What you'll do
If you happen to be visiting the central South Island at the end of November/Start of December you must take advantage of one of our most beautiful natural wonders - the Russel Lupin, a gorgeous but invasive weed that paints the landscape in vibrant hues of purple, pink, and yellow.
Day 1
It's day one and you've arrived in Queenstown!
We will be visiting the beautiful little town of Glenorchy this morning before heading to lake Wanaka via Arrowtown. Your total drive time for today is about 3 and a half hours.
Important Notes:
Lupins typically bloom late November/Early December
Lupins are considered an invasive weed and are sprayed by local councils each year, hopefully all of the spots mentioned in this guide have lupins when you come to visit but I can't guarantee it.
Glenorchy Restored Steamship Depot
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Iconic Otago heritage building
Glenorchys instagram famous red shed! Visit in the morning for the best photography lighting.
Glenorchy Restored Steamship Depot is a renowned and popular heritage building located at 4 Islay St in Glenorchy, Otago 9372. It has earned numerous favorable reviews for its fascinating architectural features, perfect location close to Queenstown and its effortless accessibility. One of the most captivating elements of this depot is the iconic red shed which has been featured in countless photographs and is a favorite among tourists.
Glenorchy Wharf
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Iconic Glenorchy Wharf
Glenorchy Wharf is a stunning marina located in the small settlement of Glenorchy at the northern end of the magnificent Lake Wakatipu in the South Island region of Otago, New Zealand. It's a popular tourist spot, situated close to many of the area’s renowned tramping tracks such as the Routeburn Track and the Rees and Dart Tracks. Visitors can enjoy activities like canyoning, fly fishing, jet boating, horse riding, kayaking, mountain biking, skiing, snowboarding, sky diving and boating or take a leisurely stroll along the circular public boardwalk that runs through the Glenorchy Lagoon. It's also been used as a backdrop in many famous films and TV shows including Peter Jackson's Lord of the Rings franchise, Vertical Limit, X-Men Origins: Wolverine and BBC's Top of the Lake. With its beautiful scenery and incredible activities, there’s no doubt Glenorchy Wharf is a must-see destination for any traveller in the area.
Glenorchy Lupin Photospot
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Lupin Photo spot along the Lakefront
During Lupin blooming season (late Nov-Early Dec) this is a great spot to see Lupins along the lakefront near Glenorchy. If you head towards the Glenorchy lagoon walk from the red shed there is a small pathway after the carpark on your left hand side that takes you along the river front, this is where the spot in my photos can be found.
Keep in mind that local councils spray Lupins (they're considered a weed!) but if you're lucky some will still be blooming.
Paradise is a further 20 minute drive from Glenorchy with beautiful lupins along the river fronts. It's worth a detour before heading back towards Queentown!
Paradise Lupin Spot
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Photo Spot for Lupins during blooming season
Many lupins bloom here along the riverside during spring (late november to early december)
Keep in mind that local councils spray Lupins (they're considered a weed!) but if you're lucky some will still be blooming.
You've hopefully photographed lots of lupins by now! Let's head to Arrowtown for lunch and more lupins along the riverside. We will also grab a bite to eat in Arrowtown, I have included my favorite cafe and there are lots of other eateries on the main street too.
The Dishery Restaurant
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Rustic bistro with picturesque views
The Dishery is a lively bistro restaurant located in Arrowtown, with a picturesque view overlooking the Arrow River Reserve.
I had an amazing brunch here last time I was in Arrowtown and would recommend it for the food quality and ambience.
Arrowtown Historic Police Camp
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Iconic photography spot
Iconic building in Arrowtown very popular on Instagram. Visit early to photograph it without parked cars.
Arrowtown Lupins
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Riverside Lupins during Spring Blooming Season
During Lupin blooming season (late Nov/early Dec) you will usually find lupins blooming along the Arrowtown river.
Park near the famous hut and stroll up along the riverside.
Arrowtown
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Charming Historic Gold Mining Town
Arrowtown is an attractive historic gold mining town located on the Arrow River near Queenstown, New Zealand. The town’s quaint streets are lined with well-preserved old miners' cottages that were settled during the 1860s Otago gold rush. There is a lot to explore in Arrowtown including biking, hiking and walking trails, golf courses, ski areas and a range of high quality restaurants, bars, shops and local galleries. During autumn, the town's oaks, sycamores, rowans and cork elms turn red and gold, making the surrounding hills and the town come alive with colour. An annual Autumn Festival celebrates this beauty and features music, feasting and merriment.
Lupins bloom along the Arrowtown river in late spring (End Nov/Start of Dec)
Cardona Hotel doesn't have any lupins (that I know of) but is too iconic to drive by without stopping. Visit the pub for a drink or take some photos outside.
Cardrona Hotel
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Iconic Kiwi Bar and Hotel
Cardrona Hotel bar is a fantastic place to visit for anyone seeking New Zealand's iconic and stunning mountain experience.
The historic hotel has been standing since the 19th century and offers a range of different activities such as a legendary beer garden, award-winning restaurant and charming hotel rooms. Providing a rustic yet modern atmosphere, visitors can get an insight into New Zealand's history as well as enjoy a great night out. With fragrant roses, lush greenery, a cosy bar and friendly staff, Cardrona Hotel Bar is truly unforgettable and a must stop on your way through to Wanaka.
Let's continue on to the lakeside mountain village of Wanaka. This will likely be the only location in this itinerary where we will see beautiful yellow lupins.
Wanaka has tons of accommodations and Airbnbs, I have included one of my favourites called Edgewater, right on the lakeside within walking distance of the famous Wanaka tree.
Edgewater Hotel - Lake Wanaka
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Great Accommodation in Wanaka
Fab accommodation right on the shores of lake Wanaka a short walk from the famous #thatwanakatree
We spent a week here in 2022 and had an amazing time. They have heaps of parking, spa pools, a lovely cafe on the lakefront and you can walk along the lakefront and up the hill to Rippon Winery!
Wanaka Lakefront Lupins
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Photo spot for Lupins during their blooming season
From late november to mid December you should be able to find bushes of beautiful yellow lupins growing along Wanaka Lakefront. Keep in mind that these are actually considered a weed and local councils spray for them each year! If you're lucky some may have survived the spraying.
#ThatWanakaTree
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Wānaka’s Insta famous tree
New Zealands most famous tree affectionally dubbed "That Wanaka Tree".
For the best lighting I recommend visiting early in the morning, the tree doesn't look as picturesque in the middle of the day with harsh lighting.