Wanaka Lavender Farm
Wander through vibrant lavender fields, meet friendly farm animals, and discover artisanal lavender products at this charming rural farm.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Wanaka Lavender Farm
Best Time
Beat the heat & crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Wander through vibrant lavender fields, meet friendly farm animals, and discover artisanal lavender products at this charming rural farm.
"The most beautiful warm welcoming from staff, exceptional value. The BEST hot chocolate I have ever had!"
🎯 Go during bloom season!
For the iconic purple fields, plan your visit between December and February.
👟 Wear comfy shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking around the gardens and farm.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Vibrant Lavender Fields
The main farm area
Wander through acres of stunning purple lavender, a photographer's dream. Best experienced in full bloom.
Adorable Farm Animals
Animal enclosures
Meet and greet friendly alpacas, goats, and ponies. A guaranteed hit for all ages.
Artisan Lavender Products
Gift shop
Discover handmade lavender soaps, oils, and delicious local honeys.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Lavender Blooms
Comfort is Key for Exploration
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Go during bloom season!
For the iconic purple fields, plan your visit between December and February.
👟 Wear comfy shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking around the gardens and farm.
💧 Bring water & sun protection
Essential for enjoying the outdoor farm, especially on sunny days.
☕ Try the lavender treats
Lavender ice cream and hot chocolate are popular, though taste can be subjective.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Go during bloom season!
For the iconic purple fields, plan your visit between December and February.
👟 Wear comfy shoes
You'll be doing a fair bit of walking around the gardens and farm.
💧 Bring water & sun protection
Essential for enjoying the outdoor farm, especially on sunny days.
☕ Try the lavender treats
Lavender ice cream and hot chocolate are popular, though taste can be subjective.
📸 Perfect for photos
The vibrant fields and animals offer fantastic photo opportunities.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Wanaka Lavender Farm for its beautiful lavender fields (when in season) and the charm of its friendly farm animals. The staff are noted for being warm and welcoming, and the on-site shop offers delightful lavender products. However, some visitors find the cafe's offerings, particularly the lavender-flavored items, to be an acquired taste, and the visual appeal is significantly diminished outside of the lavender bloom season.
"In a quiet farm area, your can see 20 acres of beautiful lavender fields, farm animals and gardens. As you wander through the gardens, you would see friendly farm animals such as goats, ponies etc. They make lavender products which are sold at their gift shop and they have an lovely restaurant that serves special ice cream, snacks and food. You can try the local honeys and lavender teas. Fee charged for entry. Popular place, need to go early to avoid the heat. Fair bit of walking around, some under shade. Terrain is pretty level. Toilets available. Wear comfy shoes, take water, wear hat, sunscreen. Beautiful place. Lots to see. Lovely place for picnic. Parking is easy and free. Great place for photography. Friendly staff and great service."
s vivekananda
"Rating the farm and cafe as a whole, since we didn’t get to visit when the lavender was in season.
🫖 we sat down for a cup of purple tea, which happened to be the blend that sold out in the souvenir shop itself - but actually wasn’t the best i have had, though it still has a good tone of lavender to it
🍨 the ice cream was served in a cup which kinda surprised us as we expected a cone and was mainly lavender not chocolate - but well, how we feel are mainly based off expectations right? That said, the ice cream tasted mainly of chocolate so it wasn’t great either.
Scone was affordable for the size, a little oily and slightly herbalicious, for those who enjoy that.
🌷 the lavender as mentioned wasn’t in season hence we couldn’t review that, but we do see patches and patches of those and imagined it would look amazing when it’s in full bloom and when there’s blue skies! The few cherry blossom trees around the farm was a welcoming sight though 🌸
🦙🐴 the alpacas and ponies are way too adorable, and was probably the highlight of our trip here, definitely one that is available all season long!
Based on our trip here, we would probably not return if it’s not in season since the cafe didn’t have anything that we enjoy, but would see the lavender patches very worthwhile to come by and soak in (edited an image to show its potential)!"
YY
"This was the highlight of my NZ holiday.
The most beautiful warm welcoming from staff, exceptional value. The BEST hot chocolate I have ever had (must try the lavender hot chocolate) and the ice creams were nothing short of phenomenal.
The animals were soo beautiful and funny especially the alpacas, the tall white one has a LOT to say and I will think of him every day until I return to chat again.
The lavender farms are incredible even in winter when not in bloom so I can’t wait to return in summer and see them in their full glory.
The shop is filled with beautiful handmade organic lavender products, the muscle and ache cream, silk hand lotion and lavender sleep balm are incredible and I will be purchasing these online when I finish them.
Thankyou so much for an incredible memory Wanaka lavedner farm."
Johnny Beresford
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Wanaka Lavender Farm is located a short drive from Wanaka town center. It's easily accessible by car, with free and easy parking available on-site. If you're coming from Queenstown, it's a scenic drive of about an hour.
