Find yourself in remote Lupin flowers in the stunning Mackenzie Country Lupin Flower Photo Tour
Lupins in Lake Tekapo New Zealand are stunning and a must-see if you’re visiting in the right season. Mid November to Mid January are the best times, with December being in their fullest bright bloom. These colorful flowers, are not native to New Zealand but have become an iconic part of the landscape, particularly around the turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo. However there’s even more incredible locations throughout some hidden spots through the Mackenzie Region, and we know just the perfect secret locations to take you!
These flowers are commonly found in the Mackenzie Basin, famous in Lake Tekapo, where they create a breathtaking sight with their tall spires of pink, purple, blue, yellow, and white hues. Our Lake Tekapo Lupins flower photo tour offers both the otherworldly experience of these colourful flowers mixed in with some of The Mackenzie Country’s most incredible outstanding natural landscapes to photograph. You’ll travel in comfort and style to remote High Country Stations, which are vast private farms surrounded by rugged mountain ranges and sweeping valleys and yes some private lupin patches.
.Capture Snow-capped peaks, glacial rivers, and golden tussock grasslands offer incredible photo opportunities amongst the lupins flowers.
Lupins are considered invasive in New Zealand, but they still contribute to the beauty of the landscape. Avoid trampling on them to preserve their natural spread and keep the area beautiful for others.
Lupin Flowers Lake Tekapo Photo Tour Highlights
Join our breathtaking 3 hour Lupin Flowers Lake Tekapo Photo Tour to explore some of the prettiest and biggest wild lupin patches in the Mackenzie Basin. You’ll combine a stunning scenic 4wd tour through private high country stations, for incredible landscapes of glaciers and mountain ranges mixed with secret Lupin locations far away from the crowds. This is a seasonal tour that operates from Mid November- Early January, with December being at its peak for blooming season. Our local guides will showcase you the very best lupins at various locations depending on the time you join us.
- Breathtaking Lupins Photo Tour from Lake Tekapo (3 hours return) Travel beyond the crowds.
- Access Stunning Private Lookouts Surrounding Lake Pukaki , Lake Tekapo and The Mackenzie Country
- Explore remote Lupin patches and areas known to locals vs the crowded touristy ones
- Private Lupin patches
- Scenic Vistas into Ben Ohau Mountain Range
- Private access by 4WD Tour through Braemar Station
- View some of the best vistas of Mt Cook & Mt Tasman from unique private lookouts
- Capture the most colourful and incredible scenery in The Mackenzie Country
Tour Details
Duration
3 Hours
SEASONAL TOUR
Late November to Early January: This is the best time to see lupins in full bloom, with peak flowering usually in early December
Departure
AOTEA GIFTS | Tekapo Township
Departure Time
Minimum Group Size
2 People
Dress Code
Casual, Comfortable, Stable Footwear, Warm Jacket, Hat, Sunglasses, Camera
Included
✔️ Driver
✔️ Educational Tour
Not Included
❌ Light Refreshment
❌ Light Snack
❌ Meals
❌ Souvenirs
Season
October – July
Tour Notes
There will be opportunities for photos and breathtaking vistas to enjoy. Light walking to close proximity viewpoints for photos, so stable footwear is recommended.
General Questions
How rough is the 4 wheel driving? Will I be comfortable or is it rough?
Our scenic 4wd tours are more of a scenic experience in comfortable custom fitted 4WD vehicles to ensure a smooth tour, while maximizing the incredible landscapes. You won’t be bouncing around that much. We explore on farm tracks and through side streams and rolling tussock country side, and some rougher terrain.
Is there a lot of walking? How physical are the tours?
Our tours are made for exploring mainly by vehicle, and we take plenty of stops for photographs. They don’t require hiking, or walking far. On The Cass Valley Tour, there is an option for a 20-minute hike uphill to a waterfall, for those who are in relatively decent shape and have adequate footwear. Your guide would be the judge.
Are kids allowed?
Yes indeed! We love sharing nature with kids. Our tours are family-friendly and offer a wonderful experience for little ones to explore pristine nature and marvel at the surroundings and animals. We ask that you bring your car seat for infants or kids needing to be in a car seat.
How long are your tours?
Most of our tours are 3 HRS long. Our private tours are 4 HRS and explore further.
Our 1.5-hour tours are generally only available for groups of 4 or more.
What's so special about where you take people?
We give people access to private land where they cannot travel on their own. Our private access allows guests to experience a slice of New Zealand’s most beautiful scenery on their own, away from anyone else.
How many people can you fit in a vehicle?
Our 4WD Vehicles can fit 6 people comfortably.
How big of a group can you take?
We can easily take groups of 18 with 3 4WD Vehicles. With advance notice, we can accommodate up to 30 + people.
Our general day-to-day tours take 6 people per vehicle per tour, some days we could be 2 vehicles on tour.
Where do we meet, and where do your tours depart from?
