Lupins on the shores of Lake Tekapo in New Zealand

What are these blooms?

Lupins usually hit peak bloom around mid- to late-November in the Mackenzie region on New Zealand's South Island. This image shows the burst of colour along the shores of Lake Tekapo, famed for its annual lupin blooms. The colourful carpets of purples, pinks, blues, and whites along waterways and roads look stunning, drawing tourists to the area, and locals appreciate the economic benefits that come with these visitors. But lupins hail from North America, and in New Zealand, they're considered invasive species that crowd out native flora, ruining the habitat for birds like the wrybill, banded dotterel, and other species that live along the waterside.

Beloved by some, rued by others, lupins are said to have taken hold here thanks to local resident Connie Scott. As the story goes, back in the 1950s, Scott scattered lupin seeds along a main highway to add some colour to the barren landscape and the blooms have been spreading ever since. Scott's remembered these days as the 'Lupin Lady'. A beautiful legacy? Suppose it depends on your point of view.