Sunrise or sunset, there are some banger spots in Wellington that are too good to pass up on. Whether you’re out searching for a great photo for the Golden Hour Competition, on a date, or just seeing the sights - there’s something golden on the horizon for everyone.
Best Sunrise Spots In The Wellington Region
1. Top of the Wellington Cable Car
Our friends at the Wellington Cable Car have a prime spot to catch the sun as it rises over Wellington Harbour! Grab an early morning coffee from The Beanery - Mojo down on Lambton before catching a smooth ride to the top to watch the sun peek out over the horizon.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334dbcbbe4129ee195573c1/6334dbccbe4129040e557777_Untitled-2.jpg)
2. Oriental Bay
This deliciously purple shot here may look familiar because it was a shortlisted winner for the 2020 Golden Hour Competition. We may be biased (Oriental Bay is our home turf), but it is definitely an iconic spot to sit back and enjoy a lazy morning.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334dbcbbe4129ee195573c1/6334dbccbe41293377557770_Untitl44ed-1.jpg)
2020 Golden Hour Competition
3. The Hutt Valley River
As a Hutt Valley local, let me bring you in on a well-known secret. This beautiful, winding river has plenty of awesome spots for watching the sun creep up over the valley. Though it can be a little chilly in the morning, it can add some special effects for your shots with fog hugging the hills or steam twisting above the water.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334dbcbbe4129ee195573c1/6334dbccbe412983f0557774_Unti334tled-2.jpg)
Best Sunset Spots In The Wellington Region
1. Red Rocks
This iconic shot was shortlisted in the 2020 Golden Hour Competition and it’s obvious why. I absolutely love the atmosphere that is created here, and there is nothing better than sharing an evening by the coast surrounded by friends.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334dbcbbe4129ee195573c1/6334dbccbe412914f755777c_Untitled42.jpg)
2020 Golden Hour Competition
2. Kapiti Coast
The ocean and the sun setting come together to create fire 🔥
And yes, there is a bit of a sun + ocean theme here, but is there anything better than sticking your feet in the sand and watching that big blazing ball melt into the ocean?
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334dbcbbe4129ee195573c1/6334dbccbe4129fdad55777d_Untitl33ed-2.jpg)
3. Wainuiomata Hill Lookout
Yes, we’ve all heard of the Mt.Victoria Hill Lookout, but have you ever taken a trip across the bay to the Wainuiomata Hill Lookout? Trust us, it’s worth the expedition for colours and tones like this! 💙💛❤️
If you’re looking for a fresh perspective that is still iconically Wellington, this is the spot for you.
![](https://cdn.prod.website-files.com/6334dbcbbe4129ee195573c1/6334dbccbe41292c9f55777a_Untitl33456ed-2.jpg)
The Results!
Our 2021 Golden Hour Competition has wrapped up! See the winners below.