
Waiwhakaata Lake Hayes Trail
8km loop
1hr bike
2-3hr walk
Grade
3
This beautiful 8km loop circumnavigates Waiwhakaata (water that reflects) and some of the most photographed scenery in the region. It’s easily enjoyed as a walk, run or short standalone ride, but many people incorporate it into bigger day rides from Arrowtown, Gibbston or Queenstown.
The Lake Hayes Trail can be enjoyed from several starting points, but is best incorporated from the Countryside Trail starting at Rutherford Road and travelling anti-clockwise. The trail climbs above the lake and meanders across the flanks of Slope Hill before dropping to the southern wetlands and crossing the boardwalks over Hayes Creek. Weaving between willows to the Lake Hayes Pavilion and past the Wakatipu Rowing Club, the trail has many opportunities to stop and admire the view, with a lovely picnic spot at Bendemeer Bay Reserve.
Note that the western and southern sides of the lake include some narrower, more exposed sections with steeper drops.
Waiwhakaata is currently the focus of a significant restoration project to reduce sediment load, improve water quality, restore native species and increase biodiversity. This intergenerational project aspires to be an exemplar in ecological restoration and a case study for other catchment restorations across the motu.
What to See & Do Along the Trail
Accommodation, Things to do, Food & Drink & Services
The Spa at Millbrook
A place of deep rest & rejuvenation with treatments to soothe body & mind.
1124 Malaghans Road, Arrowtown 9371

FERGBUTCHER
Premium meats, locally made bread, takeaway hot food, and expertly brewed coffee.
7 Bush Creek Road, Arrowtown 9302

Arrowfield Apartments
Luxury self-contained apartments in Arrowtown with private secure bike storage.
115 Essex Avenue,
Arrowtown 9302

Arrowtown Bike Hire
Quality bike hire and trail transport in the heart of Arrowtown.
59 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown 9302

Millbrook Golf
Two 18-hole golf courses showcasing dramatic terrain whilst delivering world-class golf.
1124 Malaghans Road, Arrowtown 9371

Millbrook Health & Fitness
Bright & modern Health & Fitness Centre - heated pool, personal training & group classes.

Millbrook Resort
Luxury resort offering accommodation, dining options, spa & 2 championship golf courses.
1124 Malaghans Road, Arrowtown 9371

ChargeAbout Queenstown
The finest eBikes available: Retail, workshop, rentals & advice.
77 Glenda Drive, Frankton, Queenstown 9300

The Cottages at Lake Hayes
Self-contained lakeside cottages located near the Waiwhakaata Lake Hayes Track - a peaceful rural base for exploring the Queenstown Trail network and Gibbston wine country.
4 Marshall Avenue, Threepwood, Lake Hayes Estate 9371

Adventure South NZ
Premium fully-supported guided cycling tours on the Queenstown Trails and Central Otago network.
29 Iversen Terrace, Waltham, Christchurch 8011

Around The Basin Bike Queenstown
Half-day, full-day and multi-day biking packages including bike hire & shuttle transport.
3 Searle Lane, Queenstown 9300
Ayrburn
A stunning heritage, gastronomic and family destination located on the trail.
1 Ayr Avenue, Arrowtown-Lake Hayes Road, Arrowtown 9371
Better by Bike
Better By Bike offers full day bike hire for self-guided rides on the stunning Queenstown trails.
4 Buckingham Street, Arrowtown 9302

Going Blue Adventures
Premium eBikes, self-guided tours, and bike shuttle service.
36/159 Gorge Road, Queenstown 9300

Millbrook Dining
Five-star cuisine with multiple onsite restaurants catering to every taste.
1124 Malaghans Road, Arrowtown 9371

nzbiketrails
eBike hire & trail transport: enjoy a self-guided ride between Kinross & Arthur's Point.
2300 Gibbston Highway (at Kinross), Gibbston 9371

Outside Sports
Premium outdoor gear, expert advice & bike rentals for hikers, bikers, skiers, & explorers
9 Shotover Street, Queenstown 9300

Whizzy E-Bike Adventures
Explore the stunning trails at your own pace with self-guided e-bike adventures. Enjoy hassle-free shuttle transport and convenient hotel pickups. Perfect for thrill-seekers wanting freedom, fun, and breathtaking scenery. Pedal less, see more!
21 Margaret Place, Frankton, Queenstown 9300

Queenstown Bike Hire
MTB & ebike hire, self-guided cycle packages, shuttle services & local expertise.
134 Gorge Road (Crn of Bowen St), Queenstown

Trail Essentials
Trailhead Locations & Parking
Multiple access points around the lake:
- North Lake Hayes picnic area – most parking available here
- Lake Hayes Pavilion & showgrounds on SH6
- Bendemeer Bay
- Arrowtown Road
- Rutherford Road, off Speargrass Flat Road
Toilets & Facilities
Toilets at the North Lake Hayes picnic area and the Rowing Club.
Water Stations
No water stations on trail — carry sufficient water.
Accessibility Notes
Grade 3 – Intermediate. Well-maintained gravel surface. Narrower and more exposed sections on the western and southern sides of the lake.
Adaptive Riding Info
Trail Width: Varies between <1m and >2m; the narrowest sections are found on the western and southern sides of the lake. Steep drops and exposed, narrow sections of trail along the western side of the lake.
Steep Sections:
- Both approaches to the trail on the western side of the lake are steep
- Several short steep sections around the whole trail loop
- The section that shares Rutherford Road includes a very steep section near the lake (this part of the road is sealed)
Structures:
- Long sections of narrow boardwalk at the southern end of the lake
- Narrow bridges
Trail Etiquette & Safety
Popular trail shared by walkers, dog walkers and bikers — keep speeds down and give way to pedestrians. Boardwalks at the southern end — ride with care. Narrower sections on the western side require caution.
Become A Trail Lover
Help Keep Our Trails World-Class.
Every contribution and partnership helps us maintain and grow the Queenstown Trails network. Your support helped us build 45 km of trails last year.

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