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 derives its name from the hashtag "#ThatWanakaTree", which is used on Instagram to identify photos of the tree. The tree has been described as "New Zealand's most famous tree" and called "one of the most photographed trees in all New Zealand.

Choose from several walks including short, easier options suitable for kids, and enjoy views of Diamond Lake, Lake Wānaka and the surrounding mountains.

Mountain biking

If you’re in Wanaka with time to spare or want some fresh air, don’t go past this walk.

After climbing the rocky knoll, you’ll be rewarded with incredible 360-degree views of the surrounding area. Take in views of local landmarks including The Pisa range, Upper Clutha Basin and the mesmerising Southern Alps.

This playground is in the heart of Wanaka on the waterfront and can be accessed either off Ardmore Street or a pathway off Lakeside Road. It is renowned for its large dinosaur slide.

This playground is in the heart of Wanaka on the waterfront and can be accessed either off Ardmore Street or a pathway off Lakeside Road.

It is renowned for its large dinosaur slide, but also has a great selection of other playground equipment. Extremely popular with kids of all ages.

This playground is right on the lake in Wanaka and is best known for its dinosaur slide but there’s lots of other equipment here too. There’s plenty for younger kids including a mini space net, seesaw, toddler swings, and small slide. For older kids there are a couple of structures which allow kids to climb and spin round, a set of swings which all go into the middle and bars for swinging off set at 2 different heights. There’s plenty of seating around and a couple of picnic tables and grassy area.

Nearby in this reserve, there’s one free BBQ and a river (fenced going through the playground but otherwise unfenced) with a bridge for playing ‘pooh sticks’. A path running along the side of the lake goes through the park as well and this is suitable for buggies, scooters and kids bikes. There’s also a big sculpture of a hand which kids seem to love climbing on. There are toilets, including a disabled one with nappy change facilities in the closest carpark off Ardmore Street.

Younger kids that are liable to run off will need to be carefully monitored as the lake and carparks are very close and the playground is not fenced.

Queenstown Hill, also known by its Māori name of Te Tapu-nui, is a small 907 metres mountain near Queenstown, New Zealand in the South Island. The lower levels of the hill contain housing especially near Queenstown, Frankton Road and Marina Heights. Midway up the hill is a large forest of mainly douglas fir and larch, while the top is largely clear and the ground cover is that of tussock and native vegetation.

Boasting views across Queenstown, across the top of large fir trees. You are able to see lake Wakatipu in all its glory, moutains galore. If you're here at the right time of the year, they'll be blanketed in white snow. Over look the township, find where you're staying or try to spot some locally known places like fergburger or the cookie time shop! You could also watch a plane landing if you time it right!

Starting at the Gindola base on Brecon Street, the Tiki Trail winds its way through trees towards the lookout at the top of Bob’s Peak. Short but steep, you’ll be climbing through forest with few viewpoints, until the big scenic reveal. The trail crosses mountain bike tracks, so watch out for bikers hurling themselves downhill at high speed.

Take advantage of being up Bob’s Peak to bungy jump out over Queenstown, take the world’s steepest zipline, or relax with a few drinks, before taking the Gondola back down.

The Tiki Trail is the warm-up lap for the Ben Lomond Track which takes you to the summit of Ben Lomond in a demanding full day hike

The Ben Lomond Track is a demanding climb and a full day's hike with an 1,438 m elevation gain. On clear days trampers are rewarded at the summit with spectacular panoramic views. 

Located near central Queenstown, the three access points to this track are:

• the Tiki Trail starting next to the Skyline Gondola base station at the top of Brecon Street
• from One Mile Creek Track which starts at the Fern Hill roundabout
• either the top of Skyline Access Road or the bottom of it near Lomond Crescent.

• Description

   
   

• The Ben Lomond Track rewards trampers with spectacular 360 degree views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountain ranges including Ka-kamu-a-Hakitekura/Cecil and Walter Peaks and Kawarau/Remarkables. In fine weather, you may even spot Mounts Pikirakatahi/Earnslaw and Tititea/Aspiring in the distance.

  The track begins among Douglas fir on Skyline Access Road or the Tiki Trail. At about 800 m altitude you leave the tree line behind to enter alpine tussocks and shrubs. Climb to the 1,326 m Ben Lomond Saddle. Beyond the saddle is Ben Lomond Station where the track becomes a marked route. From here, the terrain becomes steeper and rougher as it approaches Ben Lomond's 1,748m summit.

  Note: The section from the saddle to the summit crosses private land. Respect the landowner’s rights and keep to the formed track to avoid stock disturbance and farm hazards.

•  

• Getting there

   
   

• Located near central Queenstown, the three access points to this track are:

  • the Tiki Trail starting next to the Skyline Gondola base station at the top of Brecon Street
  • from One Mile Creek Track which starts at the Fern Hill roundabout
  • either the top of Skyline Access Road or the bottom of it near Lomond Crescent.
  • Ensure you leave enough daylight hours, but pack a headtorch just in case. In winter, you'll need alpine equipment.

