Lupin Season in New Zealand — when and where to find lupins on the South Island
Lupin Season in New Zealand
— when and where to find lupins on the South Island
It’s a controversial topic in Aotearoa (New Zealand) due to its invasive quality on the country’s fragile ecosystem. Regardless, visitors (and many creators) flock to New Zealand to capture their beauty amongst New Zealand’s beautiful backdrops every year.
I’ll admit, I’m a sucker for the budding pastel petals. I even planned my elopement around their bloom (see our nz elopement here) and created a lupin flower crown for my daughter and myself to wear on the day.
When to experience lupin season in New Zealand
Be here late spring/early summer. Around mid-November, the flowers begin to bud along roadsides. As the month goes on, the flowers grow taller and the fields fill up.
I recommend visiting between the end of November and the beginning of December. It’s the best chance at finding blooms plentiful.
However, don’t lose all hope if you are coming earlier or later. After living on the South Island for the past few years, I’ve noticed they can pop up earlier (yet usually not as tall) and stay later into the summer. Last summer, I found lupins growing wild along the Lindis Pass in February. Usually, they die off earlier than this, so it’s a bonus when they pop up that late in the season.
*Summer 2024/2025 is predicted to be hot and dry, which makes me think it’ll be a shorter lupin season in New Zealand.
Quick reminder: this beloved plant is also very harmful against New Zealand’s fragile ecosystem. It’s considered an invasive weed and is often eradicated to keep control of it near waterways that are essential for the flora and fauna here.
Lupins & poppies along Lake Tekapo
where to find lupins on the south island of New Zealand
Over the years and over many kms, I’m happy to share a few of my favourite locations on the South Island.
Lake Tekapo // debately the most famous spot for the purple, pink, and white hues of the lupin flower. Explore along the lakeside to find patches. The area sometimes sprays to eradicate the invasive weed.
In front of Tekapo Springs, you’ll find a gorgeous patch mixed with orange poppies near the lakes edge (pictured above).
Drive towards Lake Alexandrina from Tekapo to find random patches along the road. Highly recommend, driving through the gates and parking up for a picnic at Lake Alexandrina, it’s one' of our favourite hidden spots.
Look around Twizel near water sources and you may find roadside lupins. Check along the river walking path as well!
Lake Pukaki, my favourite spot to capture the purple and pink flowers with majestic Aoraki/Mount Cook towering in the distance. Add it magic (golden) hour and a pastel sunset, I’m swooning.
This is an area, you may need to drive around to find the flowers. I’ve marked my go-to spots on the map (linked below).
Only pull over where it is safe. There are a few big parking lots off the highway. I recommend parking in one and walking to the lakeshore for a look.
Head towards Mount Cook, and check along the road for fields.
If you head down the road opposite the road to Mt Cook, you’ll find some beautiful, less busy spots (see below).
Omarama, the drive from Twizel often has fields along the road. Again, be safe and pull your entire car over.
Lindis Pass, the mountain pass through the Southern Alps was unexpectedly in bloom in February last year! It was a wetter, colder summer than usual, but it shows nature does its thing where it wants.
Queenstown - Wanaka, neither town has distinct fields, but there is a good chance you’ll find along the roadside. Check by Albert Town on the road towards Lake Hawea. It’s rare to find them along either town’s main lakes, but it’s worth a drive around. I’ll make sure to add any spots to my Maps guide if I find one worth mentioning!
Omarama, the drive from Twizel often has fields along the road. Check out the Omarama Cliffs (worthy spot with/out lupins).
Lindis Pass was unexpectedly in bloom in February last year! It was a wetter, colder summer than usual, but it shows nature does its thing where it wants. *please note, there are only a few safe places to pull over on this mountain pass.
Glenorchy - Paradise is now our favourite lupin playground (see below). Only an hour from Queenstown and down a lesser-traveled road, you’ll find lupins growing along the Rees River. Last year, we parked near the bridge and paddled through the riverlets, weaving among the weeds I love so much. We walked around for well over an hour, not seeing a soul. I’m almost reluctant to share it, but it’s so dreamy, I had to.
along the Rees River
picture perfect paradise
location guide for nz lupin spots on the south island
To make it easier for you, I’ve pinned my favourite lupin field photo spots on this Google Map.
Some pins are just areas, there is no guarantee, lupins will be in that exact spot. I’ll add more if I find more!
Feel free to share with friends 🖤
last tips for lupin spotting
Please be mindful where you are, where you are stepping and do not enter private property.
I’ve found that wearing white in lupin photoshoots often looks the best in the setting.
Drive around and find your own fields.
Have fun, and happy lupin hunting!
elopement photos amongst the lupins in new zealand
elopement ceremony on the edge of Lake Tekapo
lupin flower crowns 🪻
field we found between Lake Tekapo and Lake Alexandrina
among the wildflowers
reach out if you have any questions regarding eloping in New Zealand.