Public transport options directly to the farm are limited. It's best to have your own vehicle or consider a taxi or ride-sharing service from Wanaka town.
The drive is generally pleasant and scenic, especially if you're coming from Queenstown via the Crown Range Road. Be prepared for winding roads if taking that route.
Yes, it's a popular day trip destination from Queenstown. Allow at least 2-3 hours to enjoy the farm, plus travel time.
The terrain is described as pretty level, with some areas under shade, making it fairly accessible. However, it's always good to check with the farm directly for specific accessibility details.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Yes, there is a fee charged for entry to the farm. It's recommended to check their official website for the most current pricing information.
While not always mandatory, booking in advance, especially during peak season, is a good idea to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
Opening hours can vary seasonally. It's best to check the Wanaka Lavender Farm's official website for the most up-to-date information on their operating hours.
Yes, you can visit outside of lavender season. While the lavender fields won't be in bloom, you can still enjoy the farm animals, gardens, and the cafe.
Information on discounts is not widely available. It's advisable to check their website or contact the farm directly for any potential offers or group rates.
📸 📸 Photography
The vibrant lavender fields themselves are the prime photo spots, especially during bloom. The animal enclosures and scenic garden paths also offer great opportunities.
Yes, photography is generally encouraged, and it's considered a great place for it. Be mindful of other visitors and the farm's animals.
While personal cameras are fine, drone usage might be restricted. It's best to inquire with the farm directly about their policy on professional equipment and drones.
Early mornings or late afternoons offer softer light, ideal for photography. Midday sun can be harsh, but still works for capturing the vibrant colors.
Don't miss capturing the sweeping views of the lavender fields, close-ups of the flowers, and interactions with the friendly farm animals like the alpacas.
🍽️ ☕ Food & Dining
The cafe offers ice cream, snacks, and light meals. They are known for their lavender-infused treats like lavender ice cream and tea, though taste preferences vary.
The farm is described as a lovely place for a picnic, suggesting that picnicking is permitted in designated areas.
Specific dietary options are not detailed, but it's common for cafes to offer some vegetarian choices. It's best to inquire directly about vegan options.
The lavender tea is a popular item, with one reviewer noting it had a good tone of lavender but wasn't the best they'd had.
Reviews suggest the lavender ice cream can vary; one reviewer found it mainly chocolate-flavored, while others enjoyed the lavender notes.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider visiting during the lavender bloom season for the most visually stunning experience, but the animals make it a worthwhile trip year-round. The cafe offers kid-friendly snacks, and the overall atmosphere is relaxed and welcoming. Don't miss the chance for the kids to interact with the animals – it's often the highlight of their visit!
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
Beyond the lavender, the charming farm animals and the picturesque gardens provide diverse subjects. The farm's well-maintained paths and open spaces make it easy to find unique angles. Remember to bring extra batteries and memory cards – you'll be snapping photos constantly!
🤰 Pregnant Visitors
It's advisable to visit during cooler parts of the day, like mornings, and to stay hydrated. While the main attraction is the lavender fields, the farm offers a pleasant environment to enjoy a gentle stroll and a cup of tea.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing the Lavender Fields
For the best experience, aim for early morning or late afternoon visits to avoid the midday sun and potential crowds. The gentle, level terrain makes it easy to explore, but comfortable footwear is recommended. Remember to bring your camera, as the visual appeal is immense, and the soft light during these times enhances the photographic opportunities.
While the lavender is the main draw, its seasonal nature means planning is key. If you visit outside of bloom, the farm still offers a pleasant experience with its animals and gardens, but the iconic purple landscape will be absent. Checking the farm's website for bloom updates is highly advisable to ensure you catch the fields at their most magnificent.
Meet the Farm Animals
The alpacas, in particular, are noted for their personalities, with one reviewer humorously mentioning a 'tall white one has a LOT to say.' This interactive element makes the farm a year-round attraction, as the animals are present regardless of the lavender season. Hand-feeding opportunities are sometimes available, adding an extra layer of engagement for visitors.
These animal encounters offer a welcome contrast to the floral displays and are a significant part of the farm's appeal. They contribute to the overall rural and welcoming atmosphere, making it a memorable experience for families and animal lovers alike.
Cafe and Local Products
The gift shop is a treasure trove of handmade, organic lavender products, including muscle and ache creams, hand lotions, and sleep balms, which have received high praise for their quality and effectiveness. Local honeys are also available, offering a sweet souvenir. Trying the local lavender teas is also recommended, though again, taste is personal.
Even if the lavender isn't in bloom, the cafe and shop provide a reason to visit and enjoy the farm's offerings. The scones are noted as being affordable and generously sized, though with a distinct herbal note. Overall, these amenities complement the farm experience, providing a place to relax and take home a piece of Wanaka.
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