  What to expect

  • A full day's hike with 1,438 m elevation gain. Remember, the peak is only the halfway point.

  Hazards

  • The weather changes rapidly in this region. Hypothermia is a real risk even in summer.
  • Numerous steep downhill mountain bike tracks intersect with the walking track. Due to the high speeds these are unsafe for walkers.
  • Animals have also formed tracks across the mountain. Ensure you follow the signs and orange markers to stay on the right track.

  Amenities

  • There are no toilet facilities beyond the Skyline Gondola. Plan accordingly or bring a pocket toilet, available for purchase at Whakatipu-wai-Māori / Queenstown Visitor Centre.

  Be prepared

  Ensure you take:

  • plenty of food and drinking water
  • a water/windproof jacket, a hat and gloves, sunscreen and wear warm, layered clothing
  • sturdy footwear such as tramping boots
  • head torch
  • communication device.

While Queenstown is known to be an adventure hub that is popular as a bungy jumping and mountaineering destination, there is also a beach in Queenstown. Main Town Beach is near the waterfront section of the town and is absolutely free to go to. You can also rent kayaks and stand up paddleboards for an extra fee and is a great, inexpensive way to spend the day in the beautiful environs of the beach

We would only advise this in summer as over the winter months (June-August) the temperature regularly gets below 0 Degrees Celcius.

Explore Queenstown’s botanical gardens, with their rose garden and mature trees, before strolling on along Lake Wakatipu.

Start your walk at Queenstown Bay Beach and take the Te Araroa Trail into the Queenstown Gardens. Established in 1866 the gardens are a tranquil lakeside sanctuary, with shady lawns and benches, a children’s playground, memorials to Robert Falcon Scott and William Gilbert Rees, who was the first European settler in the area, and the chance to play a round of Frisbee golf, bowls or tennis.

Follow the trail around the garden peninsula. After the gardens you can continue on the wide track along the lake shore. There are plenty of benches for you to stop and take in the views across Lake Wakatipu to the Kelvin Peninsula and Cecil and Walter Peak. Or, if you’ve stretched your legs enough, head back the way you came, or cut across the peninsula along Park Street, and head back to town to explore the boutiques, cafés, and bars. 

If you feel like a longer walk , you could continue along the Te Araroa Trail another 12 km to Frankton Marina. A flat easy trail, ideal for walking or cycling.

Nestled on the northern shores of Lake Wakatipu on New Zealand's South Island, Glenorchy is a hidden treasure waiting to be explored. This charming village, often referred to as the "Gateway to Paradise," offers a serene escape from the ordinary, where nature's beauty takes centre stage.

Glenorchy is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers. Surrounded by the majestic Southern Alps, the town is the perfect starting point for adventures in Fiordland National Park and Mount Aspiring National Park. Hiking trails beckon, from the iconic Routeburn Track to the lesser-known gems like Greenstone and Caples Tracks.

The pristine waters of Lake Wakatipu provide opportunities for kayaking, jet boating, and fishing, while nearby Dart River offers thrilling jet boat rides through pristine wilderness. Photographers and artists are drawn to Glenorchy's breathtaking landscapes, from the tranquil waters of the Glenorchy Lagoon to the snow-capped peaks of the Humboldt Mountains.

For a taste of Middle-earth, Glenorchy was a filming location for the Lord of the Rings trilogy, and visitors can explore the magic of these cinematic landscapes. Wildlife enthusiasts can spot native birds and explore nearby bird sanctuaries.

Glenorchy's tranquil charm, nestled amid awe-inspiring scenery, promises an unforgettable escape into the heart of New Zealand's natural beauty. Whether you seek adventure, relaxation, or simply a connection with nature, Glenorchy invites you to experience its untouched splendour.

The Crown Range lies between Queenstown and Wanaka. The road over the range, known as the Crown Range Road, is the highest main road in New Zealand. It reaches an altitude of 1121 metres, which does bring challenges. In winter, the road is often covered in snow and ice, making for very difficult driving conditions.

Located just a 15 minute drive from Queenstown, the Moke Lake Loop Track is a popular short, undulating walk and cycle track. The track takes you right around the edge of picturesque Moke Lake, through grassland and surrounded by towering mountains. After a short climb, you will be rewarded with a stunning view overlooking the lake.

An easy, scenic 15 minute drive from Wanaka and on the road to Makarora and the West Coast, is Lake Hawea. A place of vivid beauty, mountainous extremes and legendary fishing spots. Lake Hawea is an outdoor adventurers’ paradise and a great place to boat, swim, kite surf, kayak, ride, walk or just laze about on the beach.

From Lake Hawea township you can find an excellent walk by following Timaru River Road to Timaru Creek, a picnic and camping area. The trail that begins here leads through a valley of beech forest until it flattens onto a braided river bed.

With magnificent views of the surrounding peaks, and a lake to cool off, Lake Hawea offers a welcome respite from the long hot months of summer.