Kariotahi Beach
The most beautiful sunsets in a South (but West Coast) Auckland beach, dark sands, glorious views for days. It's an easy drive from Manukau, not too windy like it is to Piha or Muriwai (hence one of my fav places). No matter the season, Kariotahi is always a good location. Later shoots in the evenings for the summer (and yep, I would recommend stretching your kids' bedtimes just for a day!) - or beautiful location for an earlier evenings in the winter.
Point Chevalier Beach
Another beach around the West Auckland ish area, but closer to central and definitely easier to get to. Lots of parking around, though sometimes it can get busy (and you may need to come just a tad earlier so you can get parking). Glorious sunsets, and usually pretty exclusive!
Auckland Botanical Gardens
The Botanical gardens definitely would be one of my favourites, lots of little gems around this garden. It's spacious and if you wanted the shoot to have 'several locations' but don't want to drive to many locations, this would be the perfect place! Lots of greenery, and flowers too. Forests, and veggie gardens. There's so many to choose from! :)
Cornwall Park
Cornwall Park is another area where you can experience different locations within one particular shoot! It is a very spacious area, you can even take pictures with the sheep or have a little picnic. It's a great place to have small parties and events, bbq's are on site - hence why it becomes a very popular site for a weekend, and a sunny day. Weekday sessions here are much more quieter, and there would be less people around too!
The Winter Gardens
The Winter Gardens would most probably be my favourite place to recommend if it goes awol. That is, with the typical Auckland weather - sometimes we get rainy sessions, and the Winter Gardens allows us to go ahead! With two areas of shelter, and the Fernery as well. There's plenty for us to move about, and capture the essence of you and your loved ones.
