Located in Arrowtown area in the Otago region
This track is part of The Queenstown Trail (Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails).
Serene views on Lake Hayes Walkway Image: Eiji Kitai | Creative Commons
Nice views from the walk Image: Eiji Kitai | Creative Commons
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:
What to expect
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
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.
Whakatipu-wai-Māori / Queenstown Visitor Centre | |
Phone: | +64 3 442 7935 |
Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
Email: | queenstownvc@doc.govt.nz |
Address: |
50 Stanley Street Queenstown 9300 |
Postal Address: |
PO Box 811 Queenstown 9348 |
Full office details |