Length of stay: 1 day
Visited: April 2025
Wanaka is located near Mount Aspiring National Park in the Southern Alps. Situated by Lake Wanaka, New Zealand’s fourth largest lake, Wanaka is surrounded by majestic mountains in ever direction. It boasts of being a great spot to enjoy the outdoors and offers several hiking trails.
It was an incredibly scenic drive through the mountains, filled with lots of twists and turns, to get from Queenstown to Wanaka. We arrived in the early afternoon and headed to Lake Wanaka to see That Wanaka Tree. The small solitary willow tree is reputed to be one of the most photographed trees in New Zealand because of its unique location of appearing semi-submerged in the shallow water. You can probably imagine just how busy the beach was with tourists trying to capture the perfect shot.
The tree is looking a bit shabby these days. It sustained damage over the years from tourists climbing on it. And more recently some loser sawed off a few branches during the middle of the night in 2020. People always have a way of ruining things.
After eating a quick lunch in the car we went for a hike nearby. There are a lot of options to choose from and we settled on the Lake Wanaka Lookout Track (3.5km roundtrip, rated moderate). The trail is located in the Diamond Lake Conservation Areas. From the parking lot there’s one trailhead that marks the start of three overlapping trails. It’s a steady and gentle climb up a wide gravel path to the first point of interest, Diamond Lake. Fall was in full swing in Wanaka and the colours of the landscape did not disappoint.
There’s an option to walk around Diamond Lake, but we continued onward to the Lake Wanaka Lookout. And it’s all uphill. The path narrows and there are lots of steps and staircases along the way. There are also several overlooks to enjoy the scenery. The first of which is Diamond Lake. It looked especially stunning from up above as it was encircled with golden coloured trees.
The path levels off. There’s a few more uphills, but they’re gradual and mixed with flat sections to catch your breath. We also got a better view of Lake Wanaka as we made our way closer to the final overlook. There’s two turnoffs for the western and eastern routes of the Rocky Mountain Summit. It only added another 3km roundtrip, but it’s all uphill. And it didn’t seem appealing while hiking with a toddler, even if she was in a backpack carrier.
Soon enough we reached the official Lake Wanaka Lookout, which required climbing a short ladder up and over a fence. There’s even a bench at the end to catch your breath and enjoy the views, which is exactly what we did.
From there we turned around and retraced our steps. Once we reached Diamond Lake, we followed the trail around the shoreline. We figured why not for a change of scenery. The path was narrow and nice enough, but we didn’t get many views of the water as it was largely obstructed by the trees.
The trail connects with the main path again. And it’s all downhill from there before arriving back at the parking lot. Overall it took us an hour and a half to complete the trail. From there it’s another hour and a half drive to Mount Aspiring National Park where we’d be spending the night in a cabin.
L
Wow, New Zealand the beautiful! Thanks for sharing the beauty, guys!
Thanks for your lovely comment. New Zealand is full of surprises and we loved that each region is so different in terms of the landscape and terrain. And it’s all just gorgeous.
You’re welcome! ☺️
Great photos, this looks truly stunning and love the Wanaka tree.
Thanks! The solitary willow tree looks quite unusual growing in the middle of the water. I can see why it was so popular.
Oh absolutely, it is really eye catching.
For sure. No wonder it’s so popular to photograph!
We love Wanaka Linda. Did you take the Crown Range Road between Queenstown and Wanaka? It is so scenic. Love the walks you took. This area with its pretty lakes is so beautiful. Happy Sunday. Allan
We did! Agreed, it’s a very scenic drive with a lot of twists, turns and beautiful views. There are so many options to chose from in terms of hiking trails, and we opted to go with something “easier” and shorter given that we’d be lugging our little one in the backpack carrier. It looked especially lovely in the fall with all the golden leaves. So I’d say we picked well. Enjoy the rest of the long weekend and have a Happy Thanksgiving.
Wanaka looks beautiful! I love the ring of golden trees around the lake, they’re spectacular. It’s a shame about the Wanaka tree though, people can be so thoughtless these days.
The viewpoint of Diamond Lake was beautiful. It seems like we visited at a good time when the leaves were changing colour. And agreed, it’s awful how some people can ruin things for everyone and can have such little regard for nature. Not cool.
