Lake Hayes is a beautiful lake in between Queenstown and Arrowtown. Surrounding the lake is an easy walkway, suitable for walking, jogging, and cycling. It is a loop track with multiple entry points. It is also a good place to just chill or have a relaxing picnic by the lake, watching the ducks and geese wading in the water, or even surrounding you, trying their luck with your food.
If you plan to swim here, check the water quality in Lake Hayes first, as ducks poop bacteria could be an issue.
Lake Hayes Parking Areas & Entry Points
The loop track can be entered or started from:
- Lake Hayes Pavilion free parking
- Wakatipu Rowing Club free parking
- Bendemeer Bay Reserve free parking
- Turnoff at Arrowtown Road and follow the road to North Lake Hayes Picnic Area free parking
- North of Lake Hayes via Rutherford Road end free parking
The lake in crisp winter weather.
The “gangsters” geese of Lake Hayes.
Lake Hayes Walkway on the Western side is an elevated track away from the lake. Gentle climb with amazing views.
The whole loop typically takes around 2 hours (relax pace).
Lake Hayes on a foggy day.
On a calm, windless day, the lake could project a smooth mirror reflection.
Have this guide helped you? Tag @meowtainpeople in your hiking stories & posts!
*Captain Planet passing by* Remember, please take care of our environment, and please don’t destroy the Nature. Leave no trash behind and take back only photos and memories (and also some trash if you can). Walk on the designated path and stay in the middle as much as you can, so that the exposed soil doesn’t spread/corrode further. BE ONE WITH NATURE *flies away*
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