5-Day Lupin Blooms & Epic Hiking in New Zealand Itinerary
Aoraki/Mount Cook
Lupin season in Aotearoa/New Zealand is the most impressive wildflower bloom I have ever experienced, due to the size of the flowers and variety of colors. Planning a trip around this season is absolutely warranted because you can also hike some of the most impressive mountain ranges in New Zealand. Because lupins are not native to New Zealand and they have less competition and they are very widespread. One of my favorite parts about this bloom is how they are EVERYWHERE and it doesn’t feel like you’re fighting for the one spot to get a photo but you can truly enjoy them. This invasive plant is a reminder of the fragile ecosystem of Aotearoa but it is undeniable that they add so much beauty to the stunning alpine lakes of South Island. Lupin season is mid-November through mid-December and I’ve made a concise itinerary for you to see lupins and also cover some of the most epic hiking on south island in just 5 days.
Day 1 - Queenstown or Christchurch
The most optimal destination for this itinerary is either Queenstown or Christchurch. Queenstown may have more hiking nearby or on the way to your roadtrip, but Christchurch typically has more flight options available. You can plan your first 2 days depending on the airport you’re flying into as I’ve separated them by the 2 different directions you could be driving from.
Things to do in Queenstown
Hikes/ Treks: Lake Alta Track, Ben Lomond, Bob’s Peak, Queenstown Hill
Eats: Ferberger, Tanoshi, Mackenzie Coffee Co, The Bathhouse, The Boat Shed Cafe
Other: visit Glenorchy or Arrowtown, relax at the Onsen pools, helicopter scenic flights
Accommodations: Queenstown or Wanaka if you want to get a head start on your roadtrip.
Things to do in Christchurch
Activities: learn to surf, Godley Head walk, sunset in Victoria Park, peruse the beaches
Eat: Little High Eatery (8 different restaurants to choose from)
Accommodations: Christchurch or Ashburton if you want to get a head start on your roadtrip. We stayed at the Ashburton Holiday Park and it was perfect for car camping but they also have lodging options if needed!
Day 2 - Lake Tekapo & Lake Pukaki
Church of the Good Shepherd on Lake Tekapo
Depending on which airport you’re traveling from, these lakes will be your best bet for the most impressive lupin blooms in New Zealand! Because they are an invasive weed, some areas have had to spray and get rid of lupins BUT these areas are still thriving.
Driving from Queenstown
Queenstown will take you the scenic route through Wanaka before arriving to Lake Pukaki. If you have the extra time I suggest any of these hikes either before or at the end of your trip:
Roy’s Peak, Mount Iron Track, The Outlet Track
After Wanaka your next stop will be Lake Pukaki. I HIGHLY suggest stopping for salmon sashimi along Lake Pukaki at Mt. Cook Alpine Salmon. Depending on how you’re doing on time, I do suggest doing Lake Tekapo to see the lupins in bloom. This is definitely a detour if coming from Queenstown so whether you do it at the beginning or end of the trip, it will require about a 45 minute detour one way. The Church of the Good Shepherd is an iconic place to see the lupins in bloom over the turquoise lake with the mountain backdrop. It will be busy but there are plenty of lupin patches to roam along the lake front and I highly suggest walking the perimeter of the lake as far as you can. We also enjoyed an empty beach at the far west end towards Lake Pukaki.
Accommodations: Lake Tekapo or Twizel will be your best option for lodging. I would stay in Lake Tekapo so you have time to explore lupins around Lake Pukaki the next morning before you head into Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park.
Driving from Christchurch
While you’re driving through Farlie I highly recommend stopping at the iconic Farlie Bakehouse for some of the best meat pies in New Zealand (vension meat pie has got to be my favorite). Meat pies are a New Zealand staple but it’s important to choose the right one for the full experience. If you don’t have time here, they do sell their meat pies at the Sir Edmund Hillary Cafe in the Hermitage Hotel in the Mount Cook Village, which offers incredible views of Mount Cook while you eat.
Your first stop will be Lake Tekapo and I suggest walking along the lake near the Church of the Good Shepherd. It will be busy but there are plenty of lupin patches to roam along the lake front and I highly suggest walking the perimeter of the lake as far as you can. We also enjoyed an empty beach at the far west end towards Lake Pukaki. After Lake Tekapo, it’s about 45 minutes until you arrive to Lake Pukaki. I recommend taking a right on the road towards the East road of Lake Pukaki towards the Lake Pukaki Power station. This is a gravel road but you do not have to drive far down the road to find many lupin patches along the lake. This area is definitely lesser trafficked and you will more than likely have peace and quiet in the lupin fields. We drove to the very end of the road and if you have the time I highly recommend if you’re wanting to escape the crowds and be mesmerized by the stunning mountain views and various lupin patches along the way. If you have time I HIGHLY suggest stopping for salmon sashimi along Lake Pukaki at Mt. Cook Alpine Salmon for not only tasty salmon but epic views of Lake Pukaki.
Accommodations: If you are camping I highly suggest venturing down The Eastern Lake Pukaki road to camp for the night otherwise for lodging, Twizel will be your best option.
Pro-tip: The UV index in New Zealand is high and the sun can be VERY intense with zero cloud coverage. Be careful to not burn, but this also makes for the most perfect cold plunge! We had some of the best cold plunges being able to get out of the water and bask in the intense heat.
Day 3-5 Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park
The drive towards Mount Cook will have your jaw on the floor. I would allow time to pull over and enjoy the view as the drive itself is a sight to see. The Mount Cook Village does have limited restaurants and food options so I would stock up in Twizel before heading into the National Park! Mount Cook is a very touristic and busy park so it is wise to strategically plan your hikes. The following are hikes that should be prioritized and the best time to see them.
Hooker Valley- (10km return, 124m elevation change) This is the MOST popular trail in the park due to the low elevation gain and INCREDIBLE views. I highly suggest choosing to hike this early around sunrise or late around sunset to give you the best experience. Enjoy intimate views of Mount Cook, the tallest peak in New Zealand once you get to the lake!
Mueller Hut or Sealy Tarns- (10.4km return, 1000m elevation change OR 5.8km return 600m elevation change) If you want a full send all day hike, opt for Mueller Hut but if you want a little less intense opt for Sealy Tarns. These will give you INCREDIBLE views of Mueller Glacier and absolutely worth the effort. This will be lesser trafficked than other trails due to the intensity. This is rated as an ADVANCED trail so please come prepared. pro-tip: you can stay at the Mueller Hut overnight if you want a full backcountry experience but reservations are required and sell out months in advance so plan accordingly!
Kea Point- (3km return, 180m elevation change) This trail was not too trafficked for us and is great if you’re short on time but still want some epic glacier views!
Kea Point
Tasman Glacier View Track- (1.5km return, 86m elevation change) This gorgeous turquoise lake is worth it in my opinion. This 23km glacier is the longest glacier in New Zealand and is well worth the trek. The start of this trail is down an alternative road than the majority of the trails so it tends to be lesser trafficked than Hooker Valley.
Accommodations: If you are camping I highly recommend securing a campground at White Horse Hill Campground otherwise The Hermitage Hotel is worth the splurge for the stunning views of the mountain range. There is very limited food in the Mount Cook Village but we did enjoy coffee + beer at the Sir Edmund Hillary Cafe (mostly for the views).
Overall, I think you could cover some of the most epic locations on New Zealand’s South Island if you only have 5 days. The lupins are worth planning your trip to New Zealand around their peak bloom and offer the perfect backdrop for colorful photos. This has been one of my favorite long weekend trips while living in New Zealand and I hope you get to experience this magic!
