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That Wanaka Tree. picture By Vishal Makwana

Top 10 Amazing Facts about That Wanaka Tree

That Wanaka Tree, also known as the Wanaka willow, is a willow tree located at the southern end of Lake Wanaka in the Otago region of New Zealand.

The tree sits alone in the water and is a popular destination for tourists to take photos.

As a result of its popularity, The Wanaka Tree has been intentionally or unintentionally damaged on a social occasion.

The following are some of the amazing facts about The Wanaka Tree:

1. Wanaka Tree is New Zealand’s most photographed tree

Wanaka, New Zealand.Most photographed tree. Picture By Michelle Maria,

That Wanaka tree is famous for being New Zealand’s most photographed tree and for good reason.

Its delicately curved trunk seemingly grows directly out of the pristine waters of LakeWanaka.

The tree appears on be floating on the surface of the water. It is not a miracle, just an illusion perpetrated by nature.

Good photo shots are said to be taken very early in the morning or some hours before sunrise and well over an hour before sunset.

2. The Wanaka tree stands alone in Lake Wanaka

The lone tree stands in Lake Wanaka By Ken Cheung kencheungphoto

 The Wanaka Tree is truly unique. Standing alone only a few meters in Lake Wanaka stands this very lonely willow tree.

Lake Wanaka is New Zealand’s fourth largest lake. In the position it stands, it has become somewhat of a symbol of New Zealandtourismand is a place where photographers and Instagrammers gather regularly to try and capture their own unique shots of the Wanaka tree.

3. The Wanaka tree is more than eighty years old

The tree had been previously vandalized. This caused re-growth again making this willow tree to be estimated to be at least 80 years old.

It started out as a limb used for a fence post, it clearly wasn’t dead yet and it embedded itself on the edge of the lake.

Ancient photos have been taken hence making the age of this willow tree not to be less than eighty years.

4. The Wanaka tree has become a tourist attraction

Instagram and other media platforms have made this tree to be famous. This has influenced thousands of people to visit the place for incredible photos.

The photos posted with the hashtag #That Wanaka Tree have made the tree famous.

The interested tourists gather around the tree and in fact, some people walk out to it and try to climb it. 

5. There are resorts around Wanaka where tourists camp

A Motel Resort room By Kgbo Wikimedia

Wanaka Backpackers Bothy offers dorm-style rooms that are perfect for budget travelers or backpackers, they offer clean and comfortable stays.

It is located right across from Wanaka Lake. Manuka Crescent Motel offers beautiful rooms and apartments.

It is very peaceful and it is still a walking distance of where Wanaka Tree is situated. The Resort ensures tourists who visit to see the unique tree have a cool place to rest.

6. The tree is right at the foothills of Mount Aspiring Park

The lone tree is right at the foothills of Mount Aspiring National Park, a world heritage site, acting as a doorway into even more of the breathtaking landscapes that embody the South Island of New Zealand.

Visit this place when the sun is low on the horizon and there is an abundance of colorful low light, rather than the view being bleached out by the midday sun.

At this time of day, you are more likely to find the lone tree of Lake Wanaka, all alone.

7. The Wanaka tree became more famous in 2014

Despite the tree’s early origins, it wasn’t until 2014 that it began its journey to fame. It was seven years ago that Dennis Radermachar, a photographer from Christchurch, took a photo of the tree on a misty June day.

The photograph of the year. Today, the photographer laments about the famous picture.

Bolstered by interest from Radermacher’s photo, it wasn’t long before amateur Wanaka Photographer began posting images of the tree on social media with the hashtag #ThatWanakatree.

8. The Wanaka tree has fostered the growth of Wanaka city

first growing city of Wanaka.By chensiyuan

Wanaka is a destination that draws visitors from around the world. It offers gorgeous vistas of the Southern Alps, blue lakes, and cool green forests.

This has been fostered by the process to ensure Wanaka grows. Wanaka has become one of New Zealand’s South Island’s most beautiful places, nestled in the midst of Otago.

the growth of Wanaka, exceptional food, wine, and popular activities like hiking, biking, and skiing are all popular past times. Expansion of the city has continued to date.

9. The Wanaka Tree was once vandalized

The horrendous act was reported on 18th March 2020, with multiple limbs being sawed off and left on the shore.

The reports noted that the tree limbs would likely be slow to grow due to the cold water in which the tree root is submerged.

The tree had a symbolic visit among the locals as they held it as a symbol of hope. Branches appear to have been hacked off the willow tree, which stands alone semi-submerged in the lake, on New Zealand’s south island.

10. A nearby airport for transportation

Queenstown Airport, South Island, New Zealand. By Jocelyn Kinghorn

The nearest airport is the Queenstown Airport. You can fly directly to Queenstown from Australia.

From other countries, you’ll need to transit through Auckland. The airport has offered easy means for tourists touring the city of Wanaka or touring the Wanaka tree.

After landing in Queenstown city, means of road transportation are available that can leave you a walking distance to the shore of Lake Wanaka where the Wanaka tree is situated.

Despite the vandalism done by tourists trying to climb the tree, The Wanaka Tree remains to be certainly the most famous tree in New Zealand, and one of the most photographed trees in the world.

Other contenders include the cedar on the flag of Lebanon and the cherry tree that George Washington supposedly cut down.