New Zealand lavender farm- NZ Alpine Lavender
If driving alongside Lake Pukaki heading to Mt Cook isn’t enough, on the side of the road only about 20 minutes down is the beautiful NZ Alpine Lavender farm. It is the largest organic lavender farm not only in New Zealand but in all of the Southern Hemisphere!
The farm, in my opinion, couldn’t be in a more amazing spot. Sitting underneath the Ben Ohau range, the stunning Lake Pukaki on one side, mountains surrounded the rest covered with a glow of tussocks and snow-capped peaks. The area is ever changing with its adverse weather and diverse landscape. Add this with a sea of purple, the scene is picture perfect.
I love taking photos at the NZ alpine lavender farm. It’s so much fun walking between the rows and admiring the sites around. A lot of work went into starting the farm and now maintaining it. The story of the lavender farm wasn’t’ always smooth sailing but of course is a success now, to say the least. Allan Tibby and Blake Foster had a vision. They combined it with their determination and they were certain they would make their dream of producing a certified organic lavender farm in New Zealand reality.
It all started in February of 2009 throwing all kinds of challenges to overcome. From rocks in the soil to planting straight precise rows, protecting plants from rabbits and hares, plant preparation, weed matting, weed control, dealing with frost and plant mortality. Every step of the way seemed to throw a bit of a curveball. By 2015 though, the bumps were smoothed out and all the trial and tribulation had been worth it.
NZ Alpine Lavender Farm is the only organic lavender farm you will find at 600 meters. They produce lavender oil with the plants and is some of the purest and most potent you will find. The farm also makes candles, soaps, and creams which there are many benefits of lavender as it has antiseptic and anti-inflammatory properties. It also is used to help depression, anxiety and insomnia. There are a lot of other goodies at their on-site shop like tea, chocolate and they serve ice cream!
The biggest question most people want to know though is when they can actually see the lavender! I was there at the end of December and they were pretty much in full bloom. They are open from the 1st of Decemeber to March 31st so anytime between then, you’ll be able to see the beautiful flowers! There is a cost now, $5 each but totally worth it as the area is just so beautiful! Especially for photographs!
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