For us, it was a wonderful experience. The farm we went to was somewhere near the town of Wanaka, on the south island of New Zealand. 

Before leaving for the lavender farm:

While waiting for the others, I took time out, to take a photo of the distant hills from our Wanaka lodgings:

Then venturing out:

The lavender farm took us longer than we thought to get to. But once there, we were more than surprised by what we found. 

The cottage shop:

We parked outside a low lying cottage. And when entering we find ourselves in a little shop. After paying an entry fee for the farm, we wondered around the shop. 

There was so much there for sale. Everything, in some way or other, was made from Lavender. There was the usual stuff, like paper, soap, hand and face creams or jam. But there was much more we came across. It’s unbelievable what people can think up to make with lavender! 

Then it was time to see what was out on the lands of the farm. 

A small flock!

On the gentle rolling hills of the farm we came across llama in a fenced off field. Yes, that’s right llama! They were so cute and very interested in us. Maybe more than we were of them! 

 

The bottom , right hand photo, is the view seen from the lavender farm and the little shop. 

Walking around the fence of the llama paddock area, we ventured up the hill again, but more to the right, checking out the lavender fields. 

The glory and beauty of the lavender:

Row upon row, they covered the hillside. And then some!  See the oil painting I did below. I must say the photo of it looks somewhat burred, compared with the original, which our family back in New Zealand now has. 

I always wanted to paint rows of lavender, like the old mastered did. So here was my chance! Great view from that farm hey!  

If you look very carefully (in foreground) you would notice the plastic strips, shining in the light, under the lavender clumps and along in their rows. This is like mulch and keeps the weeds down.

Other tourists were also checking out the different types of lavender that grew on the farm. It seems it’s a popular spot to visit.

Just had to include bumble bee!

 

There are so many pictures of the lavender. Can you even smell the lavender by now?? 

Did you see the lady gardener in the bottom right hand photo? I suppose someone has to keep the farm in shape!

Then I wondered up to the back of the lavender shop cottage. You will see it in one of the photos. On the way I discovered a special garden of lavender, laid out in a semi-circle. The lavender is pretty isn't it?!

 

Passing by that gate you see in the photo, we walked up to the other end of the cottage. And there we found a pretty pergola area, stone paved with bold sized wooden benches and tables. 

`Tea’ break time: 

We ordered ice-cream and waited… and we got… wait for it… lavender flavoured ice-cream in little tiny cups!  The colours and flavours were unreal. Deep purple or green depending on which lavender flavour that was ordered. 

You would think that is crazy. But the flavour was so delicate and so fantastic. I felt like I was in `Alice in wonderland’ and ate slowly and carefully, making it and the moment last. 

Skimming pebbles:

When we got back to Wanaka, we had a braai meal down by the shore of Wanaka Lake. There are special tables there for such events. So we made ourselves at home and had a great time. 

After eating our food, our grandsons started flicking flat pebbles across the water of the lake. We watched in fascination, as to how many times they could bounce the pebbles over the water before the stones fell and sunk down into the water. 

After a while we noticed some tourists close by, were watching, very interested and amused by this. They were counting too and cheering our grandsons on. Then they too were trying to do  it. 

It became a game of contest. Everyone was having fun and laughing at each other’s antics. That surely ended the day on a happy note. 

Next New Zealand blog: On our way to Fox Glacier!