A hideaway haven of heartland rugby, the showgrounds draw a colourful winter crowd of home supporters watching from their utes and backed by a range of snow-capped mountains.
A photograph by Ms Dowling (25) has won a competition to find the most "iconic" rugby field in the South Island.
Her picture was lauded by judges for its rural rugby flavour.
Not only does it capture the backdrop of New Zealand's own beautiful game, more importantly for Upper Clutha rugby fans, it shows the club's senior reserve team final win over its favourite foe, Wakatipu, in June.
Ms Dowling, who is the secretary of the rugby club, said she "fell" into taking sports photos after she bought a Canon EOS 40D camera.
She claimed she was "only an average point-and-shoot photographer".
Ms Dowling's photography of Upper Clutha rugby is regularly featured in a Wanaka community newspaper and she also follows the rodeo circuit.
She is a talented athlete herself, playing touch rugby and cricket and for Wanaka's top netball team.
Her photo, taken from the roof of the Upper Clutha clubrooms, was judged the competition's best by former All Black captain Todd Blackadder, Christchurch photojournalist Richard Cosgrove, and Tourism New Zealand Chief Executive Kevin Bowler.
They said Ms Dowling's photo included elements such as local supporters, a rural scene and a magnificent backdrop, which made it a superb example of New Zealand heartland rugby.
The competition was run by Christchurch Airport, as part of its South Island Gateway promotional drive for the Rugby World Cup next year.
A selection of the photographs will be displayed at the airport during the lead-up to the tournament.
