Custom Travel Itineraries to New Zealand since 1990
Wānaka, New Zealand
A Complete Guide to Visiting, Photographing, and Exploring the Area
That Wanaka Tree is one of New Zealand’s most photographed landmarks. A solitary willow stands offshore in Lake Wanaka, with the Southern Alps rising behind the shore. Whether you are an avid photographer or simply want to see the tree in person, a visit belongs on every Wanaka itinerary.
Photo Credits:
More than 80 years ago, someone planted a willow branch along the shoreline to form a fence line and keep livestock away from the water. The branch took root, grew steadily, and became the tree you see today, standing offshore with the mountains behind the shore.
In 2014, photographer Dennis Radermacher photographed the tree on a misty morning. His image won New Zealand Geographic’s Photo of the Year. From this point, visitors began travelling specifically to see and photograph the tree.
In 2020, a person deliberately broke one of the main branches. The damage was significant, and the tree drew widespread public attention again, for a different reason. Today, new growth has emerged and the tree is alive and growing. Knowing this history gives your visit a different quality.
The tree is easy to reach from the Wanaka town centre.
Follow the lakeside path south through Pembroke Park and past the marina. After roughly 1.7 kilometres, you will see the tree offshore, near the bay close to the waterfront hotel area. Walking from town takes around 20 to 25 minutes. If you prefer to drive, the Wanaka Marina Carpark and the Wanaka Watersports Carpark are both within a three to five minute walk of the tree.
The path is flat. If you are travelling with a wheelchair or stroller, the marina carpark gives you the most direct route. In winter, the surface near the shore becomes uneven with frost, so wear shoes with grip. If you arrive on a bike, walk once you reach the viewing area.
Photo Credits: Wanaka.co.nz
Timing affects your photos more than almost any other factor here.
Sunrise is the most productive time to visit. The lake surface tends to be still in the early morning, which produces clear reflections. The light is soft and angled. You will also share the path with fewer people. Arrive before the sun clears the Buchanan Range if you want a full reflection in the water.
Autumn runs from late March through April. During this period, the trees surrounding the lake turn gold and orange. The added colour gives your photos depth not present in other seasons. Photographers who have visited multiple times consistently rate autumn as the best time to go.
Overcast conditions are underrated. Cloud cover diffuses the light evenly, reduces harsh shadows, and brings out detail in the water. Several well-known photographs of the Wanaka Tree were taken on cloudy days. Do not cancel your visit because the sky is grey.
Plan to stay at least 30 minutes. The light changes quickly at this lake, and the best shot often comes after your first instinct to pack up and leave.
Photo Credits: Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai
Wanaka rewards time spent outside town.
Makarora Beech Forest sits about one hour north of Wanaka. Old beech trees line quiet walking tracks, and native birds are active throughout the day. For peaceful walking with good birdlife, this is a reliable choice.
Wanaka Station Park is within the town boundary. The park contains a stand of mature sequoias and provides shade on warm afternoons. A short stop here fits naturally between other activities.
The Matukituki Valley is the most dramatic option. The valley floor trail follows the Matukituki River through beech forest toward the base of the Southern Alps. The views increase in scale the further you walk. Allow at least half a day.
The Sticky Forest is a network of mountain bike and walking trails through pine trees on the edge of town, with views back over Lake Wanaka. The Albert Town River Track runs along the Clutha River through poplar trees, which turn gold in autumn.
After seeing the tree, continue south along the lakeside path toward Waterfall Creek for additional lake and mountain views. Guided boat trips depart from the Wanaka waterfront and travel to Mou Waho Island, a nature reserve in the middle of the lake. The island contains a smaller lake of its own, Arethusa Pool, sitting above the treeline. Waterfront cafes and restaurants are a short walk back toward the town centre.
Our team has been planning South Island itineraries for more than 35 years. We build each trip around the specific experiences you want. Contact us to start planning your visit to Wanaka and the wider South Island.
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That Wānaka Tree is one of New Zealand’s most photographed landmarks, standing alone in the lake with the Southern Alps as its backdrop. Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or simply want to see it for yourself, visiting this iconic willow is a must-do when in Wānaka.
Long before it became the subject of thousands of Instagram posts, this tree had a very practical purpose: it was once part of a fence line meant to keep livestock from wandering. Planted over 80 years ago, the young willow branch somehow took root and grew into the photogenic figure we see today—perched just offshore in Lake Wānaka with the Southern Alps as its dramatic backdrop.
The tree first gained widespread attention in 2014, when photographer Dennis Radermacher captured it on a misty morning. His photo went on to win New Zealand Geographic’s Photo of the Year, and ever since, the Wānaka Tree has become a must-visit for landscape photographers and nature lovers alike.
The good news? It’s incredibly easy to reach the Wānaka Tree—no hiking boots required.
From the town centre, follow the lakeside path past Pembroke Park and the marina. Look for the bay near the Edgewater Hotel—the tree is just off the shore and visible from the beach. If you’re on a bike, be sure to walk it near the viewing area.
Want that perfect shot? Timing is everything.
Pro tip: Be patient and take your time. Sometimes the best photo comes from simply watching the light shift and change.
The path to the tree is mostly flat and relatively easy to navigate. If you’re visiting with a wheelchair or stroller, park at the Wānaka Marina Carpark for the smoothest access. Just keep in mind that the surface can get a bit uneven in winter, so wear good shoes and take care if there’s frost.
Wānaka is full of leafy legends. If you’re a fan of trees (or simply love a good walk), check out these nearby spots:
While you’re here, why not turn your visit into a full day out? Grab a coffee at Edgewater, hop on a boat to Mou Waho Island, or follow the Waterfall Creek Track for even more lakefront scenery. Looking for a place to stay? Wānaka has a wide range of cozy accommodations just minutes from the action.
We’d love to help you plan your dream trip to this stunning region—whether you’re after iconic views, hidden gems, or a custom itinerary that fits your travel style. Contact us to get started on your Wānaka adventure!
Credit: Lake Wanaka
