That Wānaka Tree

That Wānaka Tree is a solitary willow standing directly in the waters of Lake Wanaka, surrounded by the mountains of the Otago region. The trunk rises from the shallow water near the shoreline, with roots anchored in the gravel bed while its branches spread wide over the surface.

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.