For your session with ila. creative
The goal is to pick a place that feels like you, matches the mood you’re going for, and helps tell your story in the most natural, beautiful way. In this guide, you’ll find tips tailored to different types of locations - so you can choose the setting that suits your vision best.
Please note, these are just my favourite picks, if you had a different location in mind - let me know!
Karioitahi Beach
No travel fee
Black sand, dramatic cliffs, golden sunsets.
Sandspit Beach
No travel fee
White sand beach, perfect at sunset or early mornings (especially at full tide).
Hamilton’s Gap
$40 Travel Fee
Quiet and secluded, for more intimate sessions at sunset times.
Muriwai & Piha Beaches
$120 Travel Fee
Iconic Cliffs and bold backdrops.
Eastern Beach
$80 Travel Fee
White sand and pinky sunsets
Waiuku Forest
No travel fee
Tall pines, soft light and quiet trails Perfect before the afternoon sun
Henry’s Reserve
No travel fee
Take a pick between a paddock next to the reserve or bushy walk in the reserve & waterfall views Perfect in the morning light
Cornwall Park
$80 travel fee
Lush greenery and glowing evening light
Ambury Park
$50 Travel Fee
Farm style back drops, get the best of the views at early mornings or evenings
-Henry’s Reserve
Meola Reserve
$80 Travel Fee
Dog friendly reserve, perfect if you want to include your furry kids in the photos.
Auckland Botanical Gardens
$50 travel fee
A variety of different green backdrops, perfect at any time of the day
Ernie’s Reserve
No Travel Fee
Situated around a duck pond, perfect place for kids!
Secret Waterfall Gardens (Patumahoe)
No travel fee
A very fairy-tale like spot with a waterfall and amazing garden walks Entry fees apply.
Bored Studios
$60 travel fee
Bright, airy, and full of character.
Perfect for: families, branding, editorial, and product photography.
Minimum 1 hour studio hire applies.
Mackenzie Studios
$80 travel fee
A versatile studio with clean backdrops, natural light, and space for creative setups.
Perfect for: branding, portraits, editorial, and product photography
Minimum 2 hour studio hire applies.
-Mackenzie Studios
Location Guide
by ila. creative