I recently captured an engagement session at Mount Maunganui Beach in Tauranga. I travel to Tauranga a few times a year to visit family, and capturing some magic at this epic beach has always been a dream of mine.

Victoria and Theo were absolutely gorgeous, both inside and out, and their suggestion to shoot in Ciutadella Park was perfect. I’ve always dreamed of shooting in Barcelona so I scouted the park the evening before and found some beautiful and less crowded spots.

Vignesh got in touch with me a few weeks ago to organise this surprise proposal for when they were visiting Wanaka. Abi had no idea, surprised by a little picnic, a beautiful handwritten poem and the most perfect sunset. (Plus me hiding in the bushes ha.) Some of my favourite photos I’ve ever taken.

Surprise proposal picnic for Shafiq & Jessie, who were visiting from Australia.

Beautifully curated by My Secret Picnic.

Branding shoot for Wanaka architecture firm Alki Design.

Darby and Jack reached out to book an engagement/birthday shoot, and they mentioned the Motatapu Gorge near Glendhu Bay as a special spot for them. Excited about a new photo location in Wanaka, I scouted it beforehand to understand the lighting and sunset timing. Them just being gorgeous humans inside and out, made it easy to capture their genuine love for one another.

Steph & Drew got in touch with me to organise a shoot while they were on their honeymoon in New Zealand.

I got to capture these engagement photos in Hawea for Emma & Mat, one of the couples that have booked me for their wedding in Wanaka next year.

Cynthia & Chris got in touch with me to organise something special for their 20th anniversary photoshoot in New Zealand. With both of them loving adventures, I suggested booking a helicopter and going up to Coromandel Peak for photos.

Jade & Tom contacted me while they were on their honeymoon in Wanaka. They got married on a super windy day in Australia, so Jade wanted to capture some memories without her hair flying everywhere. We managed to get a still night with the perfect light in Lake Hawea for their shoot. The light was magical and their honeymoon love bubble was so much fun to capture. Perfect last night for their trip to New Zealand.

Two love birds with their pug baby.

One of my beautiful couples that booked the Valentine’s Mini Session. Thank you for bringing your doggie with you.

Lynn & Alex got engaged recently and wanted to get comfortable in front of the camera before their wedding day. We originally planned to take their photos by the lake but the wind picked up in the afternoon, so we decided to go to the Bannockburn Sluicings in Cromwell. We found some beautiful sheltered spots and the moody weather added to the vibe of their photos. You don’t need the perfect sunset for epic couple photos!

I couldn’t wait to share this adorable surprise proposal I recently got to capture in Wanaka! Robert, all the way from Australia, pulled off the sweetest surprise for Kathy, and I'm still smiling about it.

Enjoy some beautiful moments captured for Maddy & Tom, who are celebrating the next step in their adventure together.

Katelyn contacted me to capture some updated photos as it was their first holiday as a family of four. Littlies behaved so well and April sure was a big fan of throwing rocks into the water. My family sessions are all about having fun and capturing what naturally unfolds.

Love stories are meant to be celebrated. And when two people, deeply connected by seven years of shared experiences, decide to take their journey to the next level, it's nothing short of magical.

Imagine a quiet spot in the heart of New Zealand's South Island, surrounded by greenery and the sounds of birds. That's The Nest Tree Houses in the Hakataramea Valley, where I recently got to stay with my friend to create lifestyle content for their social media.

Let me tell you, it was like finding a slice of heaven on Earth. The Nest Tree House is a true hidden gem in New Zealand.

Everything, from the beautiful rooms and private hot tubs to the stunning views and retreat vibe, made our stay unforgettable. If you're looking for a peaceful escape in the South Island of New Zealand, The Nest Tree Houses is the place to be.

Anneke Lisa Photography x Aroha Make Up

Photos from a recent collaboration with my beautiful and talented friend Sugne Verwey, owner of Aroha Make Up Nz