Lake Wānaka

Lake Wānaka is a large glacial lake on New Zealand’s South Island, noted for its clear water and alpine backdrop. It is one of the country’s larger lakes and is a focal point for outdoor recreation in the region.

Popular draws include the lakeshore town of Wānaka, hiking and ski areas in nearby mountains, boating and trout fishing, and the well known solitary willow tree in the shallows often called “That Wanaka Tree” which is a frequent photography subject. Trails such as Roys Peak and access to Mount Aspiring National Park make the area a major base for day hikes and multi-day alpine trips.

Māori knew and used the lake for centuries before European settlement; from the 19th century the area developed pastoral farms and later tourism infrastructure. Over the 20th and 21st centuries the town and lake became internationally known for adventure tourism and as a gateway to nearby national parks.

Geographically the lake sits in inland Otago surrounded by the Southern Alps and subalpine foothills, with the town of Wānaka on the southern shore and regional transport links to Queenstown and the wider Otago region.

• Base town: The town of Wānaka at the lake's southern end is the primary base for hiking, skiing and alpine recreation in the surrounding mountains.

What to See #

• That Wanaka Tree: A lone willow tree that grows out of the lake close to the town shore, widely photographed and used as an iconic image of the region.