At Lavender Backyard near Hamilton the fields of lavender grow alongside another delicious offering the Waikato is well known for, blueberries.
This is a picture-perfect place. Visitors are welcome to wander the gardens, pick their own and take photographs of themselves amongst the lavender.
At Alphra Lavender, near Te Awamutu, there is a tour where you can learn about the miraculous lavender plant and flowers, and the importance of bees in ensuring successful pollination. The thoughtful owners also have drones for hire if you would like to film and photograph the rows of lavender from the air
In Taupiri, just off SH1 on the road to Gordonton, is Whitbourne Lavender. Many visitors here say the moment they open their car door to the lavender perfumed fresh air, their cares simply waft away.
Here too, lavender is a culinary ingredient as you will discover if you book afternoon tea.