Lupin season is not to be missed if you are visiting New Zealand, and spring is one of the best times to do this. Vibrant lupins blooming across stunning landscapes and backdrops, from the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo to Wanaka’s and Mount Cook’s dramatic backdrops, make these iconic spots across New Zealand even more beautiful. The best places to find lupins in New Zealand are mainly in the South Island, where they line up across riverbanks, lakes and valleys. While they are not native plants, these flowers have become closely associated with spring in New Zealand, creating postcard-perfect views and attracting photographers from around the world.
We’ve got the best places to see lupin flowers in New Zealand, including some famous hotspots and lesser-known locations, as well as some tips on the best viewing times and practical travel tips. Whether you’re planning your first trip or a return visit, experiencing lupins in New Zealand is something worth adding to your itinerary.
When Do Lupins Bloom in New Zealand?
Typically, the lupin season begins in late November and peaks in December. By January, many flowers start to fade, though some linger into early summer and may even start as early as October, depending on the weather and location. Weather plays a big role in the timing of lupins in New Zealand. A colder spring may delay their blooming, while warmer conditions can bring the flowers earlier. Whilst their peak period may vary, November and December are generally the best times to catch lupins in full bloom. Planning your trip around the lupin flowering season ensures you’ll witness one of New Zealand’s most photogenic natural displays. If you’re wondering when to see lupins in Lake Tekapo specifically, aim for late November to mid-December for the best chance of seeing them at their most vivid.
Lake Tekapo Lupins
Lake Tekapo is the most famous location for viewing lupins in New Zealand. The turquoise waters of the lake, combined with fields of colourful flowers, create an unforgettable scenic experience. The Church of the Good Shepherd, sitting on the shoreline, often features in photos surrounded by lupins during peak season.
Lake Tekapo lupins typically bloom from late November through December, with the Lake Tekapo lupin season attracting travellers from around the world. The contrast of bright pink, purple, and blue flowers against the glacial waters makes this destination a highlight for photographers and sightseers alike. Walking trails around the lake provide access to prime viewing spots. Early mornings and evenings offer softer light for photography, while midday provides clear views of the vibrant blooms. For those asking where to see lupins in New Zealand, Lake Tekapo should always be near the top of the list.
Mount Cook and Surrounding Lakes
Mount Cook National Park and its surrounding lakes, particularly Lake Pukaki and Lake Ohau, are exceptional places to view lupins in New Zealand. The flowers frame stunning landscapes, and the bright blooms stand out against snow-capped mountains and glacial waters. The road leading to Aoraki/Mount Cook Village from Lake Pukaki is especially scenic in late November. Rows of lupins line the roadside, heading towards the dramatic mountain views ahead. Stopping at viewpoints allows for photos that combine flowers, turquoise water, and New Zealand’s tallest mountain.
Lake Ohau, less visited than Tekapo or Pukaki, also offers beautiful lupin displays with fewer crowds. Here, you can enjoy lakeside walks and capture views of colourful fields with the Southern Alps in the background. This region’s lupin flowers showcase why the South Island is often considered the best place to see lupins in New Zealand. For travellers interested in both dramatic landscapes and colourful flower displays, Mount Cook and its surrounding lakes are the perfect stop.
Wanaka’s Lakeside Lupins
Wanaka is another wonderful destination to see lupin flowers in New Zealand. Along Lake Wanaka’s shores, vibrant lupins make for striking scenes. The combination of lupins with calm lake waters and mountain backdrops makes this location a springtime favourite. Late November to December is also generally the best period for seeing lupins in Wanaka. The town’s location makes it easy to combine flower viewing with other activities, such as walking or cycling along nearby tracks and trails that take you past lupins stretching across the riversides and open areas. Including Wanaka in your itinerary allows you to experience a balance of lupin viewing and outdoor activities.
