New Zealand is well known for its landscape beauty, and flowers have a special place in botanical wonders. Depending on the season, you will see sunflower farms, lavender fields, lupin fields, canola farms, Tulip fields, etc., that paint the Islands in a kaleidoscope of colour.
Because of the vibrant colours of pink, purple, blue, and yellow, lupins create scenery that looks more beautiful across river basins, grasslands and lakeside all around the Tekapo region. Due to this, Lupin bloom during the summer season is a seasonal sight, making it a favourite subject for photographers, travellers and nature lovers alike.
Lupins typically flower up during the summer months, specifically from late November to early January, making it an ideal time to explore the most beautiful places in the country. Whether you’re travelling along the turquoise lake shores of Lake Tekapo or nearby lakes or driving through the rugged landscape of the Mackenzie region, the sight of lupin fields is an unforgettable experience.
Following are the few locations where you can do a lupin photoshoot without any restrictions this summer.
3 Best Locations for Lupin Photography Near Lake Tekapo
#1:- Lupins Near Lake Pukaki Viewpoint
Lake Pukaki Viewpoint is about 50 km from Lake Tekapo and takes only half an hour to reach. This is a great location for Lupin Photography if you want mountains, lakes or landscapes as the background. Not only for Lupins Photoshoot but also this is a great location worth stopping if you are travelling nearby.
Lake Pukaki is the second largest lake in the Canterbury region of South Island and has its source in the Tasman Glacier and Hooker Glacier. This is a gorgeous lake, especially during the summer months and very much famous for its bright turquoise-coloured water. Many viewpoints and lookouts on the shores of this lake showcase New Zealand’s tallest peak, Aoraki/ Mount Cook as a background.
One of the many attractions of this lake during the summer months especially between November and January are the fully-bloomed lupins around its shores. There are many locations around this lake where you can watch lupins but the best one to choose is near the lake Pukaki Viewpoint located near Hayman Road.
When you are at this Viewpoint, you will see a small road to the Lake Pukaki power station and The Pines Lake Pukaki Freedom Camping ground. This road further connects to the Tekapo region. So if you drive 1 KM from this viewpoint to Hayman Road, you will see thousands of lupins on the shore of the Pukaki lake.
#2:- Lupins Around The Church of the Good Shepherd, Lake Tekapo
One of the images that pop up when searching for New Zealand is The Church of the Good Shepherd, situated on the banks of Lake Tekapo. The church was opened in 1935 and is the only church in this region. It is open for service every Sunday and welcomes people from all communities regardless of their traditions and beliefs.
The church itself looks beautiful in all seasons of the year. In winter when it snows, you will see the church surrounded by thick white snow. When it comes to the spring, the mountain ranges behind the church are more beautiful and give you a different experience. During the summer months, when the lupin flowers bloom, you will get the opportunity to take pictures of the church with Lupins either in the background or foreground.
If you are considering Golden hours for the photography, try the morning session as you will see more crowds in the evening.
#3:- Lupins Field Near Tekapo Canal (Tekapo – Twizel Road)
When you travel through the State Highway near Tekapo in summer, you will see Lupin fields at several locations. When you pull down your car and try to get into these fields, you will realise that it is closed or marked as private property. Travellers taking lupin pictures from the roadside is a common scene in December and January.
Now the real question is, Are there any lupin fields without any entry restrictions? Yes, there are. One such location without any entry restrictions is the lupin fields near the Tekapo canal, located at Tekapo-Twizer Road.
There are not enough parking facilities available in this region but a couple of vehicles can easily park on the roadside. Get into the fields and click your favourite pictures.
FAQs About Lupins in Lake Tekapo
1. When is the best time to see lupins in Lake Tekapo?
The best time to see lupins near Lake Tekapo is during the summer season, especially from late November to early January. The sunrise and sunset will be between 5.30 Am and 9.00 PM and you will get plenty of time to photoshoot during the golden hours.
2. Where exactly can I find lupins in Lake Tekapo?
Lupins can be found at several locations in the Mackenzie District. They are most commonly found near the shores of Lake Tekapo and Lake Pukaki and alongside the surrounding riverbanks and meadows. Not all locations are accessible.
3. Are lupins native to New Zealand?
No, New Zealand is not the native place of Lupins. Russell Lupin which is mostly seen in the South Island was brought from North America. Although lupin farms are a visual treat to nature lovers, it is considered an invasive species by some conservationists.
4. Can I pick lupins at Lake Tekapo?
There are no council rules associated with the plucking of Lupins in the Mackenzie District. Since there are no rules, we recommend to leave the flowers untouched so that everyone can enjoy the beauty.
Conclusion
In conclusion, Lake Tekapo and its surrounding regions are great locations on the South Island for lupin lovers and photographers. Lupin fields with lakes and mountains as background is a great opportunity for photographers to capture the landscape beauty of New Zealand.
If you are travelling to the Mackenzie district of New Zealand between November and January, don’t forget to look for this natural wonder.
Last modified: December 13, 2024
