One of the most famous times of the year in New Zealand's South Island is the lupine flowering season. The lupine flowers bloom magnificently and beautifully along riverbeds and lakes, attracting many tourists from around the world. Customers even travel to New Zealand just for the occasion.

Lake Tekapo and Mackenzie Country, located in the central South Island, are great places to see lupines. Before Covid-19, traffic jams formed around the lupine flower fields in Lake Tekapo, and many tourists stopped to take photos of the lupines. The beautiful purple lupine fields with the snow-capped mountains in the background are also popular as an "Instagrammable" spot. However, the lupines in Lake Tekapo have almost disappeared in 2020. Why did this happen?

Although beautiful, lupines are considered an invasive species and efforts are being made by New Zealand's Department of Conservation (DOC) to keep their numbers under control. They spread into riverbeds and pose a risk to native ecosystems. However, some lupine fields have been left untouched for tourism, such as Lake Tekapo Lupine. So why are they gone this season?

It turned out to be an act of God. There were rumors that someone had cut all the lupines... but in fact, the lupines that normally bloom in Lake Tekapo were underwater during a key period of development and did not bloom this year. A local council representative added that "depending on the lake level, there is a chance that lupines will be seen again in Lake Tekapo next year, as the lupine seeds are still in the ground."

For those hoping to see lupines at Lake Tekapo, there's still hope! Just wait until next spring (lupine flowering season is mid-November to mid-January) to see the beautiful lupine flowers again!

Aotea Gifts also sells a lupine cream, so be sure to check that out too.

Koha Lupin Rejuvenating Cream 100ml

Lupine flowers were once used as a treatment for tired skin. Nowadays, skin care products that reduce wrinkles and at the same time support antioxidants to keep skin healthy are common. Lupine's high antioxidant properties help keep skin looking youthful.

Main ingredients;

  • Lanolin
  • Almond Oil
  • Lupin Oil

Lupin extract is known to help the skin produce lipids and proteins, helping to prevent dryness and wrinkles.

Main Effects

  • Skin softening effect: Amino acids and proteins make the skin soft and smooth.
  • Antioxidant effect: Phytic acid absorbs free radicals, a type of active enzyme that causes rust in the body, and suppresses the aging process.

Contains lanolin to moisturize deep into the skin, keeping it fresh and hydrated.