New Zealand Flower Fields & where to see the lupins
Welcome to the vibrant world of the New Zealand flower fields, where the stunning Russell lupins steal the show in early summer.
As these beautiful blooms burst into full bloom, the landscape of the Mackenzie Basin in the South Island transforms into a sea of colours; everyone recognises the famous purple flowers that are surprisingly not native to New Zealand!
Discover the best places to see these lupins plus all the other flower fields, often lining the sides of roads or sprawling across fields in Mackenzie Country.
Early January marks the peak of the lupin season, and places like Ahuriri River, Lindis Pass, and Crown Range Road offer breathtaking displays of these flowers.
Don’t miss the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd, where lupins frame the picturesque scene on the shores of Lake Tekapo, which is literally a photographer’s dream. Join us on a journey through the flower field season, as we explore the best spots to witness this natural spectacle in New Zealand’s stunning North & South Island.
Have a look at some of my other Aotearoa / New Zealand travel guides for attractions nearby on your South Island itinerary or North Island road trip.
Not sure where to go? Have a look at my article on North Island VS South Island, which is better.
Best activities & tours on South Island
Here are some of the best New Zealand South Island tours! I always compare tours on Viator and Get Your Guide to check prices and different tour availability.
| Jet Boat & Wilderness experience – If you’re after an adrenaline experience then this is for you! Milford Sound Cruises – The best way to see the unofficial 8th wonder of the world. Franz Josef Glacier tours – one of the most iconic, stunning, incredible things to experience in South Island! Glenorchy & Paradise half day tour – if you’re after some beautiful sight seeing this is for you! Glow worm caves – Dont miss the iconic glow worm caves in South Island! Scenic Flights – One of the most iconic experiences in all of South Island, New Zealand. |
Car & Campervan Rental
It’s recommended that you either hire yourself, a camper van or a car, so you can explore North Island at your heart’s desire..
Depending on what time of year it can be really busy so it is worth looking at your stay well in advance. Bear in mind cost of hotels on your itinerary North Island New Zealand.
New Zealand Flower Fields
There are more flower fields than just the famous lupin flowers! Yes, the Lupin flowers are super popular and instagrammable, but it’s definitely worth keeping an eye out for some other flowers in New Zealand, like the lavender farms!
Why are flower fields so popular in NZ?
So, you know how stunning New Zealand is, right? Well, imagine it in late spring, around late November to December.
That’s when the lupin fields burst into a riot of colours, especially in spots like Milford Sound, Central Otago Lake Tekapo Lupins, and the Central South Island. These fields of lupins are a photographer’s dream, offering some of the most breathtaking images you’ll ever capture.
If you’re in the area, you should look up the things to do in Lake Tekapo.
But why are these flower fields so popular with tourists? Well, apart from their sheer beauty, they also symbolise the arrival of warmer weather and the beauty of nature coming to life after the winter chill. It’s definitely a celebration of the new season!
One of the best places to experience this floral extravaganza is the Wanaka Lavender Farm. It’s not just about the stunning purple hues of the lavender; it’s also about the fragrant air and the serene surroundings that make it a must-visit spot.
Now, you might wonder why these flowers are such a big deal. After all, they’re just flowers, right? Well, it’s not just about their beauty; it’s also about their impact on the environment. Lupins are actually considered an invasive species in New Zealand, but here’s the catch – they’re a beautiful invasive species!
They were originally introduced to help with soil erosion, but they’ve since spread like wildfire, especially in areas like the river beds and along the Milford Road.
Despite their invasive nature, these flowers have become an integral part of New Zealand’s landscape, and many, like photographer Connie Scott, have found inspiration in their beauty. They’ve also become a habitat for the endangered black stilt, adding to their ecological significance.
Of course, it’s not always sunny in New Zealand, and bad weather can sometimes put a damper on the flower field season. But that’s the beauty of the southern hemisphere – even in late December, when it’s technically summer, you might still encounter some unpredictable weather. But hey, that’s all part of the adventure, right?
The different types of flower fields in New Zealand
The different types of flower fields you might get in New Zealand:
- Russell lupins in the Mackenzie Basin: Vibrant and colourful, these fields are a stunning sight, painting the landscape with shades of purple, pink, and blue during the summer months.
