Introduction
Wanaka, located in Central Otago on New Zealand’s South Island, is a small town with a population of just 9,000, yet its beauty continues to captivate travelers from around the world. The town’s name is said to derive from “Oanaka,” meaning “lake of sacred knowledge” in Māori. This region, centered around the crystal-clear Lake Wanaka and surrounded by the peaks of the Southern Alps, is a treasure trove of nature that shows different faces with each season.
During the gold rush of the late 19th century, people flocked to this area seeking fortune. Later, sheep farming developed, creating the landscape of vast pastures that dots the region today. The land, cherished by Māori people for centuries, has merged with European immigrant culture to create a unique cultural landscape.
Wanaka’s charm lies in its overwhelming natural beauty. Mountains reflected on the lake’s surface, trees changing colors with the seasons, and above all, a stillness where time seems to flow slowly. This is a special place where you can forget the hustle and bustle of the city and face yourself.
Day 1: A Hymn of Silence by the Lake
About an hour and a half by rental car from Queenstown Airport, threading through mountain roads, the view suddenly opened to reveal Lake Wanaka. The morning sunlight just past 10 o’clock danced on the lake’s surface, and distant mountains were perfectly mirrored in the water like glass. In that moment, all the fatigue from the long journey vanished at once.
After checking into the Edgewater Hotel, I decided to explore the town center. Wanaka’s downtown is remarkably compact - it takes only about 15 minutes to walk from one end of the main street to the other. But this very smallness is part of the town’s charm. Each building has its own character, with cafes, galleries, and outdoor shops lining the streets.
For lunch, I chose Botswana Butchery, a restaurant renowned locally. Known for quality South Island beef, it offers spectacular views of Lake Wanaka through its windows. I ordered New Zealand sirloin steak. The meat was surprisingly tender, and with each bite, umami spread through my mouth. The roasted kumara (New Zealand sweet potato) garnish paired perfectly with the local Pinot Noir.
In the afternoon, I visited “That Wanaka Tree,” one of Wanaka’s most famous photo spots. This single willow tree has taken root in the shallow waters of the lake, appearing to float on water. Its beauty is especially remarkable at dusk, drawing photographers from around the world to capture this moment.
Several tourists surrounded the tree, but everyone quietly gazed at its beauty. With almost no wind, the lake surface was mirror-calm, the tree and its reflection perfectly mirrored in the water. There was a strange stillness there, as if time had stopped.
As evening approached and I walked along the lakeside, I met a local elderly couple. John and Margaret had moved to Wanaka from Auckland after retirement. “There’s a peace here you can never taste in the city,” John said with a smile. “Every morning I drink my coffee while looking at the lake. The same view looks a little different each day. That’s what makes it interesting.”
For dinner, I had a light meal at Relishes Cafe, a small establishment known for its commitment to local ingredients. I ordered green-lipped mussels steamed in wine and roasted lamb. Green-lipped mussels are a New Zealand specialty, beautiful green shells as the name suggests. The mussels steamed with white wine and herbs spread through my mouth with the scent of the sea, allowing me to enjoy a taste unique to this land.
Back at the hotel, I gazed at Lake Wanaka at night from my room’s balcony. Moonlight faintly illuminated the lake surface, and the silhouettes of mountains emerged from the darkness. A sky full of stars that could never be seen in the city spread overhead, the Milky Way clearly visible.
On the first night, lying in bed, I thought about how Wanaka has something we tend to forget in our busy daily lives - the sensation of time flowing slowly. That’s not something boring at all, but rather a precious experience that enriches the heart.
Day 2: Embraced by Nature’s Arms
At 7 a.m., I woke to the chirping of birds. Opening the window, the cool morning air brushed against my cheeks. A thin mist hung over the lake surface, creating a dreamlike landscape.
Breakfast at the hotel began with flat white coffee, a New Zealand staple. This coffee, espresso with steamed milk, is said to have originated in Australia and New Zealand and is now beloved worldwide. Its rich yet mellow flavor suited the refreshing morning air perfectly.
Today’s main event was climbing Roy’s Peak, one of Wanaka’s most popular hiking courses. From the summit, you can enjoy a 360-degree panoramic view of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding mountains.
I started the trek from the trailhead at 9 a.m. The path begins with a gentle incline but gradually grows steeper. Golden tussock grass (native to the South Island) swayed in the wind around me, and occasionally a fantail, a bird endemic to New Zealand, appeared.
After about an hour and a half of climbing, I finally reached the summit. The view that met my eyes was breathtakingly beautiful. Lake Wanaka spread below, holding a deep blue color, the boundary with the surrounding mountains drawing beautiful curves. In the distance, the snow-capped peak of Mount Aspiring rose with dignity.
At the summit, I met a couple from Germany. They were traveling around New Zealand for three weeks and excitedly talked about how “Wanaka’s beauty is exceptional.” The taste of trail mix and chocolate eaten at the summit, along with the fatigue, sense of achievement, and memory of the spectacular view, will surely never be forgotten.
After descending, in the afternoon I changed pace and visited Wanaka Lavender Farm. This is one of the oldest lavender farms in the Southern Hemisphere, and from December to February (New Zealand summer), purple lavender fields spread as far as the eye can see.
