Wynyard Quarter is one of my favourite spots for families who want something a little different from the classic beach or park session. It's Auckland's waterfront at its most alive — working boatyards, wide timber boardwalks, and that constant, easy movement of yachts coming and going. For families who feel more "us" in a city setting than out in the bush, this is the location.
What I love about shooting here is the texture. Weathered timber, steel rigging, water reflections — it all gives portraits a more editorial, grown-up feel than a typical park session, while still leaving plenty of room for kids to run, point at boats and be genuinely themselves. Silo Park's open lawns and playground make it easy to let littler ones burn off energy between photos, and there's no shortage of cafés nearby for a coffee (or an ice cream bribe) before or after.
Late afternoon works beautifully here — the light comes in low across the water and picks up all that warm timber tone, and the crowds thin out as the day cools down. Weekday sessions tend to be quieter than weekends, when the area fills up with brunch traffic.
It's also simply an easy location logistically: flat, stroller-friendly, plenty of parking nearby, and a good option if you're coming straight from the city or want a session that doesn't require a drive out west.