- Sunflower fields: These fields are a bright sea of yellow, offering a cheerful and picturesque scene, especially in late summer.
- Lavender fields: Fragrant and calming, the lavender fields provide a serene escape with their beautiful purple blooms and they are utterly stunning.
- Wild poppy fields: These fields burst with red poppies, adding a splash of color to the countryside, particularly in early summer.
- Fields of yellow lupins: Similar to the Russell lupins but with a golden hue, these fields offer a warm and inviting display.
- Fields of daisies: Delicate and charming, fields of daisies create a whimsical and picturesque setting, especially in spring.
- Fields of native New Zealand flowers: These fields showcase the beauty of New Zealand’s unique flora, with a variety of native plants in full bloom.
Read more on the Wanaka Lavender farm here.
Where to see Lupin Flowers in New Zealand
There is no specific place to see Lupins – the Lupin seeds of the beautiful flowers blow in the wind and the flowers bloom in a slightly different place each year.
I drove around New Zealand in January and February and I saw tonnes on the side of the road and on the shores of the lakes, but the best time to see them is usually December.
Here are the best locations to see Lupin Flowers:
- Mackenzie Basin: A vast expanse of land in the South Island known for its stunning lupin fields, particularly along the roadsides and near Lake Tekapo.
- Ahuriri River: The banks of this river in the South Island are often adorned with colorful lupins, creating a picturesque scene against the backdrop of the Southern Alps.
- Lindis Pass: This mountain pass between the Mackenzie x and Central Otago is famous for its carpet of lupins in late spring, offering a stunning drive for those passing through. Some of the most beautiful scenery you can hope to come across!
- Crown Range Road: Connecting Queenstown and Wanaka, this road offers breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys, often dotted with lupins in the summer.
- Church of the Good Shepherd: The Lake Tekapo Lupins, this iconic church is set against the backdrop of the lake and mountains, with lupins adding to its scenic beauty.
- Godley Peaks Road: A drive along this road near Lake Tekapo offers stunning views of the Southern Alps and fields of colorful lupins in the summer months.
- Lake Wanaka: The shores of Lake Wanaka are often adorned with lupins in early summer, offering a beautiful setting for a lakeside stroll or picnic.
- Lake Pukaki: Known for its turquoise waters, Lake Pukaki is surrounded by lupin-covered hillsides in late spring, creating a stunning contrast against the water.
- Lake Alexandrina: This is a great place to see them, near Lake Tekapo, Lake Alexandrina is surrounded by fields of lupins, offering a peaceful spot to enjoy the scenery.
- Milford Road: The journey to Milford Sound is scenic in itself, with lupins often lining the road and adding to the beauty of the journey.
- Clay Cliffs: While not a traditional lupin viewing spot, the Clay Cliffs near Omarama offer a unique landscape with stunning views, especially in the spring when wildflowers, including lupins, bloom.
- Glenorchy Wharf: While not as famous as some other locations, the Glenorchy Wharf area near Queenstown offers beautiful views of Lake Wakatipu, often complemented by patches of colourful lupins, especially in early summer.
New Zealand Weather
Summer in NZ
Read more about the summer weather in NZ.
Temperature: In January, when it’s summer, the weather is warm on both North & South Island! The temperatures are around 23°C (73°F), while the South Island is a tad cooler, sitting at around 19°C (66°F).
But honestly, on some of the days it was BOILING in the summer, and reaching highs of 30°C (86°F) if not higher. Think, you’ll burn in 15 minutes outside without sun cream.
Rain: Both islands get about 8 rainy days, but you’ve got heaps of daylight to play with, around 15 hours a day. It’s like the sun just doesn’t wanna quit!
Winter in NZ
Read more about the winter weather in NZ.
Fast forward to June, when it’s winter in NZ. Things start cooling down a bit, especially in the South Island. You’re looking at around 11°C (52°F) down there, while the North Island is still a bit milder, hovering around 15°C (59°F).
It’s a bit wetter too, with around 14 rainy days, but, you still get some solid daylight, about 9 hours or so.
