Pros & cons
PROS
- Boardwalks through wetland habitat with frequent birdlife viewing.
- Famous calm-day reflections and standout autumn color close to town.
CONS
- Narrow western bench with steep drop-offs can feel exposed.
- Southern edge can flood after rain, occasionally disrupting the loop.
Multiple access points with parking: Lake Hayes Pavilion/showgrounds (SH6), Lake Hayes Reserve picnic area, Bendemeer Bay, Arrowtown Road, and Rutherford Road off Speargrass Flat Road.
Expect narrow sections with steep drop-offs on the west side; southern sections may flood after rain; short northeastern stretch is shared with vehicles; slow or dismount on boardwalks and watch children closely.
Overview
A classic Queenstown-area circuit, the Lake Hayes Walkway (also known as Waiwhakaata) is a mellow, view-packed loop that circles the lake for a total 8 km/4.9 mi. Expect constantly changing lake-and-mountain vistas, long boardwalks over wetlands, and a surprisingly peaceful vibe just minutes from Arrowtown and Queenstown.
Route & What You’ll See
Most walkers go anticlockwise from Rutherford Road for an easy warm-up: you’ll climb gently above the water across Slope Hill’s flanks, then descend to the southern end’s willows and boardwalks. Continue past the Lake Hayes Pavilion and Wakatipu Rowing Club (toilets nearby) and around Bendemeer Bay to the Lake Hayes Reserve picnic area (more toilets). The western shore has the exposure—narrow benched track with steep drop-offs—so keep kids close. There’s also a short northeastern stretch shared with vehicles. Surface is mostly smooth gravel, with a few short, steep pinches.
Biking, Facilities & Links
Shared-use is the norm here. On a bike it rides like a Grade 3 (intermediate) path—mountain or gravel bikes recommended. Slow down or dismount on the long boardwalks and give way to walkers. You can easily connect this loop to the wider Queenstown Trail network, including the Countryside and Twin Rivers Trails, for a bigger day out.
Best Times to Go
- Autumn shines: golden poplars, calm days, and those signature mirror reflections.
- Summer brings easy swimming—Lake Hayes often runs warmer than nearby lakes.
- Winter can be frigid and occasionally icy; pack extra warm, waterproof layers.
After heavy rain, the southern margin can flood—skip sections covered by water. Early morning or late afternoon light is best for photography; calm days deliver the classic glassy reflections.
Practical Tips
- Bring all the water you need—there are no refill stations on the loop.
- Sun can bite: limited shade in places, so carry sun protection.
- Dogs are allowed but keep them leashed/under control; check any local swim advisories before you or your dog take a dip.
- E-motorbikes and motorbikes aren’t permitted. Standard trail etiquette applies.
- No single official start—popular parking is at the Pavilion/showgrounds, Lake Hayes Reserve, Bendemeer Bay, Arrowtown Road, or Rutherford Road. Public bus access is possible via a stop near Amisfield Winery.
Where it starts
-44.9676, 168.8052Wildlife on this trail
Near Lake Hayes Walkway
All places →All trails →
0 mi awayLake Hayes JettyMirror-calm jetty for easy golden-hour shotsParking · Restroom
1.1 mi awayLake HayesMirror-calm lake loop with birds, reflections, and autumn colorTrailhead · Parking
2.3 mi awayHampshire Holiday Park ArrowtownArrowtown base with sites, cabins, and a solid communal kitchenCampground · Lodging
2.3 mi awayArrowtown Chinese SettlementGold-rush huts and stories tucked beside Arrow RiverExhibit · Parking
2.4 mi awaySawpit Gully TrackGold mining history and big views on a punchy Arrowtown loop.Moderate · 4.8 mi · 2.5 hr
2.4 mi awayCoronet Face Water Race TrackHistoric traverse with huge Wakatipu views and a few spicy edgesModerate · 3.7 mi · 1.3 hr
2.4 mi awayBig Hill TrackHistoric bridle route to big Otago views from Big Hill SaddleChallenging · 9.3 mi · 5.5 hr
3.3 mi awayNew Chum Gully TrackUnderrated Arrowtown loop with ridge views and a spicy gorge climbModerate · 4.5 mi · 2 hr
