Russell lupines, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand Nov 14, 2023

Russell lupines, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand

Welcome to Lake Tekapo, on New Zealand"s South Island, where the colorful spikes of flowering Russell lupines transform the landscape each November and December. The plants" blooming heads, made up of clusters of pea-like flowers, can reach up to 60 inches. While photographers flock here to capture the varied hues of purple, blue, and yellow, these striking plants are controversial. Native to North America, they are considered an invasive species here, growing in dense stands and boxing out other flora. While these plants might be appealing to tourists, they can create a negative imbalance in the region"s ecosystem.

© Jeffrey Lewis/Tandem Stills + Motion

palette

Today in History

Nov 14, 2018Monet still makes an impression
Nov 14, 2019The perfect canvas for an ancient text
Nov 14, 2020Decorating for Diwali
Nov 14, 2021First Cliff Walk
Nov 14, 2022Castle ruins on the island of Halki, Greece
Nov 14, 2024Manarola, Cinque Terre National Park, Liguria, Italy
Nov 14, 2025Manatee Awareness Month

More Desktop Wallpapers:

Jun 13, 2022Okavango Delta, Botswana
Jan 4, 2022Borrego Badlands
Jun 20, 2024Summer solstice
Feb 9, 2018Speed skaters in the Gangneung Oval, Pyeongchang, South Korea
Aug 27, 2025World Lake Day in the Faroe Islands
Sep 10, 2020Hidden beauty in Thailand
Feb 16, 2024Great Backyard Bird Count
Dec 9, 2025National Llama Day
Aug 25, 2025Yellowstone for the National Park Services birthday
Sep 27, 2024Basilica of Santa Maria della Salute, Venice, Italy
Sep 11, 2025Patriot Day
Nov 14, 2023Russell lupines, Lake Tekapo, New Zealand
May 1, 2024Lei Day
Apr 21, 2025International Dark Sky Week
Apr 23, 2018National Park Week: Haleakalā National Park, Hawaii
Nov 23, 2020Autumn comes to Old Town
Jan 28, 2022Short-eared owl
May 11, 2022Santorini, Greece
Mar 29, 2025Superbloom in Carrizo Plain National Monument, California
Jun 12, 2024Big Bend National Park anniversary
Nov 30, 2021Giving Tuesday
Apr 25, 2018National Park Week: Wind Cave National Park
Oct 23, 2020Saskatchewan s spookier side
Mar 25, 2026Juvenile manatees in a freshwater spring, Crystal River, Florida
Nov 10, 2019Sunny day, sweepin the clouds away
May 15, 2020The last thing seen by Wile E. Coyote
Feb 7, 2019A wonder in winter
Feb 9, 2019A tale of almonds and bees
Jan 5, 2021Flying high on National Bird Day
Mar 13, 2019A look at Uranus, seventh planet from the sun