That Wanaka Tree
That Wanaka Tree, also known as the Wanaka Willow, is a willow tree located at the southern end of Lake Wānaka in the Otago region of New Zealand. The tree sits alone in the water and is a popular destination for tourists to take Instagram photos. As a result of its popularity, That Wanaka Tree has been intentionally and unintentionally damaged on several occasions.
That Wanaka Tree | |
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![]() That Wanaka Tree at sunrise | |
![]() ![]() That Wanaka Tree That Wanaka Tree's location within New Zealand | |
Species | Crack willow (Salix × fragilis) |
Location | Southern Lake Wānaka |
Coordinates | 44.6983°S 169.1175°E |
Popularity
That Wanaka Tree derives its name from the hashtag "#ThatWanakaTree", which is used on Instagram to identify photos of the tree.[1] The tree has been described as "New Zealand's most famous tree" and called "one of the most photographed trees in all New Zealand."[2][1] A photograph of the tree by Dennis Radermacher won the 2014 New Zealand Geographic photo of the year award.[3]
Human impact
![](../I/Lake_Wanaka_Tree.jpg.webp)
That Wanaka Tree has been damaged on several occasions, both intentionally and unintentionally. A branch came off the tree in late 2017 due to tourists climbing it, which led to the local tourism board installing signs discouraging the practice.[4] The tree was vandalised on 18 March 2020, with multiple limbs being sawn off and left on the shore.[5][6] Reports noted that the tree's limbs would likely be slow to grow back due to the cold water the tree's roots are submerged in.[4] The human impact on the tree has been compared to that at other tourist attractions like Joshua Tree National Park and Uluru.[1][7]
See also
References
- Marcus, Lilit. "New Zealand's most famous tree, 'That Wanaka Tree,' vandalized". CNN. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
- "That Wanaka Tree". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
- O'Brien, Alex. "The story behind that Wanaka Tree". Over Sixty. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
- Butler, Alex. "How you can help protect New Zealand's most famous tree". Lonely Planet. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
- Lewis, Sophie. "New Zealand's famous Wanaka tree, a symbol of hope, vandalized". CBS News. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
- McKenzie-McLean, Jo (18 March 2020). "Outrage after picturesque Wanaka tree attacked with saw". Stuff. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
- Hallinan, Bridget. "This Famous New Zealand Landmark Is Being Destroyed by Tourists". Condé Nast Traveler. Retrieved 1 February 2021.