Agreed – people always find a way to ruin things. Ugh. A beautiful collection of photos of that gorgeous area, Linda! Such stunning views and all the yellow foliage around the lake is so pretty.
Unfortunately it’s not the only instance of tourists ruining a tree or other attractions. Makes you wonder why they even bother visiting if they clearly have no respect for nature or history. It’s a shame.
The viewpoint of Diamond Lake surrounded by all those golden yellow leaves was stunning and well worth the climb up to see.
Stunning! The single tree photo took my breath away. 🙏🏻
Oh I know! It’s such an unusual sight to see a solitary tree growing up from out of the water. I can see why it’s so popular.
Pause for contemplation, that’s for sure. 🥰
For sure. Nature is just full of surprises and offers plenty of opportunities to pause for appreciate and contemplation.
I don’t remember spotting the Wanaka Tree in my searches, or perhaps I skipped it to go somewhere else. The trail around it also offers beautiful views.
That Wanaka Tree is neat to see, but doesn’t require much time to visit. There are a lot of great hiking options nearby. We were pretty happy with the route we settled on given that it was already late in the day when we started. The views of Lake Diamond from up above were stunning and well worth the climb.
What the heck. People sawed off tree branches? People are the worst. Despite the missing branches, I love your photo. The low clouds in the background are a nice touch. I also love how clear the water is in all the photos.
How *smooth* the water is, is what I meant to say.
Agreed, people suck. That’s a pretty shitty move to saw off a few branches. Apparently they left the branches on the beach afterwards. Not sure what point they were trying to prove, except that they’re a moron.
The view of Diamond Lake surrounded by golden trees is beautiful. People can be so disappointing, I can’t imagine what they’re thinking by destroying nature like that.
It was well worth the climb up to get to the overlook of Diamond Lake. Agreed, it’s very sad to hear how someone intentionally damaged a living tree. And for what purpose? I just don’t get it.
That view above, looking out at Diamond Lake, is breathtaking, Linda. I like the stairs climbed. And, the Wanaka tree looks magical. I can understand how obsessed other people to saw some branches of it, believing it has some special elements to it. But, it’s saddening. I hope there’s a protector for that tree there. Many people wants to see it, and I hope it stays for years and years.
Thanks Hazel. It was well worth the climb to reach the viewpoint overlooking Diamond Lake. And I’m grateful for the stairs otherwise that would have been one steep path! Agreed, it’s sad to hear about how someone intentionally damaged the tree. Thankfully they left most of it intact. Here’s hoping it’s able to continue growing so future generations can enjoy.
Yes, Linda. My pleasure always. Hugs to you and baby M.
Thanks! Have a wonderful weekend!
The willow tree in Wanaka Lake is stunning. It’s pathetic that some disgusting thug felt compelled to damage it though. They are sturdy and will surely survive. Beautiful photos!
I know. It’s sad to hear that someone intentionally damaged the tree. It’s over 80 years old. Here’s hoping it continues to thrive. But us humans do seem to have a way of ruining things.
The shot of all the golden trees around the lake sure is stunning! I can’t believe someone would chop that tree, so terrible!!
Thanks Lyssy! It was well worth the hike to get to the overlook of Diamond Lake. And agreed, some people are just awful. I don’t get it.
That is a shame about the tree. What causes people to be so destructive? A sign of our times? I’m thinking of the Sycamore Gap tree in the UK, but similar events like that seem to be becoming much more common now.
Some people suck. I remember hearing about the Sycamore Gap Tree in the news a couple of years ago. One of the idiots was dumb enough to film it. You’re right, it seems like we’re hearing more about tourists vandalizing things (either in nature or at historical sites) a lot more now.
Such beautiful photos Linda, each one stunning especially with the low lying mist. How awful that someone sawed off done of the branches from that tree. It’s hard to.imagine why some people think it is fun to spoil nature.
Thanks for your kind words. And agreed, it’s unfortunate to hear that someone intentionally inflicted damage to a tree. And for what purpose? I don’t get it. Thankfully the tree is still growing, even if it is short a few limbs.
What is wrong with people, why would they purposely damage the tree?? The view from the top is stunning Linda, especially with the autumn colours. Maggie
Oh I know. It’s awful to hear what some people do to nature or even some historical sites. Thankfully the tree is still growing. You’d love the hiking in Wanaka. We settled on something simple, but the views were still outstanding.
