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For the Love of Wanaka

  • valleyviewwanaka
  • Feb 8
  • 4 min read

Updated: 6 days ago

A Stroll Around Roys Bay Wanaka



The Wanaka Tree started life as a fencepost — now it's one of NZ’s most photographed icons.


Lonely tree in a calm lake with snowy mountains in the background. Yellow-leaved trees line the shore under a clear blue sky. Tranquil scene.
The Famous Wanaka Tree.



Calm lake with a lone tree in the center, reflecting autumn leaves. Mountains and blue sky in the background, creating a serene scene.
The stunning Wanaka Tree in Autumn

A lone tree stands in a calm lake, with two kayakers nearby. Snow-capped mountains and a clear blue sky create a serene, peaceful scene.
The Wanaka Tree in early Winter


Origins of the Tree


A tranquil lake with still water reflects trees and mountains. A sandy shore with a fence stretches along the water. The mood is peaceful.
The old style fences at the lake

Over 70 years ago the most photographed tree in New Zealand started life as a fencepost, the fence is long gone - but this resilient little tree lives on.


I liken this tree to a 'supermodel', its quite plain really, bordering on unremarkable, many people scoff at all the fuss it generates. But oh, like a 'supermodel', it photographs beautifully, in all seasons, in different light settings, one photo after the other show us what a true star this little tree is. I have known this tree all my life and to see the crowds of people on the shore taking photos, (particularly at sunset) makes me smile.

(If you are coming to Wanaka go and have a look at the tree, I would be interested to hear what you think, scruffy little tree - or supermodel?) Drop a comment below, or message me if you’re looking for a pet-friendly base nearby. We’d love to welcome you.


Adjacent to the beachfront as you continue past the Tree, is a walking/biking track of mostly easy terrain, this track continues to Glendhu Bay, and has some stunning views of the lake.


Two people cycling on a sunny lakeside path, surrounded by lush greenery and trees. They appear relaxed and enjoying the ride.
The walking/biking track from the Wanaka Tree to Glendhu Bay


A few steps further, you’ll find a community-funded playground and BBQ area (courtesy of the local Rotary Club) — perfect for families."

This is a lovely spot to hangout and enjoy an evening or lunchtime meal - while the children have fun on the playground. This area also has the popular Wanaka Watersports Facility with toilets and 2 outdoor showers available.



Playground with climbing structures, yellow tunnel, and tic-tac-toe board. Green surface, trees, and sunlight in the background.
Children’s playground by the lake — a Rotary Club gift
Text reads "The Wanaka Watersports Facility" on a textured gray wall with an orange accent. A white wave logo is on the left.
A Community Funded Facility

From the Tree - To the Town


In recent years Roys Bay received a makeover, as in the photo below:


This area now has lovely green spaces, seating to relax and enjoy the view plus picnic tables for Al Fresco dining.


From the Wanaka Tree to the Town there are multiple parking areas, two public toilets with outdoor showers plus areas to relax, take a stroll or play with a ball. Thousands of people from all walks of life and corners of the globe can be found walking or biking along this beautiful promenade.



Aerial view of a lakeside walkway and car park under construction, with vehicles and fencing. Mountains and clear lake in the background. Text reads "The bay walkway and car parks under construction."
Roys Bay Makeover


Three cars parked by a lake with mountains in the background, under a clear blue sky. A no parking sign is visible. Peaceful setting.
A carpark with a View

Pebble beach with people relaxing and playing by a lake, surrounded by hills and trees under a partly cloudy sky. Vibrant and peaceful scene.
Roys Bay in Summer



A small dog stands on a tree branch by a lake, tongue out, with a cloudy sky and mountains in the background. The mood is playful.
A stroll around the bay is fun for everyone.



Two people walk on a wooden pier towards a sunny lake surrounded by mountains. The water sparkles under a clear blue sky, evoking serenity.
The Wharf

We love to have our walks along the beachfront in the evening. Dogs children and adults of all ages. If the evening is nice we often get a takeaway dinner from one of the many restaurants just over the road, and then eat beside the lake. Everyone loves these outings, we eat, meander. and chat to people from all corners of the world. Bliss!




Two children in jackets walk by a store named Thieving Kea, with hanging baskets outside. Mountains and people in the background.

The Dinosaur Playground.



Blue dinosaur slide with red details at a playground. Children playing on nearby climbing structures, surrounded by trees and mountains.
The Iconic Dinosaur Slide

This Dinosaur slide was built in 1976, I remember sliding on it as a child, then my children loved it, now my grandchildren are having their turn.

Over the years it has been re-painted but the original slide is exactly the same!


This playground is at the end of the bay beachfront, close to the town center. The playground has a large variety of play structures, and the surrounding area is beautiful, with BBQ areas, toilet blocks, and of course it is right beside the lake - Wanaka truly is wonderful!


Onward to the Marina


Continue past the playground to the Marina. This area has had a HUGE makeover, it is truly wonderful, bridges, a beautiful walkway, a stream and signs to tell us of interesting projects. Even New Zealand's first Fluker Post. (I had to google that one, having never heard of such a thing before)



Wooden bridge over a clear stream with lush green and red foliage in a sunlit garden setting. A metallic sculpture is visible in the distance.
A Bridge Over Bullock Creek




Peaceful lakeside scene with boats docked at a wooden pier, snow-capped mountains in the background, vibrant greenery, and a blue sky.
The fabulous Walkway Along the Creek
Pathway with black railings by a calm lake, surrounded by lush trees. Mountains in the background under a clear blue sky. Peaceful setting.
The Fabulous Walkway Along the Creek





 


This walkway is simply stunning, the craftsmanship, plus the scenery make it unique and quite delightful.


But - as it turns out, my favorite thing is actually the Grebe Project. (I was unfamiliar with these birds, but this walkway is very educational - which is never a bad thing)


I love watching the birds throughout the year. Sometimes humans really do get things right. I am so grateful to all of the people involved in these big projects.



Two great crested grebes on water, one feeding the other a fish. They have striking orange and black plumage. The scene is calm and natural.
Crested Grebes



Sign about rare birds on a railing by a lake with mountains in the background. Text includes conservation info and images of birds.
Vital Information about Crested Grebes

An elderly man stands on a wooden dock by a lake, writing in a notepad. A boat is nearby, and a duck is on the water. Calm, reflective mood.
A Grebe Nest

As you can probably see, I really do love Wanaka, I have so many more things to share! Perhaps I will need to do another post. I hope you enjoyed this short tour of just one small area in the wonderful town of Wanaka.











Written by Dina from Valley View-Wanaka – a pet-friendly holiday home overlooking Albert Town. Wanaka.













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