Free and easy at Wanaka – wine tasting and #thatwanakatree

17 March 2025

After the grueling hike up Roy’s Peak, we had a rest day in Wanaka where we had nothing really planned except a walk along the shore of Lake Wanaka and taking photos of the famous Wanaka Tree in the evening.

The famous Wanaka Tree, perhaps New Zealand’s most photographed tree.

I woke up early to watch the Carabao Cup Final that is scheduled at 5.30 AM, New Zealand time. Disappointingly, my team lost.

While waiting for the rest of the family to wake up from their slumber, I watched the sunrise from the terrace of our house. Although rain was forecasted for the next 2 days in Wanaka, there was no rain. There were dark clouds hovering over Roy’s Peak so it could rain anytime.

Sunrise time in Wanaka as viewed from our accommodation.

Clouds over Roy’s Peak. There may be a slight drizzle at the top and I was glad we did the hike earlier in fine weather.

I was glad had some time to enjoy the luxurious house that we were staying in.

Living room with large screen TV and Netflix channels to watch.

Dining area with a terrace outside.

Fully fitted kitchen with dishwasher, induction hob and everything needed to cook up a storm.

A nice breakfast of bacon, eggs, soup and bread, plus leftover chicken from last night’s dinner. 

It was slightly past 11 AM when we finished our breakfast. Over breakfast, we discussed and decided to go to some nearby vineyards for wine tasting. Vast open plains and rugged landscapes make Central Otago one of the most scenic wine regions in New Zealand. It is also home to some of the best pinot noir in the world.

Since we decided on doing wine tasting at the spur of the moment, we could not go to Rippon Vineyard located within Wanaka which requires prior reservations. After some search on the internet, we shortlisted 2 vineyards that accepted walk-ins and are located within a short drive from Wanaka.

Leaving our accommodation for a wine tasting experience in Wanaka.

The first vineyard we went to was Nanny Goat Vineyard, located 15 minutes outside of Wanaka. Although the website indicated that they accept walk-in to their cellar door, they were fully booked.

We drove to the Maori Point Vineyard that is located further away (25 minutes by car from Wanaka). This time, we were welcomed to the cellar door by a friendly staff.

Lavender bushes outside the cellar door with plenty of butterflies and bees.

Maori Point’s cellar door offers standard wine tasting of six wines for NZ$20 per person (waived with bottle purchase). They also carry local food items for assembling our own platters to enjoy with the wine. Items include smoked salmon, cheeses, olives, preserves, pâté and other charcuterie, crackers (including gluten-free) and nuts. 

We bought smoked salmon and a cheese pack with 4 kinds of cheese to enjoy with the wines.

There are picnic tables with views of the vineyard or we could also sit indoor. It was nice to sit outdoor to enjoy the scenery and ambience of the place. This area of New Zealand is known for their Pinot Noir and also the white wines. We tasted vines like the Riesling, Rose, Pinot Noir, Pinot Gris, a late harvest Pinot Gris and even a sparkling Pinot Gris which came in a can.

Vineyard with Pinot Noir grapes.

The staff went to the vineyard to cut a bunch of the Pinot Noir grapes for us to sample.

The wines presented are delicious and go well with the cheese and wet smoked salmon. We ended up buying 3 bottles (2022 Maori Point Pinot Noir, Riesling and a Pinot Gris).

As forecasted, it was drizzling a little when we arrived back at Wanaka. We parked near Lake Wanaka and explore the town area on foot. The town of Wanaka is small and filled with many pubs, cafes, souvenir shops and restaurants.

We tried the famous Patagonia ice-cream in Wanaka.

The rain did not last long. We took a walk along Lake Wanaka and were blessed by a beautiful display of sun-rays over the lake.

Sun-rays over Lake Wanaka.

Three little ducklings I want you. Fat one, skinny one, just like you.

We enjoyed looking at some ducks on the shore and also a row of majestic willow trees on the shore. Unfortunately, one of the trees is dead, for some unknown reason.

Willow tree with nice thick foliage.

Dead tree along Lake Wanaka.

Starting from the lake in front of the town center, we walked towards a well-known landmark, the Wanaka Tree.

The lone tree is supposed to be semi-submerged or even seen as sprouting defiantly from the lake. Set against the backdrop of the breathtaking Southern Alps, it is quite photogenic. This is probably the most photographed tree in New Zealand. It even has its own hash tag on Instagram, #thewanakatree.  

#thewanakatree with dog.

The level of Lake Wanaka had gone down due to lesser rainfall in the summer. The tree was now indecently exposed, and not as glamourous as it should be.

The Wanaka Tree on the dried up Lake Wanaka.

There were many tourists, gathered by the shore, snapping photos of the tree. 

There were still pools of water on the shore and I had to improvise a little to take the classic shots of the Wanaka Tree, with its reflection on the water’s surface.

The Wanaka Tree with its reflection on the waters of Lake Wanaka and the Southern Alps forming the backdrop.

 Nice walk on the shores of Laka Wanaka.

So many wild ducks! So tempting to catch one for dinner.

Instead of eating out, we went to the New World Supermarket again to buy NZ ribeye, salad and other ingredients to cook our own beef steak in the house.

Enjoying our home away from home.