Backdropped by the deep blue waters of Lake Wanaka, sweet briar roses grow profusely during the summer in Central Otago, New Zealand.

A delicate aroma emanates from this soft pink, cup-shaped flower which grows wild along the Haast Highway in Central Otago. When you stop along the road fringing Lake Wanaka to take in the scenic landscape, look for sweet briar plants or let the sweet aroma guide you.

The sweet briar plant produces hips (rosehips) which are used to make syrup. The wild hips are highly concentrated in vitamin C.

Sweet Briar, Rosa rubiginosa, on the shores of Lake Wanaka, Central Otago, South Island, New Zealand.