New Zealand Weather in January
- Average temperature on North Island: 23°C (73°F)
- Average temperature on South Island: 19°C (66°F)
- Average rainy days: 8
- Average daylight hours: 15
- Average sunrise time: 6:15 AM
- Average sunset time: 9:30 PM
New Zealand Weather in February
- Average temperature on North Island: 25°C (77°F)
- Average temperature on South Island: 20°C (68°F)
- Average rainy days: 7
- Average daylight hours: 14
- Average sunrise time: 6:45 AM
- Average sunset time: 9:00 PM
New Zealand Weather in March
- Average temperature on North Island: 23°C (73°F)
- Average temperature on South Island: 18°C (64°F)
- Average rainy days: 9
- Average daylight hours: 12
- Average sunrise time: 7:15 AM
- Average sunset time: 8:15 PM
New Zealand Weather in April
- Average temperature on North Island: 20°C (68°F)
- Average temperature on South Island: 15°C (59°F)
- Average rainy days: 11
- Average daylight hours: 11
- Average sunrise time: 7:45 AM
- Average sunset time: 6:45 PM
New Zealand Weather in May
- Average temperature on North Island: 17°C (63°F)
- Average temperature on South Island: 12°C (54°F)
- Average rainy days: 12
- Average daylight hours: 9
- Average sunrise time: 8:15 AM
- Average sunset time: 5:30 PM
New Zealand Weather in June
- Average temperature on North Island: 15°C (59°F)
- Average temperature on South Island: 9°C (48°F)
- Average rainy days: 14
- Average daylight hours: 9
- Average sunrise time: 8:30 AM
- Average sunset time: 5:15 PM
New Zealand Weather in July
- Average temperature on North Island: 14°C (57°F)
- Average temperature on South Island: 8°C (46°F)
- Average rainy days: 15
- Average daylight hours: 9
- Average sunrise time: 8:30 AM
- Average sunset time: 5:30 PM
New Zealand Weather in August
- Average temperature on North Island: 15°C (59°F)
- Average temperature on South Island: 9°C (48°F)
- Average rainy days: 15
- Average daylight hours: 10
- Average sunrise time: 7:45 AM
- Average sunset time: 6:00 PM
New Zealand Weather in September
- Average temperature on North Island: 16°C (61°F)
- Average temperature on South Island: 10°C (50°F)
- Average rainy days: 13
- Average daylight hours: 12
- Average sunrise time: 6:45 AM
- Average sunset time: 6:30 PM
New Zealand Weather in October
- Average temperature on North Island: 18°C (64°F)
- Average temperature on South Island: 12°C (54°F)
- Average rainy days: 11
- Average daylight hours: 13
- Average sunrise time: 7:15 AM
- Average sunset time: 7:45 PM
New Zealand Weather in November
- Average temperature on North Island: 20°C (68°F)
- Average temperature on South Island: 14°C (57°F)
- Average rainy days: 9
- Average daylight hours: 14
- Average sunrise time: 6:00 AM
- Average sunset time: 8:30 PM
New Zealand Weather in December
- Average temperature on North Island: 22°C (72°F)
- Average temperature on South Island: 16°C (61°F)
- Average rainy days: 9
- Average daylight hours: 15
- Average sunrise time: 5:45 AM
- Average sunset time: 9:15 PM
Quick links
| Here’s everything I use when I travel abroad: Tours – Compare tour prices on Viator and Get Your Guide Hotels – I always use Booking as the more hotels I book, I get a higher Genius discount. I also compare prices on Expedia. E-Sims – purchase an e-sim with Airalo on your phone so you can make calls and have mobile data abroad! There’s no need to remove your current sim card! Travel insurance – don’t ever go on vacation without travel insurance, you never know when you might need it! Travel essentials – have a look at a full list of travel essentials that I use, including the best power bank! |
About the Author
 | Hi, I’m Adriana! I’m constantly searching for the best places to travel to so you don’t have to! Think hidden gems but all over the world. That means I’m constantly on the road and exploring new places to visit and I have a love for photography, so it made sense to write travel guides on all the places I visit. I was born in Australia and lived in New Zealand, Poland, Dubai and England growing up and I decided to take my love of travel to the next level! Read more about me here and see my articles here. |
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