The foreshore of Lake Pukaki transforms into a painter’s palette in late spring and early summer when lupins bloom along the water’s edge. Their vibrant pinks, purples, and yellows contrast beautifully with the lake’s unreal turquoise colour and the snow-capped peaks of Aoraki / Mount Cook in the distance.

To get there, follow SH8 between Tekapo and Twizel. I've pinned my favourite spot to find a lot of lupins in one place, but you can also just drive along the road keeping an eye out for flowers along the shore. From there, it’s just a short wander down to the shoreline where the flowers cluster along the lake’s edge.

The lupin season typically peaks in November and December, though blooms can linger into January depending on conditions. It’s a fleeting but spectacular display that draws travellers and photographers from all over the world.

📸 Photography tip: Head down during golden hour for the most flattering light. A wide-angle lens will help you capture the sweep of lupins in the foreground with the lake and mountains behind, while a telephoto is perfect for isolating details and colour, and compressing the view with Mt. Cook in the background. A polarising filter can help bring out the richness of the lake’s turquoise glow.