That Wānaka Tree, also known as the That Wānaka Willow, is the nickname of a willow tree located at the southern end of Lake Wānaka in the Otago region of New Zealand. The tree grows alone in the water and is a popular destination for tourists to take Instagram photos.

Popularity

The tree derives its nickname from the hashtag "#ThatWanakaTree", which is used on Instagram to identify photos of it.[1] The tree has been described as "New Zealand's most famous tree" and called "one of the most photographed trees in all New Zealand."[2][1] A photograph of the tree by Dennis Radermacher won the 2014 New Zealand Geographic photo of the year award.[3]

Human impact

Video of the tree three days before it was vandalised
The tree after it was vandalised in March 2020

As a result of its popularity, the tree has been damaged on several occasions, both intentionally and unintentionally. A branch came off in late 2017 because tourists had climbed it, which led to the local tourism board installing signs discouraging the practice.[4] The tree was vandalised on 18 March 2020, with multiple limbs being sawn off and left on the shore.[5][6] Reports noted that the cold water the roots are submerged in would retard the limbs' regrowth.[4] The human impact on the tree has been compared to that at other tourist attractions like Joshua Tree National Park and Uluru.[1][7]

See also

References

  1. ^ a b c Marcus, Lilit. "New Zealand's most famous tree, 'That Wanaka Tree,' vandalized". CNN. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  2. ^ "That Wanaka Tree". Atlas Obscura. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  3. ^ O'Brien, Alex. "The story behind that Wanaka Tree". Over Sixty. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  4. ^ a b Butler, Alex. "How you can help protect New Zealand's most famous tree". Lonely Planet. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  5. ^ Lewis, Sophie. "New Zealand's famous Wanaka tree, a symbol of hope, vandalized". CBS News. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  6. ^ McKenzie-McLean, Jo (18 March 2020). "Outrage after picturesque Wanaka tree attacked with saw". Stuff. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
  7. ^ Hallinan, Bridget. "This Famous New Zealand Landmark Is Being Destroyed by Tourists". Condé Nast Traveler. Retrieved 1 February 2021.
Allikas: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/That_W%C4%81naka_Tree
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