Lake Hayes is a beautiful lake located between Queenstown and Arrowtown and known for its perfect reflections. There are various viewpoints if you just want to stop and have a quick look, or you can walk the full lake circuit which is an easy track offering gorgeous views from every angle. There’s even a rope swing if you’re feeling adventurous, and a hidden jetty which is perfect for sunset!
We’re sharing everything you need to know about visiting Lake Hayes.
Tips for visiting Lake Hayes
How to see those perfect reflections
The most important things to consider for getting those stunning mirror views is the cloud cover and wind. You could have a perfectly clear day but if the wind is picking up the surface of the water will ripple and the reflections will all but disappear. A still day and calm water is more important than a cloudless sky.
When conditions are right you will get reflections all the way round the lake, but they will be quite different depending what side of the water you are on.
On the eastern side there are both mountains and houses, and this provides lovely detailed reflections which are quite colourful and some of the most interesting I have seen on any lake.
On the western side there are fewer buildings so your view will be less detailed but more wild, with rolling hills and snow-capped mountains (in winter).
Normally I am all about the wild landscapes but I really like the views from the western side of the lake looking at the eastern side, as the little houses looked incredibly picturesque set in a sea of mountains.
The view of the eastern side of the lake from the western side
Of course if you do the lake circuit you can see it all, but be aware that the weather is very changeable.
I would recommend taking the circuit in the direction of the reflections you would like to see most, so that if the weather has changed in the course of the walk you will have seen the views you were keen to see the most already.
Our weather changed very quickly and we ended up with very little reflection on the latter part of the walk.
Lake Hayes at sunset
Lake Hayes is a wonderful place to watch the sunset, and there are many beautiful spots to choose from.
If the water is calm, the sunset colour will be perfectly reflected, although we’re yet to see it that way with our own eyes!
You can find your own spot easily enough, but if you’re looking for a few recommends then Bendemeer Bay is a good one, but our favourite by far is the hidden jetty!
It’s an old rustic wooden jetty that juts out a fair way into the water, you can sit and swing your legs off the end whilst watching the sun slowly sink behind the mountains.
It’s a wonderful little spot and we haven’t seen anyone else there before at sunset, so hopefully you’ll get it to yourself too!
You can find the jetty along the eastern side of the lake, 250m north/anti-clockwise beyond Bendemeer Bay.
Keep an eye out because it can be easily missed if you are looking ahead as it’s down a little hill (very little, just 30 seconds off the trail!).
The Lake Hayes rope swing
If you’re feeling a little adventurous, you can fly off into the water on the Lake Hayes rope swing!
There are several wooden boards stuck to the tree which allow you to climb up on to the platform - it’s not that high but does look like you need to give yourself a good launch!
Full disclaimer: we only found this rope swing in winter and have not personally tried it so we can’t vouch for its safety, but it does look like a bit of work has been put into it, so hopefully it’s all good - but do check for yourself!
The swing can be found on the eastern side of the lake, 200m before the Pavillion (back towards the wetlands). It’s got a pretty good sunset view if you want to swing right into the sunset!
The Lake Hayes Walkway
The stats
Distance: 7.9km
Elevation: 120m
Difficulty: Easy
The Lake Hayes circuit track, known as the Lake Hayes Walkway takes you on a full loop of the lake.
There are various points at which you can access the circuit, we chose to start at the car park on Rutherford Road and walk anti-clockwise (keeping the lake on our left at all times).
Although the walk is primarily flat, there are some undulations along the way but it’s never too steep.
Whilst the track does closely follow the lake for most of the way, it is not always down by the shore. Much of the first part of the loop is above the lake, with a steepish drop to your left. However, the path is wide so this will not bother most people.
The first couple of kilometres along this stretch had my favourite reflections, with the hills and village creating a perfect mirror image in the water.
After 2.4km you will enter a wetlands area and leave the lakeside for roughly 1.5km.
Whilst it’s not as pretty as following the lake, it has its own charm with plenty of birdlife to look at along the way.
After 3.9km from the start of the trail, you will reach the other side of the lake and closely follow the water once again. You’ll pass the rope swing we mentioned as well as a lookout just off the path.
At the 4.8km mark you will come to another nice open view, as well as toilets and a second, slightly more basic looking rope swing.
The view now looks to Coronet Peak which in winter was extra special with a lovely snowy summit.
Roughly 550m beyond this point you will come to the gorgeous little wooden jetty. As mentioned this is an ideal sunset spot, particularly if you are lucky enough to have still water.
Continuing on for 250m will take you to Bendemeer Bay, one of many lovely picnic spots along the lake. From here you’ll continue near but not always beside the lake until you reach your start point 2.2km later.
Essential information about visiting Lake Hayes
Water quality for swimming
Although people do swim at Lake Hayes, the water quality can be poor due to bacteria build up close to the shore. Beyond the shore the water quality is generally very good. Don’t swim if there is a lot of algae. Otherwise it is largely down to how you personally feel about it.
Cycling at Lake Hayes
The Lake Hayes Walkway can also be cycled and apart from a few short uphill sections it makes for a generally easy bike ride. The path is in great condition and even on a damp day in winter it doesn’t get overly muddy.
It’s part of the much longer Queenstown Trail if you’d like a more substantial ride.
You can bring your dog to Lake Hayes
Dogs are welcome on the Lake Hayes Loop as long as they are kept on a lead. There’s quite a lot of birdlife around to be aware of but otherwise it’s a great trail to bring your dog along on.
Getting to Lake Hayes
The Lake Hayes Walkway has various access points: Lake Hayes Pavilion, Bendemeer Bay, North Lake Hayes picnic area, Arrowtown Road and Rutherford Road.
It’s roughly a 15 minute drive from Queenstown and less than 10 minutes from Arrowtown.
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