Lakeside magnet: you’ll snap it up
That Wanaka Tree
Beloved of Instagram fans worldwide, star of its own #thatwanakatree hashtag and Facebook page, this crooked willow tree grows near the shore of Lake Wanaka in Roys Bay.
Where/what is it?
The story is that it started out as a fencepost about 80 years ago, and sprouted into a photogenically crooked tree that, depending on the lake level, can be walked out to or is surrounded by water. With a backdrop of the mountains of Mt Aspiring National Park, and in the foreground the clear blue waters of the lake, it’s an irresistible focal point for any snapper eager to capture some of that outstanding natural beauty.
Why go?
It’s up there now with the Eiffel Tower, Empire State Building and Big Ben. No, really – you can’t go to Wanaka and not take this photo. How else will people know you’ve actually been there? And, even better, unlike so many of its international equivalents, there’s no hassle or nuisance involved in getting to the viewpoint: it’s just a pleasant stroll along the lake edge from the township. You could even take a picnic to enjoy on the lake’s stony shore or on the grass under the nearby less famous trees.
Insider tip
The trouble with such a famous subject is that there will always be other people there doing exactly the same thing – even having their wedding photos taken – so be prepared to wait your turn for the perfect angle to frame the tree. All the more reason to take a picnic, and perhaps a bottle or two of locally brewed beer.
On the way/nearby
The locals are somewhat bemused by all the social-media attention the tree has received in the last few years, pointing out that the area is full of less cliched and even more photogenic scenes, so definitely take a drive around Lake Wanaka in both directions, westwards to Glendhu Bay, and north to the head of the lake, past Lake Hawea. Do some sneaky cribbing for subjects first at The Picture Lounge in Wanaka, a gallery of professional photographers’ work, much of it locally focused. One of the featured artists is local man Gilbert van Reenen, who runs individually tailored Central Otago photography safaris from two hours to day-long, helicopters an optional extra. Or you could try a different sort of shooting at Crossfire, near the airport. Have a go at clay bird targets with a shotgun, or static targets with a small-bore rifle or bow and arrows (they have a golf driving range, minigolf and even a battlefield too).
How much?
The tree is, naturally, free in all senses.
Best time to go
Whether the tree is in green leafy flush, autumn gold splendour or stark winter bare, whether you’re there in sunshine, at sunrise, sunset or under a starry or moonlit sky, whether the lake is a mirror-calm or rippled, you’re guaranteed to get a shot that at the very least will be worthy of your computer’s desktop. See lakewanaka.co.nz