From late November through December, certain pockets of New Zealand burst into colour as fields of Russell lupins come into bloom. These perennials, introduced back in the 1940s, transform riverbanks and valleys into rainbow-like displays of pinks, purples, blues, yellows, and oranges.

One of the best spots to see them is around the Ahuriri River in the Mackenzie region. In past years, lupins have flourished along the river’s edge and through its wide beds. The exact spread changes year to year, but you can usually spot the flowers easily from the road. There are safe pull-offs and reserves where you can park and wander down to the river foreshore.

📸 Photography tip: Pack both a wide-angle lens for sweeping landscapes and a mid-range zoom for tighter compositions. Golden hour is especially beautiful, when the setting sun casts a warm glow across the colourful fields.