Lake Hayes: Nature, Walking Trail and History

Lake Hayes combines a walking trail with distinctive natural and historical features. The Waiwhakaata Lake Hayes Trail is an 8 km loop with views of the lake and surrounding mountains. Lake Hayes and its shores are also designated as a Wildlife Refuge. If you’re looking for holiday accommodation here, you can consider whether your trip will focus primarily on exercise, nature or the lake’s history.

Shorelines of special natural value

The shores of Lake Hayes are designated as a wetland of regional significance under Schedule 9, number 75. The lake is also an important breeding area for various waterbirds, including paradise shelducks, grey ducks, New Zealand shovelers, swamp hens and coots. The lake is home to relatively large populations of the Australasian crested grebe (Podiceps cristatus australis), which is classified as nationally endangered.

The shoreline areas also provide habitat for threatened species, including the native fish kōaro (Galaxias brevipinnis) and the Australasian bittern (Botaurus poiciloptilus). Lake Hayes and its catchment are also the focus of a project to restore native biodiversity. These natural features make the lake interesting not only as a backdrop to the walking trail, but also as a habitat for native species.

The trail: on foot or by bike

The Waiwhakaata Lake Hayes Trail is rated as a moderate Grade 3 track. The 8 km loop takes about an hour by bike and about two to three hours on foot. This gives you a practical timeframe for planning your day: if you want to walk the trail, allow significantly more time than for the bike loop. The trail is part of the Te Araroa Trail and is used by walkers and cyclists.

There are several access points to the trail: the North Lake Hayes picnic area, Lake Hayes Pavilion, the showgrounds on SH6, Bendemeer Bay, Arrowtown Road and Rutherford Road, off Speargrass Flat Road. There is parking at several of these points. Rutherford Road also connects the Lake Hayes Trail to the Countryside Trail. This makes it easier to factor the loop, its named connections and access points into your plans without confusing the approximate walking and cycling times.

Water, activities and names

Lake Hayes is an important recreational fishery for brown trout and perch. Kayakers train on the lake. If you plan to swim in Lake Hayes, check LAWA’s water quality information beforehand.

The history of the area is also reflected in its names. Kāi Tahu originally named Lake Hayes Te Whaka-ata a Haki-te-kura. Settlers initially called the lake Hays Lake, after D. Hay, an Australian who came to the area in 1859 to look for grazing land for sheep. There is also evidence of Māori campsites in and around Waiwhakaata | Lake Hayes. These names and traces offer a historical perspective on the lake, providing another way to explore the destination alongside its natural features and activities.

Consider Lake Hayes as a holiday base

When looking for holiday accommodation in Lake Hayes, you can start with the experiences that matter most to you. The walking trail offers an active option with two different timeframes, while the wetland, birdlife and threatened species draw attention to the lake’s natural environment. If you’re interested in local history, the original Māori name, Hays Lake and evidence of campsites offer further points of interest. This can help you decide whether Lake Hayes suits the focus you want for your stay.

Discover more destinations: Speargrass Flat, Dingle Burn, Makarora, Closeburn, Glenorchy, Arrowtown, Moonlight, Queenstown.

For the broader travel overview: Queenstown Lakes District.