Encircled by Ridges

6 days ago
3 min read

wanaka lavender farm in bloom with the purple door in a field and mountains in the background

Wānaka Lavender Farm lies in a basin surrounded by some of the most majestic mountains in New Zealand. The Southern Alps offer breathtaking views whichever way you find yourself entering Wānaka. Consequently, when our guests come to spend the day at the farm, they're bound to snap some photos and capture the charm of the ranges beyond.

It's easy to look around and be mesmerised by the backdrop, but can you put names to the mountains? If not, let us help you out...

Mount Maude

They didn't call this one "Mighty in Battle" for no reason. When strolling around Wānaka Lavender Farm, it is near on impossible to ignore Maude's presence in the north, overlooking our infamous purple door and spring tulips. There's a lovely local wine associated with this mountain, Maude Wines.

Grandview Ridgeline

drone shot of wanaka lavender farm with grandview rideline in the background stretching from lake hawea to tarras

Sitting off to the eastern side of Lake Hāwea, Grandview is quiet in its beauty. Follow the trail along the hills and you'll discover a whole new wild world. The range is hard to spot from the farm when you've got your feet on the ground, but can be captured perfectly when you elevate the camera a little.

Mount Barker & the Criffel Range

two smaller mountains of wanaka, mount barker and criffel bluff, rows of flowering lavender in front

You'd be forgiven for thinking you're only looking at one range when facing south at the farm, but sure enough little Mount Barker stands proud in the shadow of the Criffel Range.

Mount Gold

A solid, jagged mountain that adds character to the farm and local landscape. It's hard to pick out where Mount Gold starts and where it ends, but we're grateful for its endearing dominance.

Pisa Range

wanaka lavender farm shop and tearoom with lavender blooming in front and mountains sitting behind

Beyond Criffel stretches the Pisa Range - only slightly visable from here. It runs from Queensberry (just outside of Wānaka) to Gibbston Valley (near Queenstown). You'll find its walking tracks high-altitude, with incredible views of the Southern Alps and of the noteable towns that make up the Queenstown-Lakes district.

Mount Iron

A favourite among locals and travellers; our cherished Mount Iron may not be as tall as the others but it has just as much impact on our lives, if not more. The summit can easily be reached within an hour, with a loop track that offers 360-degree view of the area. (Can you believe we haven't updated our photo collection with a fresh shot of this angle? This photo is from 2012 before we established the farm!)

Cardrona

As New Zealand's largest ski resort and an adventurer's playground at any given time of year, Cardrona is used to being the centre of attention. However, when looking south-west from our fields, the mount is but a beautiful speck in the distance.

Mount Alpha & Roy's Peak

early photo of wanaka lavender farm with mount alpha range. things to do in wanaka = walk roy's peak at sunrise or sunset

Roy's Peak can be glimpsed to the west of the farm. Host to probably the most popular walking track in the South Island, it is a mountain range loved by all for its one-of-a-kind view of Lake Wānaka... especially stunning at sunrise or sunset.

Black Peak

A prominent peak in Wānaka's mountainous skyline and a host to challenging backcountry activities that only the bold attempt. Another ridge that's not a prominent backdrop at the farm, but can be seen as part of the wider landscape.

black peak in summer, blossoming lavender at wanaka lavender farm

Whether you're merely passing through Wānaka or proudly reside here, I think we can all agree that these are some impressive ranges that we're encompassed by.