Hayes Creek Loop, Otago, New Zealand - Trail Running Directory

Hilly run best when rivers are not too high

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Last Updated: 20th Feb 2026

Beginner - Intermediate

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Grunt Factor: 31 ?

Gnarl Factor: 45 ?

17.8km

Length of run

955m

Total Ascent

950m

Total Descent

Driving Time

Driving Distance

Directions to start

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Loop

Very hilly

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

20%

30%

Farm Road / 4WD Track

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +10.70%

Average Downhill Gradient: -10.70%

Garmin Course

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Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

3:45

Slow

2:45

Moderate

1:45

Fast

GPX File

Topo Map

3D Satellite

Guide

Starting at the Chinese village in Arrowtown. Cross the bridge which is behind the toilet and turn left and head up the 4WD track keeping right, cross the irrigation pipe and follow the single track. At the bridge take the right hand trail marked Sawpit Gully, here you start the hill climb. At about 2.8km you will come out of the bush and reach an intersection. Follow the trail to Big Hill Saddle.

From the saddle take the track to the right and head up Big Hill and then follow the orange markers descending the Hayes Creek track down to the Arrow River. The trail can be hard to follow at times so note that Hayes Creek is the second creek from your right looking down. You will pass an old mining settlement including Shamrock Cottage. At the creek keep an eye out for an orange marker, here you climb a bank out of the river and onto Macetown Rd where you turn right and head back to Arrowtown.

This trail includes the peak Big Hill .

Old mining settlement including Shamrock Cottage.

Yes at start line and also long drop heading up Sawpit gully

Transport and parking:

Parking at Arrowtown Chinese Village / Butler's Green.

Distance from Arrowtown:

1 km

Driving time from Arrowtown:

3 minutes

Dog friendly:

Unknown

Landowner permission required:

Navigation Rating:

Moderate.

Navigation Tips:

At big hill saddle turn right and head up big hill via Hayes Creek trail.

Cellphone Coverage:

Generally good.

Suggested Gear List:

Short-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, First aid kit, Cellphone, Map

Availability of Water:

Hayes Creek

Seasonality Issues:

Best in Summer when Hayes Creek is not in flood.

Hazards:

Creek crossing

Dishery
Butlers Green
Has a nice outdoor area to sit

The Fork and Tap
Who can't beat a good pub

Your Recommendation

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Trail Legend

Kerryn Stewart

has completed Hayes Creek Loop once in the last year.

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Overlapping Trails

These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.