

    Those are gorgeous. At the right beach, we can see sunsets here, but not like we could in Oregon. Although no sunset is more spectacular than one over the desert.

    Reply

  61. Hilary Melton-Butcher

    Hi Rhonda – we get some pretty good sunsets here and sunrises for that matter … but I’ve got the iphone and I’m not particularly adept at using it … but love these shots – and I’m sure your sunset and morning views are that much richer in NZ … cheers Hilary

    Reply

    • Rhonda Albom

      I’ll bet some of the sunsets over the abbey ruins are spectacular. (I don’t know how close or far you are to those).

      Reply

  65. Carol

    Your sunsets are gorgeous. I love them no matter where I am – sitting on a chair, standing on the beach, or in a boat. Being by the water or on the water makes the beautiful sky even more special.

    Reply

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