Seeing the lupins in New Zealand was 100% on my ‘to do in NZ’ list. For a long time I’ve been saving those idyllic Insta‘ shots of fields blooming with every shade of pink and purple. Every summer, there are spots of the South Island carpeted in these beautiful flowers *weeds* that we all swoon over. So, without further ado, below I’ve answered the all important question ‘where to see the lupins in New Zealand’.
Background of the Lupins in New Zealand
Before we dive into all the best locations to see the lupins in New Zealand and snap photos of these glorious blooms, it’s always good to know a bit of history. It is thought that originally lupin seeds were scattered on farms across the Mackenzie region to act as a soil fertiliser for grazing livestock. An alternative story about the blossoming of the lupins in the region, and a somewhat more charming one, is that of Connie Scott, of Godley Peaks Station, near Tekapo. It is said that she bought the seeds, kept them as a secret from her husband and then scattered them along the road side hoping simply to ‘make the world more beautiful’.
Either way, whichever may be true, these pretty little flowers attract photographers and travellers from all over the world although they are deemed to be a ‘weed’ an invasive one at that, which can be a serious issue for some of New Zealand’s endemic birds and fragile native ecosystems.
When & where to see lupins in New Zealand
Firstly, you need to be sure to visit New Zealand in the right season if you stand a chance of seeing the Lupins. Note that the lupin flowering season is relatively short, generally they bloom mid-to-late November to early January. We visited Tekapo in late November/early December and as you can see from the photos there were so many lupins. If you can plan your trip around lupin season, then I would highly recommend!
Mackenzie REGION
Lake Tekapo is the first place that springs to mind for a lot of people when thinking of lupins in New Zealand. The lupins flower first around Tekapo and the Mackenzie Basin. You can find lupins around the lake front and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. However, I would say, that if you’re looking for lupins in abundance then don’t miss this field just off of State Highway 6 on the way into Tekapo from Fairlie.
Arguably, the lupins blooming along the banks of the Ahuriri River are probably the most impressive. They are particularly dense especially near the Clay Cliffs in Omarama – definitely make a stop here if you have time! *Please pay the $5 donation to visit the cliffs as these are on private land and the money goes towards maintaining this beautiful site.
wanaka – queenstown – glenorchy
Generally, the lupins make their way south gradually blooming along the Lindis Pass and out to Queenstown and Glenorchy. We haven’t yet had time to go, but apparently there is a gorgeous spot out of Glenorchy towards Paradise. The first place we actually caught sight of the lupins was on the Milford Road before the Eglinton Valley.
Honestly, if you can make the timing work to visit New Zealand during this season you won’t be disappointed. So, hopefully you should be armed with all the lupin info you need. If you have any more questions – please get in touch!
WHERE TO STAY around the mackenzie region:
To see the lupins I would recommend staying in Tekapo, as that is where there are the most accommodation options in the area. I’ve popped some recommendations below that hopefully cater to your budget option, whether that be a sod it, it’s pay day let’s splash all the cash or an, I need a comfy bed to fall into asap kinda trip. Two of the options here are currently freedom camping spots – awesome ones at that!
A SPLURGE OPTION
Alpine Lodges @ The Cairns Alpine Resort this gorgeous little resort, is home to a selection of beautifully designed lodges with log burners and epic bath tubs, access to the Cairns golf course and a menagerie of animals including Whiskey the pig and a friendly bunch of hungry alpacas.
A MORE BUDGET OPTION:
YHA Lake Tekapo offering a variety of room options, from shared dormitories to Queen Rooms with a lake view. YHA Lake Tekapo has a restaurant, bar, a shared lounge and garden in Lake Tekapo. Among the facilities are a shared kitchen and a tour desk, along with free WiFi throughout the property.
FREEDOM CAMPING AROUND TEKAPO:
There are no freedom camping spots within the Tekapo Township due to local legislation. However, there are some awesome spots to consider close by both suitable for self-contained vehicles. Pattersons Ponds – located on the Tekapo Canal Road, a gorgeous spot to sit by the canal in the sunshine, super quiet – just take your time driving down the gravel road. Arguably, the most popular freedom camping spot in the area, Lake Pukaki Reserve – honestly you will not regret parking up here for the night, the views over the lake to Aoraki/Mt Cook are just astounding, get here early as the lake view spots fill up fast.
Thank you for reading! If you want to continue indulging that wanderlust, then maybe check out this post about Singapore.
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