Lake Hayes Loop — Lake Hayes

Elevation profile

How long it takes

Easy pace (7:00/km)

58 min

Steady pace (6:00/km)

50 min

Quick pace (5:00/km)

42 min

An estimate: the pace on flat ground, plus a little extra time for every metre you climb. Work out your own pace with the pace calculator.

The run

An 8 km loop round Lake Hayes / Waiwhakaata between Queenstown and Arrowtown, on a well-kept gravel trail with boardwalks at the southern end. It is gently rolling and mostly flat, with the lake beside you the whole way and the mountains all round it. Best in autumn, when the poplars on the shore turn gold.

Good to know

The most parking, and toilets, are at the North Lake Hayes picnic area; there are also toilets at the Rowing Club and Bendemeer Bay. Our line starts at the south-east end by the Lake Hayes Pavilion and showgrounds, but you can join anywhere. The trail is shared with mountain bikes, narrow in places on the western and southern sides, and a short north-eastern section shares a road with vehicles. Check the lake's water quality before you or your dog swim.

• Parking: Free
• Toilets
• Dogs: On-leash
• Best time: Anytime