Dozens of photographers gathered on the Lake Wanaka foreshore to take a picture of the iconic tree nestled in the water, but were struck with a different view from what they imagined.

A large sign that said "There is no Planet B" had been placed in the early hours this morning by local environmentalist group Extinction Rebellion Queenstown Lakes.

The group's founder Anna Simmonds, said the decision to install the sign was to send a clear message to the public as well as local and national government that climate change could not be ignored any longer.

"We think there really is nothing else to do but cause disruption in order to get people to move away from their apathy.

A different view awaited photographers keen to get a shot of the tree in Lake Wanaka this morning. Photo: Sean Nugent

"We decided on this action because we think that highlighting the disconnect between the appreciation that we have of beautiful places and our energy and motivation to save them needs addressing."

Ms Simmonds was joined by over a dozen of fellow group members taking part in the peaceful protest.

The sign will remain in place until the protest finishes at 12pm today.