Lake Hayes

On a calm morning the hills stand upside down in it

Hours: Open all hours
Tickets: Free
Address: Beside State Highway 6; the North Lake Hayes picnic area has the most parking

The lake shows up out of nowhere on the road to Arrowtown. When the wind drops at dawn, the surface turns to glass and the Remarkables ridge lands in it upside down. The path around the shore is flat enough to walk or ride, and a boardwalk at the south end crosses bird habitat. You quickly see why people stand here with cameras before sunrise.