Sights of Wanaka – Lavender and Wine

What’s more to love right?

Flowers, the smell of lavender, maybe a taste of lavender ice-cream… followed by a trip to the most scenic vineyard I’ve ever been to… topping off the day with lakeside views as the sun goes down.

Yes, life doesn’t get much better than this, especially when you’re in your own country and falling in love with the landscapes all over again.

Wanaka Lavender Farm

The smell of lavender is utterly divine and to visit a location with fields and fields of lavender is delightful. Just down the road from Mount Iron (highly recommend the Mount Iron hike), this farm is tucked away off the main highway.

It’s open to the public for a small $5 adult charge. For that price you can wander through the fields of lavender and other flowers for as long as you like. There’s even a few alpacas to say hello to.

The shop inside has a wide array of lavender items for sale, including a cafe where it’s pretty much mandatory to have a lavender ice-cream. I had a lavender and boysenberry one and it didn’t disappoint on a hot summers day.

It’s a pretty neat stopover on any visit to Wanaka, it won’t break the bank and allows you to relax and enjoy the nature Wanaka has to offer.

For more information check out https://www.wanakalavenderfarm.com/

Rippon Winery

This may have been my second visit and wine tasting… but for a small donation it’s well worth it. I’m torn between the best bit being the organic wines or the view. Both are incredible.

Rippon is perched up on a hill overlooking Lake Wanaka, with views out to snow-covered mountains and the vineyard below.

This is one of those destinations that you just wish you could call home.

Highly recommend checking it out for a wine tasting if you’re ever in the Wanaka region: https://www.rippon.co.nz/

The Wanaka Tree aka the Lone Tree

As the sun began to set for the day I finished my first day in Wanaka with a walk to the lone tree.

It’s the token landmark of Wanaka, where everyone goes to see the tree in the water. For those that are super keen for early mornings, the photography opportunities can be amazing. As for me, I had to enjoy the slight sleep-ins while I wasn’t camping!

That completes day one in Wanaka, the day before a scary hike… more on that next week!