What to do in Lake Hayes

Activities, attractions and tours

A lake surrounded by mountains and greenery.
A mountain range with snow-capped peaks, a lake, and a road with a fence in the foreground.
A mountainous landscape with a river flowing through a valley, surrounded by hills and a lake.
A hot air balloon over a rural landscape with fields, a river, and trees.
A lake with a lighthouse, mountains, and a forested island.

Lake Hayes Attractions

Let Expedia help you experience the best that Lake Hayes has to offer! If you’re looking for fun itinerary ideas, we can provide you with a list of the top sightseeing attractions, as well as helping you to find unmissable activities. Whether you’re travelling with your family, planning a romantic trip with your loved one, or visiting on business, we’ll make it easy to plan an unforgettable holiday that checks all the boxes.

Activities and Tours

Lake Hayes is crammed with must-see places to visit and things to do. We can help you decide where to stay, and make it a breeze to explore the surrounding areas with our guides on where to go, what to see and when to see it. No matter how long your stay, it’s easy to find places of interest in Lake Hayes to make sure that you enjoy your experience to the fullest and don’t miss a thing. Leave the local knowledge to us and leave the hassle behind.

If you’re planning a visit, why not check out our handy guides to places of interest in the area? You can browse lists of things to do, learn about the most popular attractions, and get help with planning the details of your trip. Expedia makes it easy for you to check out all the top sights.

Lake Hayes Attractions

Expedia has something for everyone, so whether you’re planning to get active on a summer holiday, put a spring in your step with a romantic rendezvous, or pamper yourself with a leisurely winter trip, you’ll find plenty of attractions to keep you entertained. In addition to scheduling local tours, booking reservations and scoring advance event tickets, Expedia makes it easy to book your flight, hotel and rental car in advance, all on one consolidated travel itinerary, making for hassle-free travel and freeing you up to explore the sights of Lake Hayes.

Looking for things to do can be time consuming, but we can take the hassle out of planning your holiday. Whether you’re looking to get active in the great outdoors, sample the cuisine or catch up with the vibrant local culture, our guides to Lake Hayes attractions ensure that you’ll have a successful trip, whatever the season.

Things to do

TSS Earnslaw Cruise on Lake Wakatipu

TSS Earnslaw Cruise on Lake Wakatipu

CA $97
per adult
94% of travellers recommend
TSS Earnslaw Cruise on Lake Wakatipu
TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner

CA $179
per adult
92% of travellers recommend
TSS Earnslaw Cruise with Walter Peak Gourmet BBQ Dinner
TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Farm Tour

TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Farm Tour

CA $130
per adult
84% of travellers recommend
TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Walter Peak Farm Tour
Wānaka to Queenstown: A Self-Guided Drive via the Crown Range

Wānaka to Queenstown: A Self-Guided Drive via the Crown Range

CA $11
per traveller
Wānaka to Queenstown: A Self-Guided Drive via the Crown Range
Queenstown: Ice Bar Crawl

Queenstown: Ice Bar Crawl

CA $33
per adult
Queenstown: Ice Bar Crawl
TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Barbecue Lunch

TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Barbecue Lunch

CA $178
per adult
96% of travellers recommend
TSS Earnslaw Cruise & Barbecue Lunch
30-Minute High-Speed Thrill Queenstown Jet Boat Adventure

30-Minute High-Speed Thrill Queenstown Jet Boat Adventure

CA $89
per adult
30-Minute High-Speed Thrill Queenstown Jet Boat Adventure
Queenstown to Wānaka: A Self-Guided Gibbston Valley Driving Tour

Queenstown to Wānaka: A Self-Guided Gibbston Valley Driving Tour

CA $11
per traveller
Queenstown to Wānaka: A Self-Guided Gibbston Valley Driving Tour
Queenstown Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP

Queenstown Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP

CA $14
per adult
Queenstown Self Guided Walking Tour with an APP
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Top places to visit

1. Skyline Queenstown

Winding up the side of Bob’s Peak is the steepest cable-car line in the Southern Hemisphere. Since 1967, the Skyline Gondola has been taking visitors to the summit of Bob’s Peak for views across the Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu area. Skyline also operates a number of adventure activities on the mountain. The gondola is the best way to access the mountain biking, hiking and paragliding that takes place on Bob’s Peak.
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A town nestled between mountains and a large lake with several islands.