Guided by Sarah, the farm owner, I learned about various types of lavender. “Lavender isn’t just beautiful, it also has relaxing effects,” Sarah explained. Indeed, just walking through the fields, I could feel my mind becoming calm.
At the farm cafe, I enjoyed special lavender scones and lavender tea. The subtle floral fragrance spread through my mouth, gracefully coloring the afternoon moment. For souvenirs, I purchased lavender essential oil and dried flowers.
In the evening, I participated in a cruise on Lake Wanaka. Boarding a small boat and viewing the land from the lake was a special experience. Captain Mike, born and raised locally, taught me in detail about Wanaka’s history and nature.
“This lake is up to 300 meters deep at its deepest point,” Mike said. “And this clear water was created by glacial rock flour settling.” The mountains viewed from the lake show a different expression. Particularly impressive was how the mountain slopes illuminated by the setting sun changed moment by moment from golden to orange to deep purple.
Dinner was at The Cow Pizzeria, Wanaka’s long-established pizza restaurant beloved by locals. The stone-oven pizza, with thin crust topped with generous ingredients, offered a simple yet deep flavor. The pizza with local salmon, cream cheese, and capers was exquisite.
That night I walked along the lakeside again. Unlike last night, tonight had many clouds, and moonlight peeked through them occasionally, creating a fantastical night sky. The town lights reflected on the lake surface sparkled like small jewels.
In my hotel room, reviewing the photos I’d taken that day, I thought about the spectacular view from Roy’s Peak, the scent of lavender fields, the sunset from the lake, and the heartwarming encounters with people. To experience so much emotion in a single day must be due to Wanaka’s special charm.
Day 3: Eternity Carved into a Morning of Farewell
On the final morning, I woke earlier than usual. Looking at the clock, it was 6 a.m. Whether from the sadness of approaching departure or the desire to fully savor the last morning, my eyes naturally opened.
Stepping onto the room’s balcony, morning mist rose from the lake surface. The mountains were still dim, and the sky had only just begun to brighten. This quiet time might be Wanaka’s true charm - a precious moment to feel the flow of time with your skin, something you can never experience in busy daily life.
Before breakfast, I went out for a final walk. Walking along the lakeside promenade, I passed local people jogging. Everyone greeted me with a smile. “Good morning!” “Beautiful day, isn’t it?” Such casual greetings speak to the warmth of the people here.
I met Emma, a woman who does yoga by the lake every morning. “Since I started doing yoga here, my life has changed,” she said. “When you move your body in nature, your mind becomes lighter too.” Indeed, Emma’s figure striking yoga poses against the lake background was beautiful like a painting, expressing the harmony between nature and humanity.
Returning to the hotel, I enjoyed my final breakfast. Even the same flat white coffee as previous days tasted special this morning. The sweetness of toast generously spread with New Zealand manuka honey, combined with feelings of reluctance about the journey’s end, was deeply engraved in my heart.
Until checkout time, I decided to visit “That Wanaka Tree” one more time. Unlike when I saw it at dusk two days ago, the tree illuminated by morning light showed a different expression. The lake surface was calmer, and the delicate shadows created by the tree’s branches drew beautiful patterns on the water.
I sat down in front of the tree and gazed at the scene for a while. Wind brushed my cheeks, and bird songs could be heard. Wanaka reminded me of how to spend time in nature, something easily forgotten in the city. There’s no need to hurry. Just being there is enough to fill the heart.
At 11 a.m., it was finally time to leave Wanaka. I checked out of the hotel and loaded my luggage into the rental car. Jenny, the front desk staff, warmly saw me off, saying “Please come back again.” Those words resonated in my chest.
On the road to Queenstown, I looked back at Lake Wanaka many times. As distance increased and the lake surface grew smaller, it strangely became a larger presence in my heart.
Watching the magnificent South Island landscape through the car window, I reflected on these three days. The spectacular view from Roy’s Peak, the scent of lavender fields, the sunset on the lake cruise, and above all, the warmth of the people I met. All of it is engraved in my heart as irreplaceable memories.
When returning the rental car at the airport, the attendant asked, “How was Wanaka?” When I answered “Wonderful,” he smiled proudly. “It’s a special place. People who visit once always want to come back.”
Those words were true. As the airplane took off and the New Zealand landscape visible from the window grew smaller, my heart was already dreaming of returning to Wanaka.
What Felt Real Despite Being Imaginary
This journey was an experience in imagination. Yet, as I wrote these words, my heart truly stood on the shores of Wanaka. The mountains reflected on the transparent lake surface, the scent of wind crossing lavender fields, the warm smiles of local people, and above all, those still moments where time flows slowly.
Though imaginary, these experiences truly exist in my heart. This is because the special charm that Wanaka possesses resonates deeply in one’s heart even through imagination. Natural beauty, the warmth of people, and the flow of time that makes you forget daily life - when all these combine, even an imaginary journey can create certain emotion and memory.
If the day comes when I actually visit Wanaka, the emotions felt on this imaginary journey will surely become even deeper. And I hope that the actual experience will overlap with these imaginary memories, becoming even richer travel memories.
Travel is not necessarily just physical movement. Perhaps the true beginning of a journey is when the heart moves. The beautiful landscape of Wanaka continues to shine quietly in my heart even now.
