Coronet Loop Repairs are currently underway and Coronet Loop is still closed. Coronet Face Water Race is open.
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Part of the Queenstown Trail 'Great Ride' network, Wai Whaka Ata / Lake Hayes Trail is one of the most scenic short loops in the trail network and is very popular with walkers and cyclists. The lake is often very calm, producing incredible reflections of the mountain ranges that surround it.
8km loop trail
Intermediate (Grade 3)
The trail around Lake Hayes offers exquisite mountain and lake vistas, a boardwalk protecting local wildlife, historic cottages and a close-up view of some of the area’s most notable homes.
Starting at the Rutherford Road end of the trail, there's a gradual climb to an elevated bench high above the lake where the trail meanders along the contours of the hill before dropping down to the southern boardwalk section of trail. Be sure to look out for wild gooseberrys and other fruit trees along the way. Then cruising around past the Wakatipu Rowing Club (you'll find a DoC longdrop here too) onto Bendemeer Bay and the Lake Hayes Reserve - the perfect picnic spot and more toilets.
The trail can be narrow in sections with steep drop offs down to the lake. However its not a technical trail and is the perfect place for begginers to hone their skills, to the more experienced riders looking for a great circuit.
If you'd like to take a plunge, Lake Hayes is a popular swimming spot during the summer months as its significantly warmer than the other lakes in the district.
Lake Hayes is at the very ‘heart’ of Queenstown’s 130km trails – the jewel in the crown, it is easily accessible from the Countryside and Twin Rivers Trails. So while it’s an enjoyable short ride in itself (under an hour), many like to make a day of it and incorporate the Lake Hayes Trail into rides from Gibbston, Arrrowtown and Queenstown. Alternatively its just a 5 minute drive from Arrowtown or a 20 minute drive from Queenstown.
8 km loop trail
The trail around Lake Hayes offers exquisite mountain and lake vistas, a boardwalk protecting local wildlife, historic cottages and a close-up view of some of the area’s most notable homes.
Starting at the Rutherford Road entrance to the trail, there's a gradual climb to an elevated bench above the lake where the trail meanders along the contours of the hill before dropping down to the southern boardwalk section of trail and then cruising around past Bendemeer Bay and the Wakatipu Rowing Club to the Lake Hayes Reserve - the perfect picnic spot.
Just a stone’s throw from the lake shores on Lake Hayes Road is the award-winning Amisfield Winery and Bistro. An afternoon of wine-tasting and lunch in the vine-covered courtyard is a delicious and decadent way to round off the perfect morning’s walk! Transport back home can be arranged.
Lake Hayes is at the very ‘heart’ of Queenstown’s 120 km trails – the jewel in the crown, it is easily accessible from the Countryside and Twin Rivers Trails. So while it’s an enjoyable short walk in itself (under an hour), many like to make a day of it and incorporate the Lake Hayes Trail into routes from Gibbston, Arrrowtown and Queenstown.
Parking is available at the Lake Hayes Pavilion on SH6, at the Lake Hayes Recreation Reserve, and Bendemeer Bay, on the Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Rd. The Lake Hayes Trail is a great additional scenic loop from the Countryside Trail, via Rutherford Rd or from the Twin Rivers Trail via Lake Hayes Estate.
This site is loaded with maps, information and advice, Here’s how to get the most out of it:
1. Choose your ride: You’ll be spoilt for choice – so many options, so many trails. a Find trail to suit your experience and timeframes.
2. Plan your adventure: To find local places to eat, stay and discover, check out our Official Partners directory listings. You’ll find tour operators, transport providers, cafes, wineries and activities and so much more.
3. Download a map or the Great Rides app
4. Watch the Queenstown Trail video
For more information on how to stay safe on your trip go here
Here are a few important pointers to foster positive attitudes between different trail users and remember we are lucky that many local landowners have given us access to their private property.
Many of our Trusted Partners offer guided tours and shuttles to and from the start and end points of the trails - allowing you to ultimately tailor your trail experience and pick up tons of local knowledge and discover secret spots along the way!
Click here to see our Directory of Tour Operators.
Lake Hayes is home to a healthy population of Australasian crested grebe.
The local Māori iwi (tribe) of Kai Tahu originally named the lake Te Whaka-ata a Haki-te-kura after an ancestress called Haki-te-kura whose image was said to be reflected in the lake.
Settlers originally knew the lake as Hays Lake after D. Hay, an Australian who came to the district looking for sheep country in 1859. Its name gradually changed to Lake Hayes, as its discovery was credited erroneously to Captain "Bully" Hayes, an early local character of the district.
Go to the Frequently Asked Questions page to find answers to any questions you may have before you head out onto the trail.
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