From November to December, certain parts of New Zealand burst into colour thanks to the flowering Russell lupins. These perennials, first introduced in the 1940s, transform the landscape into a rainbow of pinks, purples, blues, yellows, and oranges.

One of the most iconic places to see them is along the foreshore of Lake Tekapo. While the bloom isn’t guaranteed every year, you’ll usually find at least some patches, and when the flowers line the lake against the backdrop of turquoise water and snow-capped peaks, it’s absolutely breathtaking.

The western end of the foreshore, along Lakeside Drive, is often blooming with lupins and also large fields of California Poppies, making for a spectacular display of colours!

🌅 Best time to visit: Sunrise and sunset bring out the golden light, making the colours even more vivid.
📸 Photography tip: Bring a wide-angle and mid-range zoom lens to capture both sweeping scenes and tighter details.