Wanaka Station Park

Overview

About Wanaka Station Park

A calm, leafy retreat on the edge of Roys Bay, Wanaka Station Park is where locals sneak off when the lakeshore gets swamped by That Wanaka Tree seekers. Think towering sequoias and firs, pockets of lawn perfect for a rug and a book, and quiet paths that drift down to the water.

Why stop

Shady lawns and grand heritage trees with a historic garden feel
Easy lakeside access just steps from That Wanaka Tree
On-site toilets, picnic tables, and convenient parking

Heads up

Lakefront parking can be congested at peak photo times
No camping or overnight parking allowed

Map

Where it is

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Full map

SightWanaka Station Park-44.69931, 169.11585

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Local know-how

Tips for visiting Wanaka Station Park

For easier parking, aim for Homestead Close or the Mt Aspiring Rd car park.
Bring a picnic—beyond toilets and tables, facilities are minimal on-site.
Photographers: wander to the shore for soft morning light or sunset color.
If you want peace and quiet, avoid Saturday early morning during the community run.
Illegal camping is enforced here—plan a proper campground for overnights.

Plan your stop

Before you go

Best time to visit

Spring (Sep–Nov) brings blossoms; autumn (Mar–May) delivers gold-leaf drama.
Weekday mornings are the quietest; sunset draws photographers to the nearby tree.
Saturday mornings host a community run in the park; come later if you want solitude.

Amenities

Public toilets, picnic tables, and a small play area (swings).
Multiple access points (Homestead Close, Wānaka–Mt Aspiring Rd, Norman Terrace, and the lakefront).
Day-use parking by the park; if the lakeside fills, use the Wānaka–Mt Aspiring Rd car park and stroll in.

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 Wanaka Station Park, 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 Wanaka Station Park in the Parkwolf Queenstown-Lakes District Tour Guide.

More about Wanaka Station Park

What You'll SeeMature avenues of giant trees and seasonal color in old garden beds.

Mature avenues of giant trees and seasonal color in old garden beds.
A heritage-tinged landscape with remnants of the former station grounds and an orchard feel.
Lakeside steps/paths connecting straight to the shoreline near That Wanaka Tree.

A Bit of BackstoryOnce part of Wanaka Station, the property ties back to the Sargood family and was gifted to the…

Once part of Wanaka Station, the property ties back to the Sargood family and was gifted to the community in the 1970s. The garden echoes its early-1900s homestead era, including a rose arbor that nods to plantings popular at the time.

Ways to Enjoy ItSpread a picnic under the big trees and let the kids roam the lawns.

Spread a picnic under the big trees and let the kids roam the lawns.
Meander the paths to the lake for soft, filtered light and easy photos.
Turn your wander into a longer lakeside stroll toward Glendhu Bay and turn back whenever you like.

WildlifeListen for tui and bellbirds in the canopy, and keep an eye out for paradise ducks by the water.

Listen for tui and bellbirds in the canopy, and keep an eye out for paradise ducks by the water. You may spot rabbits or hares around the lawns.

Good to KnowNo camping or overnighting on council reserves here—stick to proper campgrounds.

No camping or overnighting on council reserves here—stick to proper campgrounds.
Dogs are welcome under local rules: keep them under control and follow any leash signs.
If you see fruit on old trees, only pick where it’s clearly allowed and leave some for others.

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.