Last Updated on: 13 February 2026

Summary of my walk around pretty Lake Hayes

Ok, so I’ll confess right now, I biked around Lake Hayes instead of walking. I had my e-bike with me and just jumped on and rode it. Located 15 mins drive from Queenstown or 5 mins from Arrowtown.

The walk is a lovely loop right around the Lake Hayes, about 8 km which would take you 2 to 3 hours if you walked it. Took me 1 hour 30 mins to bike, but I was stopping for lots of photos.

The track is easy, nice and wide with lovely views of the lake all the way round. Go in the morning as early as you can before the wind gets up, then you’ll get those stunning photos of a mirror lake.

My quick video of Lake Hayes

Quick Facts about this walk

  • Location: Queenstown, Otago, NZ (15 mins from CBD)
  • Distance: 8 km (Full Loop)
  • Time needed: 2 – 3 hours (Walking) / 45 mins (Cycling)
  • Difficulty: Easy / Grade 2-3, mostly flat gravel track with some narrow boardwalks and short, undulating slopes.
  • Wheelchair Access: Partial. Flat and wide in sections, but steep/narrow gradients on the western side make the full loop unsuitable for wheelchairs.
  • Elevation: 68 m total gain
  • Wet Feet: No
  • Toilets: Located at North (pavilion/showgrounds) and South (Bendemeer Bay/Lake Hayes Scenic Reserve) ends of the lake.
  • Dogs: On a leash only
  • Mobile Coverage: Yes, good

Summary points about this walk

Walk Highlights

Stunning mirror lake views if you go in the morning. Reflecting the huge mountains of the Wakatipu Basin and the wonderful landscape, this lake offers million dollar photo moments.

Track Quality

Really good, nice wide track for walkers and bikers. There’s a nice boardwalk protecting local wildlife and plants.

Hazards

None really, just watch out for bikers. Can get really cold in winter so take a warm jacket.

Transport

You’ll need to make your own way there with a car. Or take a local scenic tour from Queenstown that includes Lake Hayes.

Water

There is no water on the walk so bring your own.

How to Get to the Lake Hayes Walkway

The track has multiple access points: Lake Hayes Pavilion and show grounds on SH6; Bendemeer Bay; North Lake Hayes picnic area; Arrowtown Road and Rutherford Road off Speargrass Flat Road.

Where to Park (Quick Guide)

Starting PointBest For…Facilities
Lake Hayes PavilionEasy Access / Large GroupsToilets, Big Car Park
North Picnic AreaPhotographers / Arrowtown sidePicnic Tables
Bendemeer BayA quieter, local startToilets nearby

Open Lake Hayes Pavilion in Google Maps

Shops & Restaurants Nearby

Plenty of yummy cafes and restaurants in Queenstown and Arrowtown.

History & Legend of the Lake

The lake was named Lake Hayes after an Australian settler with the last name Hay, and was mistakenly changed to “Hayes” over the years. The Maori iwi tribe of Kai Tahu named the lake, Te Whaka-ata a Haki-te-kura. Legend states that famed princess Haki-te-kura’s likeness was reflected in the lake. You can often see the mountains and the clouds mirrored on Lake Hayes especially if you go in the morning. Lake Hayes is in the middle of the Queenstown’s 120 km trails, it is easily accessible from Arrowtown, Queenstown, and Gibbston sections. You might like to make a day of it and include the Lake Hayes Walkway into hikes from Gibbston, Arrrowtown and Queenstown.

Map Location

Car park on the Lake Hayes Walkway_800x379
Car park sign on the Lake Hayes Walkway - Copyright Freewalks NZ_800x378
Start of the Lake Hayes Walkway near Queenstown - Copyright Freewalks NZ_800x378

Car park and start of the Lake Hayes Walkway

We parked up at the Lake Hayes Pavilion at the show grounds. It’s the easiest place to get onto the track as the entrance is straight off the main highway to Queenstown. But there are multiple places to start including Brendemeer Bay, North Lake Hayes picnic area, the Arrowtown Road and off Speargrass Flat Road. Doesn’t matter which way round you go.

Lake Hayes Walkway boardwalk - Copyright Freewalks NZ_800x600
Lake Hayes Walkway wetlands - Copyright Freewalks NZ_800x600
Lake Hayes Walkway with geese near Queenstown - Copyright Freewalks NZ_800x600

Boardwalk and wetlands along the walk

There’s a lovely boardwalk along part of the trail to protect the local wildlife, including a substantial number of Australasian Crested Grebe. Unfortunately I didn’t see any of them, I did see a fair amount of ducks, geese and Pukeko. There is quite a bit of rowing that happens on the lake.

Views along the Lake Hayes Walkway near Queenstown 1 - Copyright Freewalks NZ_800x600
Views along the Lake Hayes Walkway near Queenstown 3 - Copyright Freewalks NZ_800x600
Views along the Lake Hayes Walkway near Queenstown 2 - Copyright Freewalks NZ_800x600
Views along the Lake Hayes Walkway near Queenstown 4 - Copyright Freewalks NZ_800x600
Lake Hayes Walkway along the waterfront - Copyright Freewalks NZ_1200x600
Views along the Lake Hayes Walkway near Queenstown 5 - Copyright Freewalks NZ

Views around Lake Hayes

Go early to see the stunning reflection on the mirror lake of the mountains of the Wakatipu Basin and the landscape as you walk around. The Lake Hayes walkway is also good for biking. While there are a few narrow sections, beginner bikers will enjoy the ride.  Lake Hayes is one of the most popular Queenstown bike trails.  This is certainly one of the best walks in Queenstown, I urge you to get out there and walk or bike it.

Views along the Lake Hayes Reserve near Queenstown 3 - Copyright Freewalks NZ
Views along the Lake Hayes Reserve near Queenstown 3 - Copyright Freewalks NZ
Views along the Lake Hayes Reserve near Queenstown 3 - Copyright Freewalks NZ

Lake Hayes Reserve

Lake Hayes Reserve is about three quarters of the way round Lake Hayes. It’s a really big picnic area with newish toilets and lots of parking for big vehicles. So long as there isn’t any algae bloom going on, you can happily swim in the lake with the ducks and geese.

Thing to do near Lake Hayes in Queenstown

More walks in Queenstown