Have you ever felt the tranquility of a glacial lake mirroring the majestic peaks? Waiwhakaata Lake Hayes in Queenstown’s Wakatipu Basin offers just that. This isn’t just any lake. It holds a rich history woven into the very landscape.
Waiwhakaata or Lake Hayes as it’s also known boasts a fascinating past. The Ngāi Tahu iwi originally named it Te Whakaata a Haki-te-kura after an ancestor whose reflection supposedly graced its waters. Later settlers mistakenly attributed its discovery to Captain “Bully” Hayes a local figure. This led to the name’s evolution to Lake Hayes.
Imagine early settlers arriving in 1859 searching for sheep country. They found this stunning lake nestled between Arrowtown and Queenstown. Its beauty soon attracted others. Today you see a thriving community around Lake Hayes. The Lake Hayes Estate a large residential area stands testament to its popularity. Nearby the Lake Hayes Showgrounds host an annual agricultural show. A testament to the lake’s lasting impact on this region.
The 8km Lake Hayes Circuit trail offers breathtaking views. Walkers runners and cyclists alike enjoy this Queenstown Trail section. The trail itself winds around the lake. You’ll pass by a boardwalk protecting local wildlife. You can spot historic cottages and impressive homes. The journey is filled with stunning panoramas.
But Waiwhakaata’s charm doesn’t stop there. Its waters teem with life. Brown trout and perch offer exciting fishing opportunities. Native fish like the upland bully koaro and long-finned eel also call it home. Keep an eye out for native and introduced birds. Mallards feral geese New Zealand scaup Australasian crested grebes and black shags often grace the lake.
So as you stand here breathing in the fresh air take a moment to appreciate Waiwhakaata Lake Hayes. It is more than just a beautiful lake. It is a living testament to New Zealand’s history culture and natural beauty. A place where the past present and future beautifully intertwine.