Where and When to See New Zealand's Lupins

Where to Find Lupins in New Zealand, and When to See Them.

If you’ve ever seen photos of New Zealand that look like they’ve been plucked from a dream, chances are those pictures included fields of blooming lupins. These vibrant pink, purple, and blue flowers have become somewhat iconic for travellers to New Zealand. But what’s the story behind these stunning flowers? And where can you go to catch them in full bloom? Let’s dive in!

A Little History: How Lupins Got to New Zealand

Surprisingly, lupins aren't native to New Zealand. They were introduced in the 1940s by a local farmer, Connie Scott, who had a vision of turning the harsh, barren landscape of Mackenzie Country into a more vibrant and lush environment. She scattered seeds all over the region, not knowing that this simple act would create a national sensation. Lupins were first brought in as a way to help stabilise the soil and add nutrients back to the land, but what no one realised was how quickly these flowers would spread and take root across the country.

Nowadays, they’ve become synonymous with picturesque New Zealand landscapes. If you’re planning to visit during the blooming season, lupins are a must-see, but there’s more to these beauties than just their good looks.

The Environmental Impact of Lupins

While lupins are undoubtedly stunning, they do come with some environmental baggage. Being an introduced species, they’re not exactly friends with New Zealand’s native plants and wildlife. Lupins thrive in areas with poor soil and tend to push out local species. They can also alter waterways by disrupting the natural flow of rivers, particularly in places like Canterbury and Mackenzie Country.

Conservationists have had a mixed relationship with these flowers for years. While they add to the aesthetic charm and are a big draw for tourists, they’ve also created headaches for those trying to protect native ecosystems. So, while we can all agree that they look fantastic in Instagram snaps, it's important to remember that they do come with some unintended environmental consequences. Because of this, the New Zealand Department of Conservation have issued control laws for lupins, controlling where they are planted, and stopping them from spreading into high-risk areas. What this means for travellers is that there will be fewer wild lupins, but in the places we recommend below, you'll see a higher concentration of them. 

When to See New Zealand Lupins in Bloom

If you’re chasing the perfect shot of a lupin field, timing is everything. Lupin season in New Zealand is late spring and early summer, with the best time to see lupins in all their colourful glory is from mid-November to early December. The exact timing can shift slightly depending on the weather, but generally speaking, you’ll get the most vibrant blooms in December. Another thing to remember is that a lot of the lupin fields are situated in alpine environments, so weather can be unpredictable at times - so make sure you plan your trip accordingly!

Lupins grow particularly well in the South Island, and if you’re travelling during this time, you’ll likely spot them even if you’re not specifically seeking them out. They tend to pop up along roadsides, rivers, and open plains, making for some absolutely jaw-dropping drives.

The Best Spots to See New Zealand Lupins

Now, where exactly should you go to see these vibrant fields of flowers? Here are a few of the best places to catch them in full bloom. Just remember, a lot of these locations are relatively close to each other. So if you miss out at one spot, check out the next one on the list and you might have better luck!

1. Mackenzie Country

This is the heartland of lupin country and probably the most famous spot to see them. In the Mackenzie Basin, the flowers blanket the landscape in purples, pinks, and blues. The area around Lake Tekapo is particularly popular – it’s one of the most photographed lupin locations in the country. The contrast of the turquoise waters of the lake and the vibrant lupins makes for a picture-perfect scene. Mackenzie Country is also home to a wide range of beautiful hikes, so there's plenty to do around here, even if you don't manage to find lupins.

2. Lake Tekapo

As mentioned above, this is a must-see. Not only are the lupins spectacular here, but the surrounding mountains and the bright blue waters of Lake Tekapo create a magical backdrop. The lupins around the Church of the Good Shepherd are a favourite among photographers, and if you walk west along the beach a bit from the church, you'll find a relatively large field that's also perfect for photos! 

3. Lake Pukaki

Just a short drive from Tekapo, Lake Pukaki is another gem. The bright blue glacial waters, with Mt Cook or Aoraki - New Zealand's tallest mountain - towering in the distance, are breathtaking enough on their own – add in a sea of lupins, and you’re in for a treat. In my opinion, Lake Pukaki is my preferred option when checking out lupin fields - mainly due to the fact that it's less crowded, and the backdrop of Mt Cook National Park is unbeatable. Lake Pukaki is also near the cute town of Twizzle, and if you're planning on exploring more of this area, there's so much to see and do that it's worth spending a couple days here. 

4. Ahuriri River

The Ahuriri River in the Otago region is another fantastic spot to see lupins. It’s a bit off the beaten track, which means you’re more likely to have the place to yourself. If you're after a more secluded and serene experience, Ahuriri River is an excellent choice! I've been here a couple times and have unfortunately missed the lupins both times, but it's a beautiful area in its own right that you won't leave disappointed! 

Looking to plan a holiday in New Zealand to check out the lupin fields? Check out some of our self-drive itineraries that visit these locations. We create 100% customisable tours and offer the best advice on when to visit New Zealand. Have a look for yourself, but if you ever need a hand, just reach out to our team.

5. Lindis Pass

One of the more lesser-known locations for lupins, Lindis Pass is actually not a bad spot to see these beautiful wildflowers. On my last trip to Mt Cook National Park, we had to stop a couple of times to marvel at the huge fields of lupins running in the fields just next to the highway. There's a river system that flows through Lindis Pass, and the lupins have taken root all along, providing a huge field of colour to accompany you on the drive between Queenstown and Twizzle. Its a little more difficult to pull over and get up close to the flowers in Lindis Pass, but you can at least enjoy the views whilst on this already spectacular alpine drive.  

Lupin Etiquette – Look, Don’t Pick

As tempting as it may be to grab a bunch of lupins for yourself, remember that picking them is a big no-no. These flowers are protected in certain areas, especially around places like Lake Tekapo. They're also protected probably not for the reason you're thinking. Lupins are really good at spreading and growing where they shouldn't, and if you're plucking a few for yourself, you might be spreading more seeds in places we don't them to appear. You're also ruining the view for other visitors looking for these colourful flowers. Always stick to the paths and designated areas when you’re viewing lupins to help minimise your impact on the environment. It’s best to leave them as you found them – for both future travellers and the ecosystem.

The Final Word on New Zealand’s Lupins

Lupins in New Zealand are a bit like marmite (or vegemite for your Aussies!) – some love them for the vibrant charm they add to the landscape, while others dislike their invasive nature. But, for travellers, they offer a spectacular sight that’s hard to resist. Just remember to be mindful of the environment as you go snapping your photos and admiring the views.

So, if you're planning a trip to New Zealand during the warmer months, make sure to add a lupin-spotting adventure to your itinerary. Whether you’re road-tripping through Mackenzie Country or stopping by Lake Tekapo for a snap or two, these colourful wildflowers are sure to make your visit even more unforgettable.

And let’s be honest – who wouldn’t want a field of lupins in the background of their New Zealand holiday photos?