Christmas in Cromwell was sizzling, and so was my enthusiasm to try out our shiny new Josi Jogging Stroller with Bike Trailer! With Finlay buckled in and ready to roll, and my e-bike prepped for action, we set our sights on the picturesque Lake Hayes Loop Track, just a quick 25-minute drive near Arrowtown. What better way to burn off some holiday indulgence and soak in the Central Otago beauty?
Spoiler alert: it was an adventure full of laughs, lessons, and a few leg-burning moments, but I wouldn’t trade it for the world. Here’s how our day unfolded!
Parking Shenanigans: A Rocky Start
Our plan was to start the ride from the Lake Hayes Pavilion and Showgrounds on SH6, which is apparently the go-to entry point for most trail users. What we didn’t plan for was the annual A&P Show stealing all the parking spots! For a hot minute, we debated abandoning the plan for a different trail, but I was determined to ride Lake Hayes that day—I’d hyped it up in my head, and there was no turning back.
Thankfully, we found an alternative parking spot down Strains Road, where a hidden gem of a sign beckoned us toward the trail. (Not listed on the DoC website, by the way—score one for serendipity!) With a bit of improvisation and a dose of determination, we got ourselves sorted. The Josi Stroller’s anchor points, which let Finlay stay secure in the chair while inside the van, made the setup process a breeze. Independence is key when you’re flying solo, and this stroller is an absolute game-changer for our outings. With everything attached and triple-checked, we were ready to roll!
The Trail: Breathtaking Views and a Few “Phew!” Moments
The Lake Hayes Loop Track is an 8km stunner that forms part of the Queenstown Trail, wrapping around the dazzling Lake Hayes like a ribbon of adventure. It’s a shared track for walkers, runners, cyclists, and the occasional dog walker. Most people say it takes about 2–3 hours on foot, but I thought, “We’ll smash this in an hour on wheels, no sweat!” Reality check: it took us closer to three hours, but who’s counting?
The start of the trail immediately threw us a curveball. A steep, gravel incline wound its way down to the main path, crowded with walkers, kids, and other cyclists. Riding down with Finlay? Nope, not happening! I disconnected the trailer, walked him carefully down, and then went back for my bike. (Cue first of many “disconnect and reconnect” moments of the day!) Thankfully, Finlay was perfectly content chilling under a tree while I played trail sherpa.
The track itself was a mixed bag of gravel paths, narrow boardwalks over swamps, and gentle slopes peppered with the occasional steep climb. The views? Absolutely breathtaking—snowcapped mountains, shimmering water, and the kind of tranquility you only find in Central Otago. The challenges? Oh, they came with their own brand of thrill.
A Tight Squeeze and Kind Strangers
One of the trickiest sections was the narrow boardwalk, where we had to squeeze past other trail users. Bikes and walkers were easy enough to navigate around, but families with pushchairs? Now that was an adventure. One dad even hoisted his stroller (and baby!) into the air to let us pass—talk about teamwork!
A lovely family trailing behind us offered to stick close and help anyone we encountered along the way. While it felt awkward being the “wide load” on the trail, the kindness of strangers turned this challenge into one of the highlights of the ride. It felt like a mini community forming right there on the loop.
The Gradients: Where I Earned My Pedals
Here’s the thing about pulling a fully-loaded trailer up even a mild incline: it’s a test of strength, skill, and patience. If I didn’t maintain enough momentum, the trailer would start pulling me backward. At one point, I hopped off the bike, only to realise that the trailer was lighter than me and started sliding! My brakes were useless, so it became a game of stay-on-the-bike-no-matter-what. Lesson learned: low gear + max assist = survival.
At the steeper sections, local trail users came to the rescue. One guy, Vaughan from Arrowtown, even took Finlay for a quick run in the Josi so I could ride my bike solo for a bit. He also gave us a heroic push up one of the tougher slopes—absolute legend! Finlay, meanwhile, was living his best life, soaking up the attention and giggling with his new trail buddies.
The Final Push: A Comedy of Errors
The last stretch was, ironically, the same incline where we had started. The difference? This time, I had to push Finlay UP that gravel slope. About halfway up, I hit my limit. My legs were trembling, my trainers were slipping on the loose gravel, and I was officially stuck. Turning back wasn’t an option—I’d just go flying down the hill!
As panic started to creep in, a couple coming down the hill quickly assessed the situation and jumped into action. With all hands on deck, we managed to push Finlay and his trailer up to the flat. Someone offered me water (bless them!), another kind soul fetched my bike, and I sat on the ground trying to catch my breath while Finlay grinned like this was all part of the plan.
Would I Do It Again?
Absolutely. Yes, the Lake Hayes Loop was challenging, and yes, I underestimated how much of a workout it would be with the trailer. But the stunning scenery, the sense of accomplishment, and the incredible kindness of strangers made this ride unforgettable. Next time, I’d bring a friend to help tackle the tricky parts, but I’d do it again in a heartbeat.
The Lake Hayes Loop isn’t just a trail; it’s a reminder that adventures are as much about the journey as the destination. So, if you’re looking for a challenge with a view, give it a go—you’ll have stories (and sore legs) to last a lifetime!
Have you tried a trail with a bike trailer or stroller? Share your tips and adventures below—I’d love to hear them!
Love reading about your adventures, you’re amazing.
Kimberly, what an absolute legend! Your determination, courage and pure grit turned the seemingly inaccessible into an epic adventure with Finlay. And great to hear how others stepped up to help along the way. A perfect reminder that the journey matters just as much as the finish line.