Lake Wānaka

Lake Wānaka, in the mountains of the South Island's interior, is one of the loveliest of New Zealand's alpine lakes, a long expanse of clear water ringed by peaks that carry snow well into summer, and the town on its shore has the relaxed, outdoorsy feel of a smaller, quieter alternative to nearby Queenstown. It is above all a base for the outdoors: the hike up Roys Peak, a steep climb to a ridge with one of the most photographed views in the country, out over the lake and its islands to the mountains beyond; walks and cycle trails along the shore; and, within reach, the glaciers, rivers and peaks of Mount Aspiring National Park. In the lake stands a single willow, the much-photographed Wānaka Tree, growing improbably out of the water a little way from the shore. In winter the surrounding fields turn gold and the mountains white, and skiers head for the nearby fields. It is a place to slow down amid great scenery.

What you actually see

• Roys Peak - the steep climb to the famous ridge view over the lake and mountains.
• The Wānaka Tree - the lone willow growing out in the lake, a photographers' icon.
• The lakeshore - walks and cycle trails along the clear water.
• Mount Aspiring National Park - the glaciers, valleys and peaks within reach.

When to go

Each season has its appeal: summer for swimming, walking and long days; autumn for golden colour; winter for snow and skiing; spring for blossom and fewer people. Roys Peak is best on a clear day and starts early to beat both the heat and the crowds. The lake is beautiful year-round.

Honest expectations

The Roys Peak track is a long, steep, exposed climb that is much harder than its famous photo suggests, with little shade, so it demands fitness, water and an early start. The Wānaka Tree is a single willow that draws crowds of photographers, and some find the reality underwhelming against the hype. The town has grown popular and busy in peak summer and winter. It is quieter than Queenstown but no longer a secret.

Nearby

Queenstown is an hour away over the Crown Range; the gold-rush town of Arrowtown and Mount Aspiring lie nearby.