Hidden Spots for Lupin Flowers in New Zealand
While Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook, and Wanaka are often the most popular spots for lupin viewing, there are hidden spots across the South Island that are just as beautiful. These lesser-known locations often provide quieter experiences, perfect if you’re looking to avoid crowds. Glenorchy is a stunning spot to catch lupins during the spring and summer season, lining up the lakeside with beautiful flowers. The Lindis Pass, between Central Otago and the Mackenzie Basin, features lupins lining roadside valleys. The Ahuriri River is another excellent location, with lupins spreading across riverbanks and meadows. These spots are especially perfect for those on a road trip across the South Island.. Smaller lakes and rivers near Geraldine, Twizel, and Omarama also provide lovely displays of lupin flowers in New Zealand. Although less photographed than Tekapo, they still deliver stunning views and opportunities for peaceful exploration.
Lupins in North Island New Zealand
Although most lupins grow in the South Island, lupins in the North Island of New Zealand can also be found. While displays here are smaller, they add unexpected beauty to certain regions. Central North Island areas such as Tongariro National Park occasionally feature wild lupins along riverbanks and roadsides. Further north, parts of the Waikato and Taranaki regions have scattered blooms, especially where farmland links up to streams or lakes. These North Island lupins don’t match the vast fields of the Mackenzie Basin, but they provide a taste of spring colour for those not travelling south. If you’re toad tripping between Rotorua, Taupo, Taranaki and Tongariro, you may be lucky enough to find some small, but stunning, patches of flowers worth stopping for.
Tips for Photographing and Enjoying the Lupin Season
- Early mornings and evenings provide the best light for capturing lupins perfectly, creating softer tones and fewer shadows. Tripods can help capture wide landscapes, while close-up shots are great for highlighting the delicate detail of individual flowers.
- While lupins are not native, they still grow in delicate ecosystems. Avoid trampling through fields, and stay on marked paths where possible. This ensures the blooms remain intact for future visitors.
- The weather can change quickly during spring. Bring layers, a rain jacket, and protective covers for your camera gear. Strong winds sometimes flatten lupin fields, so flexibility with timing increases your chances of seeing them at their best.
- Enjoying the lupin season is about more than photos. Take time to pause by lakeshores, enjoy the fresh air, and appreciate how these flowers add a unique touch to some of New Zealand’s most beautiful and dramatic landscapes.
Plan Your Lupin Road Trip Across New Zealand
A self-drive road trip is the best way to see lupins in New Zealand. Renting a vehicle gives flexibility to chase blooms across regions, from Lake Tekapo to Mount Cook, Wanaka, and beyond. Start your journey by flying into Christchurch or Queenstown and picking up a rental car, both convenient gateways to the Mackenzie Basin. Depending on where you begin your journey, you can head up or down the bottom of the South Island, enjoying scenic highways, bright turquoise lakes and mountain valleys along the way.
Timing your trip around the Lake Tekapo lupin season in late November ensures you’ll see blooms at their peak. Combining this with other South Island highlights, such as Fiordland and Queenstown, creates the perfect spring road trip in New Zealand. Mode Rentals has a range of rental vehicles and vans available in both Christchurch and Queenstown, from comfortable and efficient compact rental cars, perfect for smaller groups or solo travellers chasing the lupin season, to larger SUV rentals and passenger vans. Book your rental car and get ready to see some of the most stunning landscapes lined with lupins you’ll ever see.
Lupins in New Zealand FAQs
Why are there so many lupins in New Zealand?
Lupins thrive in New Zealand because they were introduced in the 1940s for erosion control and stabilising soil, and quickly spread along riversides and open land. Their ability to grow in poor soil, combined with self-seeding, means they flourish across large areas, particularly in the South Island during spring and summer year after year.
Are lupins native to New Zealand?
No, lupins are not native to New Zealand. They were introduced from overseas and have naturalised in many areas. While they create striking seasonal displays, they’re also considered invasive in some regions, especially along rivers where they affect native ecosystems and plant diversity.
Where is the best place to see lupins?
The best place to see lupins in New Zealand is Lake Tekapo during late November and December. Other excellent locations include Mount Cook’s surrounding lakes, Wanaka, Lindis Pass, and the Ahuriri River. These destinations showcase fields of colourful blooms against dramatic backdrops.
When can you see lupins in Lake Tekapo?
Lake Tekapo lupins typically bloom from late November through December. Peak flowering usually happens in the first two weeks of December, but this can change depending on the temperature of New Zealand’s spring.
