Zinc oxide (ZnO) is recognised as a potential II-VI photonic semiconductor and wavelength-scale ordered patterning of such material helps favourably in tailoring the photonic properties. Here we present two novel approaches for fabricating ZnO photonic structures, namely, via a synthetic route and via electrochemical deposition. We demonstrate fabrication of well-ordered mesa and microphotonic structures from self-assembly of template-assisted electrochemical deposition. We have explored various aspects of the fabrication techniques for achieving an optimized performance. Several optical, electrical and structural techniques are used to highlight the potential utility of these ZnO photonic structures. Our results suggest that these structures show promise in many novel photonic applications. © 2007 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.