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One of the most famous photos on Instagram in New Zealand is a picture of a lonely willow tree in a lake, otherwise known as the Wanaka Tree!
In fact, this tree has become somewhat of a symbol of New Zealand tourism and is a place that photographers and Instagrammers gather regularly to try and capture their own unique shot of the Wanaka Tree. Many share their photos on Instagram under the hashtag #ThatWakakaTree!
We visited the Wanaka Tree once to see what all of the hype was about all for ourselves, and well, we were been kinda on the fence about whether it’s worth a visit or not. Luckily, we lived nearby so we had the chance to visit the Wanaka Tree many times and now know where we stand!
So, why is this tree so famous? What makes it so special? Where is it? What is it like to visit? All of the questions you may have surrounding the Wanaka Tree are answered here!
Need accomodation in Wanaka? Check out all the best hotels in Wanaka here. Be sure to book in advance as this little town books up fast!
Overview of the Wanaka Tree
The Wanaka Tree is a Willow Tree.
From Wanaka, walk left (facing the lake) along the shore of Lake Wanaka and keep walking for around 15 minutes. If you follow the shore of the lake you can’t miss the Wanaka Tree.
To avoid the crowds, sunrise is the best time of day to visit the Wanaka Tree. However, sunsets at the Wanaka Tree are amazing too but more crowded.
Good question. I guess the only answer is because the locality of the tree is truly unique and the mountain backdrop is stunningly beautiful. Also, Instagram helped a lot!
Where is the Wanaka Tree?
That Wanaka Tree (or the Lone Tree of Wanaka) is located right in the town of Wanaka on New Zealand’s South Island. From town, if you face the lake and walk left along the edge of the lake you’ll eventually reach the Wanaka Tree.
Wanaka is a small town only about a 1-hour drive from the tourist hub of Queenstown.
Besides the tree, Wanaka is also famous for nearby hikes such as Roy’s Peak and Diamond Lake Walk, the beautiful Wanaka Lake and surrounding mountains, as well as amazing restaurants and bars.
What is so Special about the Wanaka Tree?
To be honest, the Wanaka Tree is truly unique. Standing alone only a few meters in Lake Wanaka sits this very lonely willow tree.
But besides its unusual location, the surrounding landscape of Wanaka and the breathtaking mountain backdrop make it an amazing place for photos.
The Wanaka Tree does really make for gorgeous photos, and it is a beautiful representation of some of the unique sights in New Zealand.
Why is the Wanaka Tree Famous?
Instagram is a pretty powerful platform these days. The Wanaka Tree (or also called “That Wanaka Tree” on social media) is famous on Instagram and thousands of photographers have posted incredible photos using the hashtag #ThatWanakaTree.
This hashtag has made the tree famous, and now famous photographers, as well as just interested tourists, gather around the tree trying to make their claim to fame with the best #thatwanakatree photo!
As cliche as it is, I myself have gathered at the Wanaka Tree taking lots and lots of photos on many different occasions.
What is it Like to Visit?
This is the funny part about visiting the tree and why I don’t actually enjoy visiting it that much!
The reason is because of the crowds of people and the fact everyone finds the need to stand as close to the tree as possible. In fact, some people walk out to it and try to climb it!
There’s also usually a drone or 5 hovering over your head and if you’re truly unlucky there might be a photoshoot going on and the group somehow thinks they’ve bought the rights to the Wanaka Tree for the day.
The number of people that visit the Wanaka Tree is definitely a distraction from what should be a beautiful place to sit and watch the sunset.
That being said, you can get quiet afternoons at the Wanaka Tree and when you do, it’s amazing. Also, if you visit in the morning at sunrise you’ll likely have the peace and quiet you’re after.
So looking back, visiting the Wanaka Tree is different every day depending on the crowd you get and what your expectations are.
Is the Wanaka Tree Worth a Visit?
