That Wānaka Tree

Overview

About That Wānaka Tree

A solitary willow growing in the shallows of Lake Wānaka, this little tree punches far above its size. With the Southern Alps as a backdrop, it’s become a global photography magnet and social media star. Its origin story is humble: more than 80 years ago a willow fencepost took root in the sandy lakebed and just kept going. Fame exploded in 2014 when a misty shot by Dennis Radermacher won New Zealand Geographic’s Photograph of the Year.

Why stop

Iconic photo spot with Southern Alps backdrop
Easy, short walk from lakeside parking or town; free to visit

Heads up

Often crowded at midday and sunset; limited nearby parking
In winter the lake can be low, changing the classic look

It’s a quick, easy stop and a bona fide New Zealand icon, though it can feel overhyped at peak times. If you’re already in Wānaka, pair it with a relaxed lakefront walk and time your visit for early light—you’ll see why it became a sensation.

Parkwolf’s verdictIs It Worth It?

Map

Where it is

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Full map

SightThat Wānaka Tree-44.69835, 169.11755

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Local know-how

Tips for visiting That Wānaka Tree

Arrive at blue hour or sunrise for calm water and fewer people.
If lakeside parking is full, park in town and walk the lakefront path 10–15 minutes.
Bring a tripod and try 1–10 second exposures to smooth the lake surface.
Stay on shore and off the roots—don’t wade out or climb the tree.
In winter the lake can be low; check conditions if you want the classic look.

Plan your stop

Before you go

Best time to visit

Open 24/7, but the experience changes by the hour. Sunrise is quietest and usually offers the calmest water for mirror‑like reflections. Midday is typically the busiest window, and sunset also draws crowds. If you want elbow room and glassy water, go for blue hour or first light.

Getting There & On‑Site Feel

You’ll find the tree on the southern edge of Lake Wānaka. From town, it’s about a 10–15 minute lakeside walk; if you drive, there’s limited lakeside parking and then a 1–2 minute stroll across a pebbly beach. Expect lots of photographers and a flat, short approach. Plan 20 minutes for a quick look or up to an hour if you’re waiting on light or space. There are no dedicated restrooms at the tree—use public toilets in town along the lakefront before you wander over.

1 active Queenstown-Lakes District alert

ClosureSkippers Bridge closed to all trafficSkippers Bridge is closed to all vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians; do not cross.Official details

Queenstown-Lakes District alerts

A park ranger sits on a dash-mounted phone, talking, as Parkwolf’s Tour Guide plays “Army Cutworm Moths: A Grizzly Bear Buffet” on Grand Loop Road below Dunraven Pass in Yellowstone — Parkwolf Tour GuideThe highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.

Queenstown-Lakes District Tour Guide

Your drive to That Wānaka Tree, narrated.

Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Queenstown-Lakes District, New Zealand. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.

See the Queenstown-Lakes District audio tour

Recorded for this place

That Wānaka Tree and Wanaka Station Park

Listen

“You're coming up on the location of a local celebrity: 'That Wānaka Tree'. It's a lone willow that grew right out of the lakebed from what was originally just part of an old fence.”

Plays as you drive up to That Wānaka Tree in the Parkwolf Queenstown-Lakes District Tour Guide.

More about That Wānaka Tree

Photography TipsLight: Sunrise and golden hour are reliable; autumn evenings add rich foliage.

Light: Sunrise and golden hour are reliable; autumn evenings add rich foliage. Don’t skip overcast or mist—soft light and mood can be magic.
Lenses: Go wide for the full scene; a short tele compresses the mountains and simplifies clutter.
Technique: Bring a tripod, try long exposures (1–10s) to smooth the lake, and bracket if the sky is bright. Keep your horizon level and give the tree breathing room in the frame.
Etiquette: Shoot from the shore; don’t wade out or step on the roots, and share the space—this is a living tree and a popular public spot.

Seasonal NotesWinter can drop lake levels enough that the tree isn’t surrounded by water, changing the…

Winter can drop lake levels enough that the tree isn’t surrounded by water, changing the classic “floating” look. Cold mornings may bring mist, which can be photogenic.

Wildlife

Wildlife in Queenstown-Lakes District

All Queenstown-Lakes District wildlife maps

189 sightingsKeaMost seen around 5 PMSighting map

18 sightingsKākāMost seen around 6 PMSighting map

195 sightingsKererūMost seen around 10 AMSighting map

48 sightingsWekaMost seen around 6 PMSighting map

239 sightingsTūīMost seen around 8 AMSighting map

97 sightingsBellbirdMost seen around 6 AMSighting map

Sighting maps show where each species has been reported across Queenstown-Lakes District. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.