2. Queenstown Gardens

The Queenstown Gardens occupy a small peninsula on Lake Wakatipu, on the outskirts of Queenstown. Since 1867 the gardens have been a central feature of the town, and provide a tranquil break from the busy streets. Visit the gardens to see historic, heritage-listed trees, marvel at the views of The Remarkables mountain range, or enjoy sporting and leisure activities.
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A stone bridge over a pond with lily pads, surrounded by trees and red flowers.

3. The Remarkables Ski Area

Enjoy 543 acres (220 hectares) of slopes less than an hour’s drive from central Queenstown at the Remarkables. Test yourself at the terrain parks or watch the action from the warmth of a café while sipping a hot chocolate.
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A ski lift with passengers against a snowy mountain backdrop.

4. Coronet Peak Ski Area

Traverse ski and snowboard runs for all skill levels at Coronet Peak, a 691-acre (280-hectare) ski field to the northeast of Queenstown. Take on moguls and off-piste areas, then recharge at one of the many cafés and restaurants that serve hot food and drinks throughout the day.
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A skier in mid-air performing a jump on a snowy slope with a mountainous backdrop.

5. Cardrona Alpine Resort

When the air is crisp and the snow fresh, Cardona Alpine Resort is a winter sports enthusiast’s dream. On-mountain accommodation will put you close to the action, letting you ski or snowboard right out onto its 850 acres (3.5 square kilometers) of skiable terrain. Test out the nursery slopes, practice flips, spins and slides in the four terrain parks, or tackle the challenging backcountry runs.
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A snowy ski resort with a red and white building labeled "Guest Services" and a yellow building with "Snow Sports HQ" signage.

6. Lake Wakatipu

Lake Wakatipu is a lightning bolt-shaped lake set in the shadow of dramatic mountain peaks and alpine forests. The lake is the ideal setting for outdoor pursuits such as biking, fishing, kayaking and walking. Lake Wakatipu is 84 kilometres (52 miles) long and extends for 5 kilometres (3.1 miles) at its widest point. Māori legend states that the lake formed after a giant was burnt to death and thus scorched a huge hole by melting the ice of the nearby mountains.
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A lake surrounded by mountains with a winding road.

Recommended things to do in Lake Hayes

Number of things to do
289
Cheapest thing to do on Expedia
Queenstown on Foot: An Audio Tour: CA $8
Top 5 things to do
Half-day tours
With kids

What to do in Lake Hayes

Stay near popular Lake Hayes attractions

Amisfield Winery

8.6/10 (19 reviews)
You can enjoy a tasting or tour at Amisfield Winery during your travels to Lake Hayes. Discover the mountain views and spas in this walkable area.
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Looking for fun things to do nearby? Check things to do near me to find and book the best things to do, fun activities, and top attractions wherever you happen to be.

 

 

Day trip destinations from Lake Hayes

A street lined with shops, including a hotel and a cafe, with cars parked on the side.

Arrowtown

Frequently asked questions

Is Lake Hayes worth visiting?
With a blend of cycling and walking trails, there are many things to do in Lake Hayes. While you're here, head to Skyline Queenstown, a top attraction in the area.
How do I spend a day in Lake Hayes?
Start your day with a visit to TSS Earnslaw Steamship and Kiwi and Birdlife Park. Then, tour other parts of Lake Hayes for a quick bite and some shopping.
What is the top tourist attraction in Lake Hayes?
Don't leave without exploring Skyline Queenstown, ranked the top tourist attraction in Lake Hayes.
Is three days enough to stay in Lake Hayes?
Three days will be plenty of time to tick off popular city attractions, like Coronet Peak Ski Area, Gibbston Valley Winery and Amisfield Winery. The average stay in Lake Hayes is three days. If you have the time to extend your trip, Queenstown isn't far away.
What are some activities to do in Lake Hayes with kids?
Whether you're vacationing with hard-to-please teens or tiny adventurers, a fun-filled itinerary takes your trip to the next level. Browse our recommendations for what to do in Lake Hayes with kids.

What to do in Lake Hayes for adults?
Gibbston Valley Winery and Amisfield Winery are just two of the things to do in Lake Hayes. With plenty of activities available, there's something here for everyone to experience.
Are there free things to do in Lake Hayes?
One of the simplest ways to discover free things to do in Lake Hayes is to ask a local tour guide. You'll get insider recommendations on hip neighbourhoods, parks and other highlights you can enjoy without taking your wallet out. Crown Range Summit is one place that doesn't charge an entrance fee.