Although I do believe the Wanaka Tree is a very over touristic attraction, it’s still worth a visit. The tree is so close to Wanaka and as such, very convenient to visit (not to mention beautiful!)
But the truth is, as a few of the other over-photographed places in New Zealand, the sheer number of tourists can take away from the magic. We found this to be the case when we visited the Church of Good Shepard at Lake Tekapo, another inst- famous spot in New Zealand’s South Island.
Overall, Wanaka is so much more than the Wanaka Tree. So instead of sitting by the lake with a thousand other people, get out there and explore this amazing region!
Other things to do in Wanaka?
There are some amazing things to do in Wanaka and below are a few of the best ways to spend your time here!
1. Go Hiking
Roys Peak is only a short 10-minute drive from Wanaka and is one of my personal favorite day hikes in New Zealand. Although a tough trail, the views at the top are so breathtaking you just have to go!
For something a little off-the-beaten-path, head over to Diamond Lake Trail or for the lesser-known Roy’s Peak equivalent, consider hiking Isthmus Peak.
2. Enjoy the lake
Lake Wanaka is stunning and there are a couple of ways to enjoy this beautiful body of water. You can walk along the foreshore, have a drink at a pub with a view, go paddleboarding or kayaking, enjoy a scenic boat cruise, or even go jet boating!
3. Get Adventurous
Wanaka offers the chance to get that adrenaline flowing. Go skydiving, climb a waterfall (Via Ferrata), go whitewater rafting, or even tackle kayaking in river rapids!
Oh, and don’t forget about skiing and snowboarding in the winter! These adventure activities will surely be ones to remember!
4. Explore Nearby Attractions
Head over to Cardrona and see the famous fence of bras, explore the bustling town of Queenstown on the edge of Lake Wakatipu, head into Mount Aspiring National Park and check out the world-famous Blue Pools, or even explore the gorgeous Lavender Farm on the edge of town.
The possibilities really are endless and you could spend several days exploring all of the attractions near Wanaka!
Where to Stay in Wanaka
Whether you want to check out the Wanaka Tree for yourself or explore the other things to do around town, you’re gonna need somewhere to sleep!
I’ve visited Wanaka and stayed there countless times so I know where the best places to stay really are. Here are my recommendations suited for every budget:
Holly’s Backpackers (Low Budget)
Holly’s Backpackers offers dorm rooms for less than $30 NZD a night and private doubles for under $70. The hostel is centrally located and walking distance to the supermarket, pubs, and attractions. It offers huge communal areas for hanging out and meeting new people.
Manuka Crescent Motel (Mid-range Budget)
Manuka Crescent Motel offers beautiful rooms and apartments, lots of parking (ideal if you’re traveling in a car or motorhome), and a quiet scenic location. While it is a couple of minutes from the town center, it is very peaceful and still within walking distance. The prices start from $150 NZD a night for a studio room.
Ramada Resort by Wyndham
The Ramada Resort in Wanaka is gorgeous! The ground and outdoor pools are beautiful and the perfect place to relax. They have a bar and cafe as well as a fitness center, BBQ area, and self-serve laundry facilities. It is also located just around the corner for The Wanaka Tree!
Before you go…
Thanks so much for checking out our blog on the Wanaka Tree. If you have any other questions please don’t hesitate to leave them below in the comments section.
Also if you found this blog helpful be sure to check out all our New Zealand guides on our New Zealand page or check out these related articles below!
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Where to stay in Queenstown – Heading to Queenstown? Then you’ll want to read this guide to the different areas to stay in and around the town!
Things to do in Mount Cook National Park – Mount Cook is my favorite place in Ne Zealand and in this post we show you why with the 13 best things to do there!
-Bailey
Peter T
Tuesday 10th of November 2020
Microsoft Windows had the Wanaka Tree as a screen saver and a link to its many photos. I've searched for the Tree, found your page among the first ten and clicked on it, and it was just what I wanted. Thank you.