Lupin Flowers Tour Lake Tekapo
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Lupin Flowers Tour Lake Tekapo

Active
(2 reviews)
3h
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Lupin Flower Tour Through The Mackenzie's Stunning Landscapes.

Journey with us through remote High Country Stations, which are private farms surrounded by rugged mountain ranges and sweeping valleys. You'll capture both Lupin Flowers far away from the crowds and in more secret locations known only to locals.
Best Time to Visit : Mid November - Early January.

Capture Lupins & Snow-capped peaks, glacial rivers, and golden tussock grasslands offering incredible photo opportunities.

Our tour takes you into private properties, so you'll get to experience secluded lupin spots with some inaccessible to the general public.

Adventure with Comfort , the 4WD vehicles are equipped for off-road travel, making it a comfortable yet adventurous way to explore Lake Tekapo's backcountry.
This tour is
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, making it an ideal family-friendly activity.

Available options

900 AM Tour

Tour departs at 900 AM

What's included

Coffee & Tea & Light Snack included
Live commentary on board from our wonderful local guides from Lake Tekapo
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
The Best Lupin Flowers Hot Spots In The Mackenzie
Professional driver guide, makes your experience all the more personable
Access to private land with some of the most beautiful views in New Zealand

Detailed itinerary

1
Stop 1

The lupin flowers of the Mackenzie Region in New Zealand are one of the most iconic and photographed sights in the country. Explore Lake Tekapo's remote lupins fields away from the crowds and in lesser known areas throughout The Mackenzie Region

Meet your professional 4WD Guide right in Lake Tekapo township. Hop on board for a beautiful scenic tour through the stunning Mackenzie backcountry. This 3 hour scenic tour offers guests the opportunity to access private and remote High Country Stations, providing some of the 
best scenery and landscapes within the beautiful Mackenzie Country, you wouldn't other wise be able to access on your own. Don't miss this highlight experience on your tour in New Zealand !

2

Explore remote lookouts and private high country wilderness surrounding Lake Pukaki's mountains and glaciers. You'll travel through remote 4wd country and explore wonderful Lupin patches along the way.

3

Access remote wilderness and private Sheep Stations for some of the best views and breathtaking vistas in The Mackenzie Country of New Zealand's South Island , Mt Cook & Lake Pukaki. Each year there are different areas of wild lupin flowers that blossom. Travel with us locals to find the hot spots of Lupins that many know about. Some areas are even on private land.

4
Stop 4

Known for its quieter, less crowded lupin spots with views of Aoraki/Mount Cook. We offer some really wonderful areas to capture lupins flowers with the lake's turquoise waters and the Southern Alps providing a dramatic backdrop for photos.

What's not included

Gratuities

Available languages

Guide guide
EN

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0
2 reviews
5★
2
4★
0
3★
0
2★
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1★
0

Important information

Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Children must be accompanied by an adult

Meeting point

Pick p is outside AOTEA GIFTS in Lake Tekapo township. Look for a red and green sign, you can't miss it! Look for statue of Kiwi Bird & Sheep. Next to Kiwi treasures info centre.

Important notes

• Comfortable walking shoes are recommended
• Bring a jacket, sunglasses and your camera. It can often be windy in The Mackenzie High Country
• Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there is not enough passengers to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund
• We look forward to sharing the outstanding natural landscapes of The Mackenzie Country & Lupin Flowers with you.

About Lake Tekapo

Lake Tekapo is a breathtakingly beautiful glacial lake in the South Island of New Zealand, known for its stunning turquoise waters and the iconic Church of the Good Shepherd. It's part of the UNESCO Dark Sky Reserve, making it one of the best places in the world for stargazing. The lake is also famous for its vibrant lupin fields in summer, creating a picturesque landscape that attracts visitors from around the globe.

Top Attractions

Church of the Good Shepherd

This iconic stone church, built in 1935, is one of the most photographed buildings in New Zealand. It's a symbol of Lake Tekapo and offers a glimpse into the area's pastoral history. The church is open to the public and features beautiful stained-glass windows and a small museum.

Historical 30 minutes to 1 hour Free (donations welcome)

Lake Tekapo

The turquoise waters of Lake Tekapo are a result of fine rock flour suspended in the water, creating a stunning and unique color. The lake is perfect for swimming, kayaking, and other water activities. The surrounding mountains and lupin fields add to the breathtaking scenery.

Nature Half day to full day Free (activities may have associated costs)

Mount John

Mount John is a popular spot for hiking and offers some of the best views of Lake Tekapo and the surrounding mountains. At the summit, you'll find an observatory and a café, making it a great place to spend a few hours. The hike is moderate and takes about 1.5 to 2 hours round trip.

