Lake Hayes is a lake near Queenstown in the Otago region of New Zealand. Visitors can walk or cycle along the lakeside track, enjoy mountain views, admire the changing colours of the autumn leaves, watch birds, or stop for a quiet break or picnic. The lake is known for its clear water, which reflects the surrounding mountains and sky on calm days, and it offers a more peaceful alternative to nearby busy areas. The lake was once known by a Māori name linked to a local ancestor, and its current name emerged during the early period of European settlement.