Akaroa Lavender (Arataki Lavender)

About Akaroa Lavender (Arataki Lavender)

Akaroa Lavender, also called Arataki Lavender, grows more than 7,000 organically grown lavender plants on the slopes of an ancient volcano above Akaroa Harbour, about 15 minutes from Akaroa and 5 minutes from Duvauchelle. Owners Malcolm and Lyn have had the property for more than 35 years and have planted over 40,000 native plants, turning open paddocks into regenerating forest. The main lavenders are Grosso, which gives most of the oil, and the New Zealand-bred Pacific Blue.

Peak flowering falls in late December, early January or early February, depending on the summer heat and the variety. The one-hour guided Arataki Lavender tour runs from late November to mid-February (November 20, 2025 to February 20, 2026 last season). It covers the farm's story as you walk the rows, a taste of their lavender drink, free time to wander the fields, and a short track to a forest picnic spot. Outside the lavender season, a one-hour conservation walk through the regenerating forest includes bush coffee or tea and a snack, and longer harbour tours run October to March. Tours are offered in English, Cantonese, Mandarin and Malay.

Visits are by booking only, with no walk-ins. Tour income goes back into the property's conservation program. The farm sells its own Grosso and Pacific Blue essential oils, linen mist and dried lavender sachets, and offers a cottage and tiny-house stays on the property.

Lavender here

When it blooms

Late December to early February, depending on the season and variety

Visiting

By booking only, no walk-ins. Guided lavender tours late November to mid-February; conservation walks the rest of the year; harbour tours October–March.

Varieties grown

Grosso, Pacific Blue

From the farm shop

• Grosso lavender essential oil
• Pacific Blue lavender essential oil
• Lavender linen mist
• Dried lavender sachets

What to do

• Take the one-hour guided lavender tour, late November to mid-February
• Walk the short track to the forest picnic area after your tour
• Join a conservation walk through 40,000 native plantings, late February to November
• Shop Grosso and Pacific Blue essential oils made from the farm's lavender
• Stay overnight in the lavender cottage or a tiny house

Season, hours and prices

Season

Lavender tours late November to mid-February; conservation walks late February to November

Admission

Lavender tour: adults $30–$35, children 15 and under $7.50–$10 (as listed on the national tourism site, checked October 2026)

Good to know

Reservations

Required

Tips for your visit

• Book ahead; there are no walk-ins.
• The road is unsuitable for campervans and trailers, so phone the farm to arrange a pickup at the entrance.
• There is an outdoor composting toilet on site.
• Cancellations within 7 days aren't refunded.

Getting there

• Address: 38 Pawsons Valley Road, Akaroa, Canterbury
• Phone: +64 27 294 2132
• Website: akaroalavender.co.nz

Questions

Checked in October 2026 against the business’s own website and local tourism pages. Hours and seasons change, so check with them before you go. How we check listings · Is this your business? Claim it free