That Wānaka Tree, Willow tree in Lake Wānaka, Otago, New Zealand

That Wānaka Tree is a willow growing alone in the water at the southern end of Lake Wānaka in the Otago region. Its dark trunk leans to the left and splits into slender branches reaching upward and outward, with green foliage clustered on the upper branches and on one lower limb extending over the water. The base meets the waterline, and open water, a large mountain and a clear sky lie beyond.

The tree grew from a fence post driven into the shoreline around 1939. A branch took root in the water and developed over decades into the form visible today.

The tree's wide crown often sits partly underwater during high lake levels, changing its appearance with each season. Photographers return repeatedly to capture the shift from bare winter branches to fresh spring foliage.

A short walk along the lake shore leads to the tree's location, with early morning hours offering the best light for photographs. The water can be shallow or deeper depending on the season, so sturdy footwear is recommended.

Following a vandalism incident in March 2020, the local community organized watch patrols to prevent further damage. The severed branches sprouted new growth, allowing the tree to gradually recover.