Lupins at Lake Tekapo

What it is

From mid November to late December, Russell lupins flower along the shores of Lake Tekapo and the roadsides and riverbeds of the Mackenzie Basin, in the South Island of New Zealand. The spikes of purple, pink, blue and cream against milky blue glacial water and snow peaks have become one of the country's most photographed scenes. The story has another side. The lupin is a garden plant from North America that has spread widely. It is an invasive weed in the braided rivers, where it crowds out the open gravel that rare native birds need for nesting. Enjoy the sight, and do not help it spread.

Before you go

• Late November to mid December is the most reliable time.
• Do not collect or scatter seed, and brush seed pods off clothes and boots.
• Pull fully off the road before stopping for photographs.

The flowers you will see

LupinTall, spiky-flowered legumes grown for gardens, food, and soil health

Also part of it, and being written: Lupinus polyphyllus.

More in New Zealand

🇳🇿 Christchurch · Jan to DecChristchurch Botanic Gardens and Hagley ParkThe heart of New Zealand's Garden City, set in a loop of the Avon river.