Everyone's after an iconic road shot when travelling to New Zealand – and if you've been on social media, you've probably seen some of Taranaki's "Instagram-famous" roads with Mount Taranaki in the background. It's a classic for a reason, and its perfect cone shape is just begging to be photographed.

Some of the most popular spots for photos are Kent Road and Pembroke Road. During our trip to Taranaki, I went to check them out, but as soon as I arrived, I was immediately overwhelmed by the number of cars and people there. The crowd was understandable because the views were gobsmacking, but I didn't want to compete with a swarm of cameras, phones and selfie sticks. 

I was gutted, but we cut our losses and returned to Durham Lake Holiday Park, where we stayed for the night. The campsite is located on Durham Road Lower, a long, straight stretch of road that perfectly frames Taranaki Maunga in the distance. The views aren't quite the same, but it was much less busy. 

If you're looking for that iconic road shot, definitely visit Durham Road Lower, but be super careful, watch for traffic, and always respect the area. No photo is worth putting yourself or others at risk.