Photo: Stats NZ / CC BY 4.0
Just a few minutes from Wanaka township, the Wanaka Lavender Farm offers a fragrant escape into a world of purple blooms, gentle alpacas, and artisan treats. This family-run farm is a sensory delight, with rows of lavender swaying in the breeze against a backdrop of the Southern Alps. Whether you're seeking a peaceful stroll, a hands-on lavender experience, or a taste of local honey and lavender ice cream, this spot is a charming detour for nature lovers and photographers alike.
Highlights & What to See
- Lavender Labyrinth & Gardens – Wander through winding paths of over 30 lavender varieties, with the scent hanging thick in the air and mountains framing every view.
- Alpaca & Farm Animals – Meet the friendly alpacas, sheep, and chickens – you can even hand-feed them (grain provided).
- Lavender Distillery & Workshop – Watch the distillation process and learn how essential oils are made; the on-site shop sells pure lavender oil, soaps, and sachets.
- Homestead Cafe – Sip lavender-infused tea or a flat white paired with a slice of lavender shortbread or a scoop of lavender honey ice cream.
- Seasonal Bloom – Peak flowering runs from December to February, but the farm is open year-round with changing colours and activities.
Suggested Time to Spend
Allow 1–2 hours to fully enjoy the gardens, meet the animals, and browse the shop. If you plan to linger over lunch at the cafe or join a workshop, budget up to half a day. The farm is compact enough to combine with other Wanaka attractions in a single morning or afternoon.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Wanaka Town Centre – Just a 5-minute drive, with lakefront dining, galleries, and the iconic Wanaka Tree.
- Roys Bay & Lake Wanaka – Perfect for a lakeside walk or a swim after your lavender visit.
- Puzzling World – A quirky attraction with optical illusions and a giant maze, 10 minutes away.
- Mount Aspiring National Park – For hikers and nature lovers, the park offers world-class trails like the Rob Roy Track, 30 minutes from the farm.
- Cardrona Valley – Head over the Crown Range to historic Cardrona Hotel and ski fields (winter) or mountain biking (summer).
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
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Image credits
- Wanaka — Hagai Agmon-Snir حچاي اچمون-سنير חגי אגמון-שניר / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Roys Bay — Hagai Agmon-Snir حچاي اچمون-سنير חגי אגמון-שניר / CC BY-SA 4.0
- Puzzling World — Yogi de at en.wikipedia / CC BY-SA 3.0
- Mount Aspiring National Park — en:user:Psychoticfish / Public domain
- Cardrona — Iand90 / CC-BY-SA-3.0
- Queenstown — Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand / CC0