Eely Point Wanaka
A serene lakeside reserve in Wanaka, perfect for peaceful walks, picnics, and capturing iconic views like 'That Wanaka Tree'.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Lupins bloom, fewer crowds
Eely Point Wanaka
Best Time
Lupins bloom, fewer crowds
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A serene lakeside reserve in Wanaka, perfect for peaceful walks, picnics, and capturing iconic views like 'That Wanaka Tree'.
"Mesmerizing should be the perfect word to describe the place. Every scenery is breathtaking!"
🚶♀️ Peaceful Lakeside Walks
Enjoy a peaceful walk with lovely lake views. Lupins bloom in summer!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Great spot for dogs to play in the water and enjoy the outdoors.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Eely Point Reserve
Wanaka Lakefront
A serene lakeside reserve with walking trails, picnic spots, and beautiful water views.
That Wanaka Tree
Near Eely Point
Iconic weeping willow tree in the lake, a must-see photo opportunity.
Bike Park for Kids
Eely Point Reserve
A fun, free bike park for young children, perfect for family outings.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Lakeside Serenity
Dog-Friendly Adventures
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚶♀️ Peaceful Lakeside Walks
Enjoy a peaceful walk with lovely lake views. Lupins bloom in summer!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Great spot for dogs to play in the water and enjoy the outdoors.
🚲 Kids' Bike Park
Free bike park for young children (3-5 yrs).
📸 Photo Opportunities
Plenty of scenic spots for photos, especially near 'That Wanaka Tree'.
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Peaceful Lakeside Walks
Enjoy a peaceful walk with lovely lake views. Lupins bloom in summer!
🐶 Dog-Friendly Fun
Great spot for dogs to play in the water and enjoy the outdoors.
🚲 Kids' Bike Park
Free bike park for young children (3-5 yrs).
📸 Photo Opportunities
Plenty of scenic spots for photos, especially near 'That Wanaka Tree'.
🚤 Boat Launching
Convenient location for launching boats onto the lake.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Eely Point is widely praised for its stunning, unbeatable lake views and peaceful atmosphere, making it a top choice for a relaxing holiday. Visitors love the beautiful walking trails, the chance to see 'That Wanaka Tree', and the family-friendly amenities like the bike park. Some find the area can get busy during peak times, but overall, it's considered a mesmerizing and highly recommended spot.
"Wonderful walking trails with magnificent view that nothing can beat. Mesmerising should be he prefect word to describe the place. Around the Globe, its the only place where i want to spent my holidays without any second thought. Every scenery is breathtaking! One can spend the whole day only by enjoying the magnificent view."
Mahmud Riyadh Chowdhury
"Nice park and walk that is less crowded."
Chun Saw
"This is a nice place to go for a peaceful walk with lovely views of the lake. The Lupin bloomed when we went in summer! This place is mesmerizing."
Arun Chandran
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Eely Point is easily accessible by car and is a pleasant 15-minute walk from Wanaka town center along a dedicated path. Many visitors choose to park in town and enjoy the scenic stroll to the reserve.
Yes, there is parking available at Eely Point, which is convenient if you plan to launch a boat or have a lot of gear. However, parking in Wanaka town and walking is also a popular option.
Absolutely! There's a dedicated walking path that connects Eely Point to the main lakefront area of Wanaka town, making it a lovely and easy stroll.
While there isn't direct public transport to Eely Point itself, you can take a bus to Wanaka town and then enjoy the walk to the reserve.
The most common way to reach Eely Point from Queenstown is by car, which takes approximately 1 hour and 15 minutes. The drive offers scenic views along the way.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, Eely Point is a public reserve and there is no entrance fee. You can enjoy the walking trails, picnic areas, and facilities free of charge.
Eely Point is open to the public year-round, from dawn till dusk. There are no specific opening or closing times.
No booking is required to visit Eely Point. It's a public space, so you can simply show up and enjoy your time.
The main consideration is to be mindful of other visitors and to clean up after your pets if you bring them along.
Yes, Eely Point is a great spot for a BBQ, and it's a popular activity for families and groups.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
You can enjoy walking trails, picnicking, swimming, dog walking, and photography. There's also a bike park for kids and a frisbee golf course.
Yes, Eely Point is very family-friendly, especially with its dedicated bike park for toddlers and young children. The gentle walking paths are also great for little ones.
Yes, swimming in Lake Wanaka from Eely Point is a popular activity, especially during warmer months.
Yes, there are public toilets available at Eely Point for visitors.
'That Wanaka Tree' is an iconic weeping willow that grows out of the lake. It's located near Eely Point and is a very popular spot for photos.
📸 📸 Photography
The most famous photo spot is 'That Wanaka Tree'. The lake views, especially during sunrise and sunset, also offer stunning photographic opportunities. 
Sunrise and sunset offer the most dramatic light for photography, creating beautiful colors over the lake and mountains.
While drone usage is generally permitted in New Zealand, it's always best to check local bylaws and Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations before flying a drone in public reserves.
Eely Point is ideal for landscape photography, nature shots, and capturing iconic New Zealand scenery.
The area around 'That Wanaka Tree' is a prime viewpoint. The walking trails also offer various vantage points of the lake and surrounding mountains.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Packing a picnic is highly recommended, as the scenic spots are ideal for a relaxed family meal. The proximity to Wanaka town also means you can easily combine a visit to Eely Point with other family-friendly activities or grab a bite to eat. Consider bringing along some Frisbees as there's a Frisbee golf course, which can be a fun, casual activity for older kids and adults. The open spaces also make it a great place for kids to run around and burn off energy. Remember to bring swimsuits and towels if you plan on swimming, and sun protection is essential during the summer months.
🐶 Dog Owners
The shallow waters of Lake Wanaka are perfect for dogs to swim and cool off, especially on warmer days. Many visitors report seeing numerous friendly dogs enjoying the space, making it a social outing for your pets. While dogs are welcome, it's important to be a responsible pet owner. Ensure your dog is under effective control, especially around other visitors and wildlife. Always clean up after your dog to help maintain the pristine condition of the reserve for everyone to enjoy. The walking trails offer a great opportunity for a leash walk, and the open areas are perfect for a game of fetch.
📸 Photographers
+1 The reflections on the lake during these times can create truly magical shots. The reserve itself provides beautiful lakeside vistas, with opportunities to photograph the water, mountains, and local flora. Consider visiting during different seasons to capture the changing scenery. Summer might bring blooming lupins, while autumn offers a palette of warm colors.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring Eely Point Reserve
Beyond its natural beauty, Eely Point boasts several amenities that cater to families and outdoor enthusiasts. A free bike park specifically designed for young children (ages 3-5) provides a safe and fun environment for little ones to practice their biking skills.
Many visitors appreciate Eely Point for its less crowded environment compared to other Wanaka attractions, allowing for a more relaxed experience. The walking tracks here are not only scenic but also provide a pleasant route into Wanaka town, taking about 15 minutes.
The Iconic 'That Wanaka Tree'
The tree's distinctive silhouette against the backdrop of Lake Wanaka and the surrounding Southern Alps creates a breathtaking visual spectacle, especially during sunrise and sunset when the light paints the sky in vibrant hues.
While its exact location is often kept a bit of a secret by locals to preserve its charm, it's generally found in the vicinity of Eely Point, making it an easy addition to any itinerary when visiting the reserve. Photographers flock to 'That Wanaka Tree' to capture its beauty from various angles, often using the water's reflection to enhance their shots. It's a testament to nature's resilience and artistry, standing strong amidst the elements and offering a truly memorable photographic opportunity for anyone visiting the region.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit