Guide to Seeing Lupins in Spring in New Zealand (Nov to Jan)

The lupin season typically blooms from late November to mid-January.

Lupins in New Zealand are perennial herbaceous plants with vibrant colours ranging from pink and yellow to purple. Many of them grow to a height exceeding waist level.

Our experience

Lake Pukaki

You can find the vibrant lupins near Lake Pukaki’s farm. These lupins are the only ones we saw that extended from the ground up into the hills. It’s truly a sight of lupins as far as the eye can see, and it’s exceptionally beautiful.

What’s even more amazing is that there were no crowds, allowing these lupins to quietly thrive in their beauty. In reality, there’s no need to specifically search for them because when you’re self-driving in New Zealand in November, you’ll come across lupins everywhere, albeit in varying sizes.

Lake Tekapo

You can also see lupins on the South Island of New Zealand, especially near Lake Tekapo. We’ve always believed that lupins in the South Island look their best when they have snow-capped mountains and lakes as their backdrop. Unfortunately, lupins around the Good Shepherd Church have become increasingly scarce, and the area is almost entirely filled with tourists. For those who prefer a quieter setting for photography, this can be a bit overwhelming.

Other Locations

Google Maps Location: 44.93941° S, 168.96779° E

This location is a must-visit spot on the road from Wanaka to Arrowtown. It’s conveniently situated at a parking point. If you’re passing by and want to take photos, don’t hesitate to stop. Missing it might mean you won’t feel like turning back to capture the moment.

Google Maps Location: 43.97024° S, 170.35996° E

It’s roughly in the middle of Lake Pukaki and Lake Tekapo.

Before heading out for photography, make sure to buy insect repellent! The lupin fields can be quite tall, and if you’re wearing a skirt while walking through them, you might easily get bitten by mosquitoes.

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