Wanaka's popular and frequently photographed willow tree risks damage and death due to climbers, an arborist warns.
Queenstown Lakes arborist Tim Errington told Fairfax the popular tree, on Lake Wanaka, had lost a branch recently.
"It is a pretty small tree and it seems to be struggling in that location."
"Any loss has a detrimental affect on the tree and it would be unlikely to survive. Give it a rest and leave it alone," Mr Errington told Fairfax.
He said climbing could cause damage to the tree, which in turn could lead to an infection.
Drought has lead to the accessibility of climbers as the tree is usually surrounded by water.
Signs with "no climbing on the tree" graphics and warnings are currently being designed.
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