Nature 2 to 3 hours (including the hike and time at the summit) Free (parking and café have associated costs)

Tekapo Springs

Tekapo Springs is a family-friendly attraction featuring hot pools, a waterslide, and a café. The hot pools are heated by geothermal energy and offer a relaxing way to unwind after a day of exploring. The waterslide is a hit with kids, and the café serves delicious food and drinks.

Entertainment 1 to 2 hours Moderate

Aoraki Mackenzie International Dark Sky Reserve

This vast area, which includes Lake Tekapo, is one of the best places in the world for stargazing. The reserve is recognized for its exceptional dark skies, offering a stunning view of the Milky Way and other celestial bodies. There are guided stargazing tours available, as well as an observatory on Mount John.

Nature 1 to 3 hours (depending on the tour or activity) Variable (free to expensive, depending on the activity)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Lamb Rump

A tender and flavorful cut of lamb, often grilled or roasted and served with seasonal vegetables. New Zealand is famous for its high-quality lamb, and Lake Tekapo is no exception.

Dinner Contains meat, can be prepared to various cooking preferences

Green-Lipped Mussels

A delicacy native to New Zealand, these mussels are known for their large size and distinctive green-lipped shells. They are often steamed or grilled and served with a variety of sauces.

Dinner Contains shellfish, not suitable for those with shellfish allergies

Hokey Pokey Ice Cream

A popular New Zealand ice cream flavor made with vanilla ice cream and crunchy honeycomb toffee pieces. It's a sweet and crunchy treat that's perfect for enjoying after a day of exploring.

Dessert Contains dairy and sugar, may not be suitable for those with dietary restrictions

Feijoa Smoothie

A refreshing and tropical smoothie made with feijoas, a fruit native to South America but widely grown in New Zealand. The smoothie is often blended with yogurt and honey for a sweet and tangy flavor.

Drink Contains dairy and sugar, may not be suitable for those with dietary restrictions

Popular Activities

Hiking Skiing and snowboarding Mountaineering Kayaking Scenic flights Hot pools Stargazing Café hopping

Best Time to Visit

December to February (Summer)

Summer is the peak tourist season, offering warm weather perfect for outdoor activities, water sports, and exploring the lupin fields. The days are long, and the weather is generally stable, making it an ideal time for photography and stargazing.

15°C to 25°C (59°F to 77°F) 59°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

  • Official: English, Māori
  • Widely spoken: English
  • English: Widely spoken

Currency

New Zealand Dollar (NZD)

Time Zone

GMT+12 (New Zealand Standard Time) or GMT+13 (New Zealand Daylight Time, observed from late September to early April)

Electricity

230VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Lake Tekapo is generally a safe destination for travelers, with low crime rates and a welcoming atmosphere. However, it's important to be aware of potential hazards, such as rapidly changing weather conditions and wildlife on roads.

Important Precautions:
  • • Be aware of wildlife on roads, especially at dawn and dusk
  • • Prepare for rapidly changing weather conditions
  • • Stay on marked trails and follow safety guidelines when hiking or exploring remote areas

Getting there

By air
  • Christchurch International Airport • 240 km (150 miles)
By bus

Christchurch

Getting around

Public transport

Local shuttle services are available for transport within the village and to nearby attractions. These services are convenient but may have limited schedules.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Local taxi companies

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Lake Tekapo Village Mount John Area Tekapo Springs Area

Day trips

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
80 km (50 miles) • Full day

Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park is home to New Zealand's highest peak, Aoraki/Mount Cook. The park offers stunning landscapes, hiking trails, and a variety of adventure activities, including skiing, snowboarding, and mountaineering. It's a must-visit for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.

Twizel
60 km (37 miles) • Half day to full day

Twizel is a small town located on the shores of Lake Pukaki, offering a variety of outdoor activities, including fishing, kayaking, and cycling. The town is also a gateway to the Ahuriri Conservation Park, which offers stunning hiking trails and scenic views.

Fairlie
50 km (31 miles) • Half day to full day

Fairlie is a small town located in the heart of the Mackenzie Basin, offering a glimpse into the area's pastoral history. The town is home to several historic buildings, including the Fairlie Museum and the Fairlie Heritage Museum, as well as a variety of shops and cafés.

Festivals

Tekapo Star Gazing Week • February Lupin Festival • Summer (December to February)

Pro tips

  • Visit the Church of the Good Shepherd early in the morning or late in the afternoon for the best photography light
  • Book stargazing tours in advance, especially during peak season
  • Dress in layers, as the weather can change rapidly
  • Bring a reusable water bottle to refill throughout the day, as tap water is safe to drink and of high quality
  • Be aware of wildlife on roads, especially at dawn and dusk
From $25 per person

Price varies by option

Adults
Age 16-99
1
Childs
Age 2-15
0
Booking requirements:
  • Min travelers: 1
  • Max travelers: 6
  • Adult required for booking
Secure booking
Free cancellation available
Instant confirmation

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