Stroll, walk, run or cycle around a lake surrounded by spectacular mountains; also home to a healthy population of Australasian crested grebe.

The track has multiple access points:

• North Lake Hayes picnic area – there is a lot of parking here
• Lake Hayes Pavilion and show grounds on SH6
• Bendemeer Bay
• Arrowtown Road
• Rutherford Road off Speargrass Flat Road.

What to expect

• A well-maintained track with a smooth gravel surface
• steep drops beside the track on the western side of the lake
• good sign-posting and cell phone reception
• walkers (including dog-walkers) and bikers sharing the track
• a short section at the north-eastern end is shared with vehicles
• hot and dry weather in summer, cold temperatures and a chance of ice in winter.

Skills/experience needed

Lake Hayes Walkway is a Grade 3: Intermediate mountain biking track. If you are not comfortable riding a Grade 3 trail, try walking it instead or riding one of the Grade 2 sections of the Queenstown Trail.

Plan and prepare

Check the LAWA web page on water quality for you and your dog if planning to swim in the lake.

Watch children closely, as there are sections with steep drops by the track edge.

If you are riding the track, choose a mountain bike rather than a road bike. On the southern end the trail goes over a boardwalk – please reduce speed or dismount.

Pack water, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a sunhat (for walkers) or a helmet visor (for bikers) in summer. In winter, carry plenty of warm and waterproof clothing – it gets very cold.

You can combine this trail with other nearby bike trails for a longer ride. It is part of the Queenstown Trail Great Ride. Visit the Queenstown Trail website for more information and trail updates.

The track occasionally floods on the southern side. If there is water over the track, avoid this section. You might also encounter maintenance work on this section of the track. Signage will alert visitors to any flooding or track work.