Lake Hayes Walkway
Lake Hayes Walkway
4.5
Biking Trails • Hiking Trails
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2-3 hours
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  • Sprout15
    Sacramento, California371 contributions
    Enjoyable walk with some uphill stretches
    The lake was a bit cloudy when we visited yesterday, so we didn't get the stunning reflections of surrounding mountains. Still, the hike is enjoyable, the trails well kept. The terrain varies some, including boardwalk over a marshy area. Helpful interpretive signs. It took us a little more than 1.5 miles to do the full circuit.
    Visited January 2020
    Written January 2, 2020
  • D P
    Wellington, New Zealand6,616 contributions
    Beautiful 2 hour walk around
    There’s a lovely track that goes right around the lake. Take in the views of the mountains ranges from each end of the lake. Stop for a picnic along the bank or run or cycle it. There are a few uphills but nothing too demanding as the track is pretty substantial and not boggy. Well worth a nice bit of fresh air with the family on a nice afternoon.
    Visited September 2020
    Traveled with family
    Written September 11, 2020
  • 422iana
    Dunedin, New Zealand3,102 contributions
    Bike changed to a walk
    We started on the bikes, but for younger ones it was a little harder without gears and lots of people walking dogs without being on leads and turned back. We did walk the lake and at points with younger riders I would have felt a little aprehensive as there was a few tight places and drop offs. Some beautiful views and even a swing on the East side of the lake next to one of the jettys.
    Visited January 2021
    Traveled with family
    Written January 24, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
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4.5
201 reviews
Excellent
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Very good
64
Average
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Kiwiseley
Auckland Central, New Zealand444 contributions
Feb 2020
We wanted a bit of exercise after our flight from Auckland. The track is next to the lake and is often through bush. Not sure if it is "lucky" but you may see a few rabbits along the way. You can walk as far as you want, but half an hour was enough for us.
Written July 2, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kerie5775
Blenheim, New Zealand204 contributions
Jan 2022 • Couples
Loved this walk. 8.3km took us just under 2hrs, we aren’t fast walkers. Beautiful views. There isn’t a huge amount of shade so make sure you take a hat and have plenty of water and sunblock on. I took my heat reflective sun umbrella that I could have sold 10 times over, it made it much more bearable in 27degC. There is a toilet at the Arrowtown end of the lake, very clean flushing ones. A little bit hilly but not a lot. Ample parking at the Reserve car park or the Pavillions car park. No obvious places to get water en route and no cafe places either. Was very enjoyable.
Written January 1, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kylie O
Mosgiel, New Zealand118 contributions
Jun 2020 • Family
Have ridden this track many times over summers but this was first winter ride and it was lovely. Came from Arrowtown with 3 kids and it was ideal distance for us all. Advise not going too late in the day as once the sun goes down it’s very shaded and cold getting back to Arrowtown.
Written June 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

jrdh
592 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
We stopped off here for a quick walk while on our way to Te Anau. there are a number of places to park, however these are not always clearly sign posted. This is a lovely walk right around the lake, probably takes about 2hours. Really beautiful scenery and well worth taking the time to go round.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kerry
Adelaide, Australia4 contributions
May 2022 • Couples
Beautiful walk through different scenery around the lake. The signs say it takes 2-3 hours but we walk faster and it was about 1hour and 40 minutes. Not too steep, no boggy parts, nice width and not dangerous. A must do!
Written May 8, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Shelley M
Albany, New Zealand746 contributions
Nov 2020
There are plenty of places to park, we parked near the pavilion and started the walk from there. There are a few steep bits but a lot of people cycle this lake which would be nice, but we wanted to walk around. Took us one and half hours and it was quite windy so didn't get the beautiful pics, but it was still a lovely afternoon. Well signposted and not much in the way of stairs which was nice.
Written December 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ruth F
Bristol, UK56 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Beautiful and varied walk around this stunning lake. Photos to die for not only of the lake but also the plants. Lovely place to paddle/ swim /have a picnic at the Arrowtown end of the lake.
Very accessible by bus from Queenstown.
No water refill points so take plenty on a hot day.
Written January 18, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Food is life
Auckland, New Zealand239 contributions
Feb 2021 • Couples
Recommend-it’s an easy walk and suitable for all levels. Beautiful day too. Only let down was the sheer amount of Poo at the beginning of walk on the gravel. The locals are letting their dogs foul a beautiful spot. Not cool.
Written February 17, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

RachaelR17
Wellington, New Zealand261 contributions
Aug 2020
Absolutely stunning 2 hour walk not too far out of Queenstown central.

I hae aerage fitness and a historic ankle injury and this walk was great - mostly flat and clear pathway. Absolutely stunning iews right the way around - can't beat it!
Written October 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Daring2Go
Christchurch, New Zealand430 contributions
Aug 2015 • Friends
A reasonably recent addition to available activities in the Wakatipu Basin, the Lake Hayes Walkway can be walked in one entire 2 hour block, or broken up into more easily managed sections. The views are superb! If you access the website I've added below you'll be able to find out whereabout you can access the walkway, plus other helpful information.
Written September 5, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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Lake Hayes Walkway (Arrowtown) - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go

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Lake Hayes Walkway Information

Excellent Reviews129
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