That Wanaka Tree

Onward, we passed the festival grounds of the Rhythm & Alps music festival, held each year between December 29-31. About 10,000 People attend the 3 day music festival and camp on site.

Wanaka population is about 20,000 and growing. There are a lot of campgrounds here, hiking the mountains, snow skiing, and summer vacationers. Renting a camper to tour around New Zealand is very popular.

That Wanaka Tree is a willow tree that grows solo out in the lake in Wanaka. Here's the story, "The widely told local history is that more than 70–80 years ago, a willow branch was used as a fence post extending into the lake to help keep stock in check. That branch took root in the lakebed and grew into the tree people photograph today."

It became popular more recently when photographers posted it on social media. "Although the tree had existed for decades as a local curiosity, it wasn’t widely known beyond locals and visitors until around 2014, when a photograph of the tree taken by Christchurch photographer Dennis Radermacher won the 2014 New Zealand Geographic Photograph of the Year."

By 2017, the tree became a social media phenomenon.

When the water level is low, one can walk to it, but water is high now and surrounds it.

I had an hour to roam Wanaka. I ate lunch at Kai Whaka Pai, which is a local favorite. I had an open steak sandwich with truffle mayonnaise and pesto.

Then I walked the town to the bakery and bought a blueberry pastry.

I stopped at the dock to see if I could see the eels, but I did not see them.Read more