The Best Family Photography Locations in East Auckland (2026 Guide)
Natural family photography session photographed at Bucklands Beach in East Auckland. This coastal location offers stunning sunset views and is ideal for families looking for relaxed, timeless portraits.
If you're considering updating your family photos this year, choosing the right location is one of the most important decisions you'll make. East Auckland is home to some of Auckland's most beautiful coastal reserves, beaches, parks, and hidden gems that provide the perfect backdrop for timeless family photographs. As an East Auckland family photographer (who was also born and raised here!), I've spent years exploring locations that offer beautiful light, space for children to play naturally, and stunning scenery that provides the perfect backdrop for beautiful images.
Because I don’t believe in gate-keeping, here are some of my favourite family photography locations in East Auckland that I use frequently for my sessions. Alternatively, if you are hoping to book in with me and have a location that is meaningful to you and your family, I always love to visit new areas!
Beautiful imagery, every time.
Lucy Rose Photography
Duder Regional Park, Whitford
For families wanting wide-open spaces, rolling hills, and spectacular coastal views, Duder Regional Park is hard to beat.
Why families love it:
Beautiful sunset light
Plenty of room for children to explore
Stunning sea views
Natural, timeless landscapes
This location is ideal for adventurous families who love the outdoors and want images that feel relaxed and authentic.
Musick Point, Bucklands Beach
One of East Auckland's hidden treasures, Musick Point offers a combination of coastal views, long grass, and beautiful evening light.
Perfect for:
Young families
Maternity sessions
Extended family photography
The elevated position provides breathtaking views across the Hauraki Gulf and creates a truly Auckland feel.
Mellons Bay Beach
Mellons Bay offers a quieter alternative to some of Auckland's busier beaches. With a backdrop of beautiful cliffs dotted with toetoe tussocks, the beach is a wonderful sandy expanse at low tide (no sludgy muck) and a great spot for early morning sunrise sessions. It is important to note that this is also a popular dog beach for the locals, so if you are bringing young children to your session it is important that they are comfortable around dogs.
Families love:
Soft sand
Calm water
Beautiful sunsets
Plenty of space for children
This location is particularly popular for summer family sessions.
Eastern Beach
Eastern Beach provides a classic Auckland beach setting with golden light and plenty of room for children to run and play. There is a playground nearby which is perfect for the kids to burn off steam (before or after the session) and a nice variety of grassy and beachy locations. Particularly special during the summer time when the Pohutukawa are out in full bloom!
It's perfect for families wanting natural, candid images filled with laughter and movement.
Churchill Park, Glendowie
For families wanting greenery rather than beach scenery, Churchill Park offers mature trees, open fields, and beautiful seasonal colour. An important thing to note is that this area is still operating as a farm, so often has cows grazing. This can sometimes mean dodging cow pats - but overall is definitely worth it!
It is especially popular with toddlers who enjoy exploring the wide-open spaces.