Our tours depart from Lake Tekapo Township, next to the statue of a Kiwi Bird, Moa Bird, and a Sheep. Right outside AOTEA Gifts, a big red and green sign and across from Kiwi Treasures information center. Your 4WD vehicle & driver will pull up there at the time of your tour.
Trip Questions
What photography equipment should I bring?
We recommend bringing a DSLR or mirrorless camera with a zoom lens to capture distant landscapes and wildlife. A tripod can be handy for stabilizing shots, especially in low light conditions.
Will there be opportunities to photograph wildlife?
Yes, our tour offers the chance to capture native birds such as the Black Stilt and other wildlife in their natural habitat. However, wildlife sightings are not guaranteed.
Do I need photography experience to join the tour?
No prior photography experience is necessary. Our tour is suitable for both amateur and experienced photographers. Our knowledgeable guide can offer tips and guidance to enhance your photography skills.
Are there restroom facilities available during the tour?
Restroom facilities are limited in the remote areas we visit during the tour. We recommend using the restroom before departure.
About Lupin Flowers & As an Invasive Species
Lupin Flowers and their Controversy
While incredibly beautiful, lupins are an invasive species in New Zealand. They were introduced in the mid-20th century and have spread rapidly, particularly in the Mackenzie Basin. They thrive in river beds and near waterways.
They disrupt native ecosystems and pose a threat to braided river habitats, which are crucial for endangered bird species like the black stilt.
Conservationists are divided between protecting native ecosystems and preserving the visual appeal of lupins, which contribute significantly to tourism. We as a tourism operator contribute to conserving the natural habitat and species found within the Mackenzie Basin. We actively work alongside our partners who own these wonderful High Country Stations, which offer very unique ecosystems for the endagred wading birds of NZ. We support their immense efforts in eradicating pests and wilding pines in various ways depending on the season and location.
During Lupin season we offer tourist a chance to explore wonderful wild lupins that are commonly grown for feed for some of the animals on the stations and also in local and often private areas we have access to. Local farmers sometimes plant fields of Lupin flowers in a controlled environnement as a feed to stock. Lupins are a legume and also fix nitrogen into the soil, so it helps improve the soil quality, in an often poor soil location like The Mackenzie Country.
Respect the Environment Please
Lupins are considered invasive species, so avoid spreading seeds to other areas.
Stick to paths and avoid trampling the flowers to preserve their beauty for others.
Meet Our Guides
Ben
Founder & Guide
Ben
As kiwi as it gets, hails from a long history of guiding throughout New Zealand and overseas. From The Milford Track, driving jet boats on the Hollyford track, or multi day hiking tours and enduro mountain bike expeditions, he is a man of many talents! Filled with a rich and passionate knowledge of geology and history, and wild places. Ben is the co founder of Tekapo Adventures and enjoys sharing his passion with people from around the globe. On his down time you can find him riding bikes with the kids, hunting and tramping and fixing vehicles!
Cristina
Founder & Guide
Cristina
A Can- Iwi as we call her, shes born in Canada and lives in New Zealand alongside Ben and their little two monkeys. You’ll enjoy her local knowledge and passion for nature and wild places, alongside her rich experience in guiding throughout the southern alps by hiking and Mountain biking for over 16+years. She looks after alot of the admin and marketing and sales and you can also find her behind the driver’s seat too! On her down time you can find her exploring nature with the kids, or doing yoga.
Paul
Guide
Paul
A Tekapo local ( Content To come !) On his down time you can find Paul planting native trees for the community, or spending time with his grandkids.
Why Choose Tekapo Adventures
Choosing Tekapo Adventures means opting for a uniquely immersive experience in the Mackenzie Backcountry. Our intimate knowledge of the land, family roots, and commitment to sustainability make every journey with us not just a trip, but a foray into the heart of New Zealand's natural majesty. Join us to discover why our exclusive access, expert guidance, and diverse, educational adventures set us apart as the preferred choice for discerning explorers.
FAMILY HERITAGE
Join our family. Experience the warmth and personalized service that can only come from a family-run venture. We actively explore and share wonderful experiences with people from around the globe and our small family in The Mackenzie Backcountry. A part of our hearts lies in the landscapes found here.
DIVERSE EXPERIENCES
Whether it’s a peaceful 4WD tour or a challenging Alpine hike, our diverse offerings cater to all adventure spirits. 4Wd day tours to remote mutli day hiking experiences, we enjoy the diversity of exploring the Mackenize Backcountry in many ways.
EDUCATIONAL JOURNEYS
Expand your horizons. Our trips are infused with insightful narratives about the local ecology, geology, and history.
EXCLUSIVE ACCESS
Unveil the hidden corners of the Mackenzie Country with our unparalleled access to private lands. We hold exclusive access to some of New Zealand's most incredible high country stations.
EXPERT GUIDES
Learn from the best. Our guides are not only wilderness experts but also storytellers of the land.
SUSTAINABLE ADVENTURES
Journey with a clear conscience. Our eco-friendly approach ensures the preservation of these landscapes for years to come.
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