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Photo locations · Hawke’s Bay · New Zealand

Te Mata Peak Summit: sunset photography forecast

Te Mata Peak opens across the Heretaunga Plains toward Hawke’s Bay, with ridges and farmland making natural layers in low light. Both sunrise and sunset work; the wind usually decides which side of the summit is comfortable.

Will tonight's sunset be worth it?

Te Mata Peak Summit · forecast for sunset

Sunset: Fair

Sun likely hidden

18:00

in 21h 59m, local time

Forecasts have different ratings: 1/5 and 5/5

Exactly at sunset: Poor
Second forecast: Exceptional

Why: Cloud at the light ray's height along the far path (100%) will block most direct light.

2 km4 km6 km8 km10 km12 kmNear-ground relative humidity11% cover — too thin to draw as cloud13% cover — too thin to draw as cloud6% cover — too thin to draw as cloud19% cover — too thin to draw as cloudConnected cloud layer · 42–42% cover · 10–10% visual uncertaintyConnected cloud layer · 0–49% cover · 10–45% visual uncertaintyConnected cloud layer · 49–49% cover · 10–10% visual uncertaintyConnected cloud layer · 42–45% cover · 45–45% visual uncertaintylow cloud · 100% reported, 49% resolved on a pressure surface — 51% is somewhere between 0.43 and 3 kmlow cloud · 28% reported, 0% resolved on a pressure surface — 28% is somewhere between 0.5 and 3 km-5 km · the model says the lowest depicted cloud underside may catch orange light0 km · the model says the lowest depicted cloud underside may catch orange light5 km · the model says the lowest depicted cloud underside may catch orange light20 km · the model says the lowest depicted cloud underside may catch orange light50 km · the model says the lowest depicted cloud underside may catch orange light-5You · 052050100150200300350

The sky along today's light path — cloud density by altitude, from 5 km behind you to 350 km toward the sun. Rendered by the live app.

Current sunset outlook for Te Mata Peak Summit: Fair (2/5). Cloud at the light ray's height along the far path (100%) will block most direct light.

  • • Cloud at the light ray's height along the far path (100%) will block most direct light.
  • • Thin cloud canvas (22%) — some colour, limited drama.
  • • Very clean air (AOD 0.04) — expect pale pastel tones rather than deep red.
  • • Good near-ground clarity enhances saturation.

Forecast refreshed a few hours before sunset · create a free account and run a full forecast for a place you choose — sunrise or sunset, free, before any card.

The orange line runs toward tonight's sunset, sampled out to 350 km.Open in Google Maps ↗

Today's sky is already decided.

Find out what it decided — before you pack the tripod.

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For photographers: shooting Te Mata Peak Summit

Best months

March to May for warm autumn colour and calmer light; September to November for green hills. Summer can be dry and hazy.

Suggested focal lengths

16–35 mm for ridge foregrounds; 70–200 mm for folded hills, farms and distant coast.

Composition

Step away from the summit marker and use the walking ridges as lead-ins. Longer lenses are excellent when bands of light move over the plains.

Recommended arrival

Arrive 45–60 minutes before sunrise or sunset and scout a position sheltered from the prevailing wind.

Access planning

Summit-road access can close for weather, events or maintenance. Check the park notice and keep clear of mountain-bike trails.

Parking: Small summit and lower-park car parks; use the lower option if the summit road is closed.

Approach: Immediate from the summit car park, or a longer signed walk from lower entrances.

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