Exploring the Lake Hayes Walkway
Located near Queenstown in the South Island, the Lake Hayes Walkway is a 10.2 km loop track that offers a scenic journey around Lake Hayes. This easy trail takes about 2 hours and 20 minutes to complete, providing stunning views of the lake and its surroundings.
The lake is framed by Slope Hill to the southwest and Morven Hill to the southeast, with The Remarkables mountain range just 2 km from its southern end. Nearby attractions include Arrowtown and Coronet Peak, situated 4 km and 6 km away, respectively. While the eastern side of the lake is home to residential areas, the northern and western sides are primarily farmland.
Captivating Reflections and Historical Significance
The western side of Lake Hayes features a steep rise, including a 150-metre-high cliff, which shelters the lake and creates superb reflections of the surrounding hills and mountains, especially in the early morning. These reflections, particularly from the southeast side, are reminiscent of those seen in Glendhu Bay, Lake Wānaka. The lake is known to Ngāi Tahu as Te Whaka-ata or Te Whaka-ata a Haki-te-kura, named after an iwi foremother, Haki-te-kura, whose reflection is said to be seen in the lake.
Originally called Hays Lake after an early settler, the lake's name evolved to Lake Hayes, in reference to "Bully" Hayes, an American who lived in Arrowtown during the gold rush of the early 1860s. Known for operating a local pub, Hayes was also infamous as a conman and scoundrel. By the 1870s, he had gained notoriety as a South Seas "pirate" and was murdered in 1877 aboard his ship, Lotus.
Walking and Cycling on the Walkway
The Lake Hayes Walkway is a shared trail for both walking and cycling, with breathtaking views in every direction a delightful distraction. The walkway is also part of the 110 km Queenstown Trail network, which connects Queenstown with Arrowtown, Kelvin Peninsula, and Gibbston Valley along the Kawarau Gorge.
The trail is generally easy for cyclists, although narrow in some sections.
How to get to Lake Hayes Walkway
To access the Lake Hayes Walkway, head to State Highway 6 between Frankton and Arrow Junction, about a 15-minute drive from central Queenstown. The track can be started from two points on SH6: the Lake Hayes Showground and the rowing club, located 150 metres further northeast. Additional access points are available from Arrowtown Lake Hayes Road on the lake's east side and Rutherford Road at the northwest end.
Other nearby walks include Queenstown Hill, Arrow River and Gorge, Sawpit Gully, and New Chum Gully.
