Tim Zeestration, the owner, director, and farmhand at the Wanaka Lavender Farm, shared he grew up on a tomato farm in Holland, often missing school to spend time with his father and grandfather at their family farm, which was eventually sold.
“I carried on helping my father, Jan, on the produce farm in Lincoln, Christchurch, where possible when we moved to New Zealand,” said Zeestraten.
However, Zeestraten then studied mechanical engineering to add to his skill set. After this, he returned to farming, beginning a lavender farm with his brother based on another family business, where his parents were running a successful lavender farm in Kaikoura.
Following advice from his father to work for himself, Zeestraten set out to create his own business.
“Initially, it was all about survival and creating the business from scratch, bare land. We planted, dug, and replanted until it was time to build our shop and tearoom.”
Three years after development, the Wanaka Lavender Farm opened.
Zeestraten shared that the lavender industry exists on a small scale in New Zealand. Therefore he and his brother have continued to try and find better processes and systems to grow their business, either through propagating, planting, harvesting, or distilling, each of which is an area the pair are always looking to improve.
One key area that must be focused on in the lavender farm is frost. Zeestraten explained that lavender plants and frost are not ideal, mainly when buds come through. To manage this, Zeestraten uses a tow and blow.
Furthermore, rabbits are another key issue, which Zeestraten actively controls throughout the evenings with a thermal scope.
When describing his day-to-day, Zeestraten shared that the Wanaka Lavender Farm was much bigger than just a lavender farm, calling the enterprise a fully operational farm through multiple aspects, including lavender of course, in conjunction with flowering gardens, a vegetable garden, herb gardens, a distillery, and what Zeestraten called Noah’s arc of animals.
“Two donkeys, two highland cows, two miniature horses, two kune kunes, goats, alpacas, Valais sheep, sheep, chickens, it keeps growing.”
Zeestraten shared that his job ranges from managing his small team to harvesting, maintenance, pruning, weeding, hoeing, and any other ideas his wife, brother, or mother suggest, one suggestion including a bike rack for the farm's guests.
The Wanaka Lavender Farm’s first harvest was the most difficult, with small plants and flowers that had to be transported to another location for distillation, making time crucial. Zeestraten shared that his knowledge at the time was still minimal, and the yields were small. However, with trial and error, frost protection, and owning and operating an onsite distillery, the Wanaka Lavender Farm has reached higher yields with controlled timing.
Zeestraten shared that he continually keeps an eye on the crops to ensure that harvesting is being completed at the most optimal times, which has been slightly earlier this year than previously.
“We are always learning and trying to ensure our animals and land receive the best opportunities.”
Zeestraten is currently trialling regenerative crops to help improve soil quality, aiming to produce better pasture.
The Wanaka Lavender Farm has four varieties, including Grosso, Super, Violet Intrigue, and Pacific Blue, which are transformed into pure essential oil.
The Wanaka Lavender Farm sells its product on-site, giving farm guests a unique experience to wander around. If the timing is right, witness lavender being harvested, distilled and product made. However, they can also try the farm’s handmade products in the shop or tea room. There some online accessibility to the farm’s products. However, Zeestraten stated that they do not export.
For the future, Zeestraten hopes to continue learning and improving his current practices to facilitate smoother operations and have staff, family, and animals happy while continuing to enjoy his work.
Zeestraten’s favourite time of year is spring, when everything comes out from the ground and becomes alive again, sharing that while farming can be challenging, the lifestyle makes him the happiest.
“As I said, I love watching the seasonal cycles. It's similar to my kids growing up.”