So beautiful!!!
The scenery is very picturesque. I can see why Wanaka is so popular.
Stunning place. Your photos are amazing.
Thanks! It’s not hard to take a good picture when the landscape is that beautiful. Even though we were only there for half a day, we had a lovely visit. I’m glad we we got to explore one of the trails as well.
The area boasts such stunning scenery, dear Linda, making it a visually impressive destination. As a keen photographer, I have always had my heart set on seeing and capturing the famous New Zealand Wanaka Tree – it is such an iconic, effortlessly photogenic, and a bit quirky place. Therefore, it is very sad to hear about how this beautiful tree is under threat from tourists. Why on earth would anyone climb it? I must say that in the last couple of years, the behaviour of many tourists in iconic places chasing selfies is just terrible. Thanks for sharing, and have a good day 🙂 Aiva xx
Thanks Aiva! The scenery in Wanaka is breathtaking. I hope you’re able to visit someday. That Wanaka Tree is very popular to photograph, especially during sunrise and sunset. It was disappointing to hear how the tree has sustained damage over the years from tourists. We’ve been noticing a similar trend as well in terms of bad tourist behaviour. Why visit if you clearly have no respect for the land or others around you? I don’t get it.
Respect should be the guiding principle behind all of our actions, especially when we travel, Linda. Even if you don’t agree with a custom or a request, you have to honour your role as a visitor in someone else’s home and follow their lead, allowing local actions to guide all of your behaviours.
Well said Aiva. I don’t understand that type of behaviour and the need to damage or ruin something. Not cool.
Nature is such a treasure
That it is. And it’s always fun of wonder, surprise and and beauty.
Why are people so awful? I do like that tree!
This looks like a beautiful place to hike and I’m really glad to see that the uphill section was worth the climb. That view is incredible!
It’s a shame that people always have a way of ruining things. I don’t get it. Besides the tourists, Wanaka is very picturesque with all those mountains. I’m pretty happy with the trail we settled on. It was a good distance, the right amount of challenge, and the views were beautiful, especially overlooking Diamond Lake.
That sounds perfect.
It worked out well. And same with the weather. It didn’t start raining until later in the evening.
That’s fortunate.
So awesome and grace post of New Zealand 🌷🙏👍🏻 Dear you captured the eternal beauty of nature and created a visual experience through very literary explanations,, thank you so much for sharing my friend 🌷👏❤️🌷
You are very sweet. Thanks for your lovely comment. The scenery in New Zealand is breathtaking. We enjoyed our time in Wanaka, even if we were only there for half the day.
Wow, absolutely stunning landscape. Thank you for showcasing this beautiful part of the world!
Thanks for your lovely comment. There’s always something so special about being in the mountains. Everything looked especially beautiful in the fall when the leaves were changing colour.
Oh those views, especially of looking down at Diamond Lake, are so lovely and love the hues and shades of yellow!
I can see how that tree is the most photographed in New Zealand and how absolutely infuriating that people just have to ruin nice things for others. May whoever sawed off that branch reap some well-deserved karma!
We were cursing those steps as we were hiking up to the viewpoint overlooking Diamond Lake (it’s hard work lugging a toddler on your back), but it was well worth the effort.
That Wanaka Tree is quite something. And agreed, why do people do that? I don’t get it. The loser that sawed off the branches hasn’t been identified which is too bad. But here’s hoping what goes around comes around.
Incredible views! I feel bad for the tree. Same things happens to most places that we’ve visited. People somehow find ways to destroy something beautiful.
I know, it’s a shame how some people have very little respect for nature and even historical sites too. Why must they ruin it for everyone? Thankfully the tree is still growing.
I like the look of the autumn foliage around Diamond Lake. But my favorite shots are the ones you took from the official Lake Wanaka lookout. What a beautiful scenery! Too bad about what happened to the tree. What you said about how some people inflicted damage to the tree reminds me of the tragic incident that happened to the Sycamore Gap tree in the UK. I hope no one is thinking of doing the same thing to that tree at Lake Wanaka.
Thanks Bama. The scenery in Wanaka was 10/10. It was nice to visit in the fall when all the leaves were changing colour though. And agreed, it’s a shame to hear that someone intentionally damaged a tree. I remember hearing about the Sycamore Gap tree in the news. One of the idiots even filmed it. Here’s hoping they get what they deserve someday.
