Lifestyle

A place I love: Kanoa Lloyd shares why her Bannockburn hometown is so special

Byforwomenmagazine January 21, 2026January 18, 2026

Kanoa Lloyd’s Beloved Hometown: Bannockburn

As a child, Kanoa Lloyd loved Bannockburn, where she enjoyed sledding in winter and searching for baby goats in spring. Now, she returns to visit her grandmother and enjoy the slower pace of life.

About Bannockburn

Kanoa Lloyd, co-host of Three’s The Project, lived in the picturesque Bannockburn as a child. She has fond memories of swimming, sledding, and exploring the family farm on a Land Rover with her grandfather. Today, she visits to relax, spend time with family, and savor the local wine.

Favorite Place in New Zealand

Bannockburn, located in Central Otago, holds a special place in Kanoa’s heart. She lived there until she was five before moving to Dunedin, but her grandparents remained, so she spent every school holiday there growing up. Bannockburn is known for its beautiful wine, gold mining history, swimming spots, and scenic walks.

Activities in Bannockburn

As a child, Kanoa enjoyed swimming in the inlet, sledding down icy hills in winter, and searching for baby goats in spring. Nowadays, she appreciates the wine side of Bannockburn, with Carrick Winery being her favorite. However, the place is still about family, barbecues, swimming, and adventures.

Special Memories

One of Kanoa’s favorite memories is riding on the back of her grandfather’s old Land Rover with her siblings and cousins to help with farm jobs. Although they might not have been very helpful, they loved the experience.

What Makes Bannockburn Special

Despite development in nearby towns, Bannockburn has remained relatively unchanged. The same farming families continue to work the land, and many properties are centuries old. It’s a place where you can relax and do nothing without feeling guilty, which Kanoa considers a luxury.

Visitor Recommendations

Take a picnic and find a spot around the inlet.
Go for a walk to Stewart Town to see the gold mining ruins.
Enjoy a bike ride from Bannockburn to Cromwell.
Visit Carrick Winery for excellent wine and views.

Accommodation and Dining

Kanoa stays with her grandmother when visiting, but recommends looking for holiday rentals on Airbnb. Her favorite places to eat include Black Rabbit Kitchen and Bar in Bannockburn and the Grain and Seed Café in Cromwell.

Other Spots to Check Out

For those flying into Queenstown, Kanoa suggests treating yourself to a stay at Sherwood, an eco-retreat focusing on solar power and zero-waste principles. She also recommends visiting Puzzling World in Wanaka, a family tradition.