Wanaka Tree: The lonely tree that became a social media sensation

Wanaka Tree: The lonely tree that became a social media sensation

New Delhi: Just like every human on this planet has its own tale to tell, so is the case with nature. Nature can be flowers, trees, and plants, and the same goes with animals around the world. Trees are not just decorative pieces of nature; many streets are based on tree names. Some trees have had a story to tell and became famous. These trees are mostly individual trees holding an identity of their own. In this article, we will be telling you about one such tree that has become famous over the years, and it’s all thanks to the power of social media, which uniquely connects people and nature! The lonely tree of Wanaka Lake, New Zealand, does not stand alone but has an identity of its own.

Wanaka Tree: Name and its meaning

The Wanaka Tree, also known As the Wanaka Willow, is a willow tree located at the southern end of Lake Wanaka, Otago region, New Zealand. It has earned the title of the most photographed tree on Instagram. However, its popularity has come at a cost. Standing alone in the water, the tree has been subjected to various intentional and unintentional damage. This includes people climbing it, breaking its limbs, and even vandalising it. This stark reality underscores the urgent need for responsible tourism and our crucial role in preserving natural wonders.

Wanaka Tree: History

The Wanaka Tree, with its compelling curves and sombre, beautiful branches, is a testament to resilience. Despite its age and challenges, the tree persists, offering a beacon of hope.

The Wanaka Willow tree began more than 80 years ago as a fencepost made from the branch of one of the nearby willows. It didn’t quite look dead, and it took root on the lake’s edge.

It has continued growing slowly in the cold water of Roys Bay if not exactly thriving.

How did it become famous?

On a misty day in June, Dennis Radermacher snapped the image of the tree, which won him the 2014 New Zealand Geographic Photographer of the Year award for best landscape photograph.

The tree’s image appeared in newspapers, and soon, Lake Wanaka Tourism, seeing an opportunity, installed it on their Scenic Photo Points trail. Sooner or later, Google Maps also added it. Almost all global media outlets have covered the Little and Lonely Tree.

The tree, now affectionately known as the Wanaka Tree or by the hashtag’ #ThatWanakaTree’, has become a symbol of New Zealand’s natural beauty. The hashtag is used on social media handles to identify and share photos of the tree, creating a virtual community of nature lovers and photographers. The tree is ‘New Zealand’s most famous tree’ and ‘one of the most photographed trees in New Zealand.’ Its popularity on social media has brought attention to the tree, the importance of responsible tourism and the need to preserve natural wonders.

 Wanaka Tree is located in New Zealand and has an identity of its own. It is not just a wonder of nature; over the years, it has also captured social media with its own hashtag.   knowledge Knowledge News, Photos and Videos on General Knowledge