Wow! A lovely stop. Did you do a lot of research before the trip to know about these places?
I did. I really enjoy trip planning and making itineraries. With a little one though I made sure to have multiple choices depending on the weather or whether we were approaching nap time!
It’s stunning!! I’m so sad about the Wanaka Tree, I remember it having a sweeping branch off to the right as you look at it, which seems to have been cut off – what is wrong with people? It’s like our beloved Sycamore Gap in England… absolutely awful!
Oh I know, why do people have to ruin things!? I heard about what happened to the Sycamore Gap Tree in the news. The stupid losers even filmed themselves cutting down the tree. Some people suck so much.
Those views are stunning! I love your picture of the Wanaka Tree- even with its missing limbs and dirty climber footprints. That makes me so mad when people do that- for no other reason than to be destructive.
I know, it’s sad to hear the stupid things some people do to nature (and even historical sites). It’s amazing how resilient nature is though. But even then it has its limits. Here’s hoping it’ll continue to grow so future generations can enjoy.
hooray for breath-catching benches!
Great post, Linda 🙂
Totally! It seemed like a good sign to take a break and just enjoy the views! Thanks for reading and leaving a comment. Linda
My absolute pleasure! 🌸
What a breathtaking place and such amazing photos. The scenery looks peaceful and full of God’s beauty. Sounds like a great adventure and a perfect way to enjoy His creation.
Wishing you many more journeys like this….
God Bless You, today and always…
Thanks for your lovely comment. Nature is such a beautiful artist. The scenery in Wanaka looked very picturesque in the mountains, even on a cloudy day.
Wow … your photos of the lakes are picture-perfect! It looks so peaceful, and I can just imagine how much you enjoyed this area while on the hiking trail.
Thanks for your kind words. The mountain scenery was outstanding, which makes for some incredible hiking. It’s a small town though and many of the accommodations were outside our price range, so we simply passed through. It would have been nice to stay a bit longer though.
Love your photo of the tree. It looks sad and lonely, but still beautiful, maybe a bit melancholy for happier times.
Thanks! The Wanaka tree is pretty mesmerizing as it seems to be growing on its own little island. But it is looking a bit paltry compared to a few years.
The pictures are stunning! So dramatic and moody! Beautiful *o*
Thanks for your lovely comment. The moody skies were quite dramatic. I’m just glad it didn’t rain while we were hiking!
Not easy hiking with a little one in a harness. You’ll have some wonderful photos to show her when she’s older and doesn’t remember the trip xx
No, especially when you’re hiking uphill!! It’s a good workout though. And yes, something to share with her when she gets older. Although she’ll probably (and hopefully) want to return given that she won’t remember any of it from when she was a toddler!
I guess it is not easy to travel with a baby, but it looks like you master it in every aspect🥰 I think she is the younger “explorer” to say so, that I know of❤️
Aww thanks! I think it would have been much harder to do this trip if we had waited a couple of months. But back when we went she was about 15 months old at the time and still enjoyed being in the stroller and baby carrier. Now all she wants to do is walk (and run) on her own!
She is 2 yrs old in only few days! Happy b-day to her!!🥰❤️
Thanks! We’re going to have to start paying for her plane tickets now that she’s two though!
Right😍
Thanks for showing your fine pictures 🙏 🙏
The Fab Four of Cley
🙂 🙂 🙂 🙂
Thanks so much for your lovely comment. Even with the moody weather, the mountain scenery was still beautiful.
one day I will head down under to see those sites.
It’s a long flight to get to New Zealand, but we had a fabulous enjoying the scenery! I hope you’re able to make it there someday.
I did do that fight before, with a few stopover. YYZ-YVR- (3 hours in New Zealand ) – MEL-SYD -CNS- SYD-YYZ. it was a 2 week trip, it was a long flight.
That does sound like a long flight, or rather series of flights! We flew to Vancouver a couple days before and afterwards to help break things up. From Vancouver we got a direct flight to Auckland. So it didn’t end up being too bad.
I love a sight that stretched on beyond the frame. So much more to see.
Thanks for your kind words and leaving a comment. Wanaka is surrounded by the mountains and there are beautiful views in every direction. It’s very picturesque.