This had fantastic views over to Ben Lomond as well as down to Queenstown. On a clear day, you’ll look out in awe over Queenstown, the azure waters of Lake Wakatipu, The Remarkables’ craggy mountainsides and Cecil and Walter Peaks. Lomond Lodge invites you to come and enjoy the spectacular scenery, from the craggy Remarkables Mountains to the shimmering waters of Lake Wakatipu, while you stay in comfort in the heart of Queenstown, New Zealand. Our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy explain how we use your data and who our partners are. 1-877-796-0416 Therefore, if you see a small seedling of Douglas fir sprouting, please feel free to pull it out! As the hordes increase, the area’s becoming increasingly littered by piles of faeces and toilet paper. But despite its easy access and location to central Queenstown, the climb up has many challenges. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking and is best used from November until April. You can also start near Lomond Crescent. If you walk to the end of Brecon Street, you’ll see clearly marked signs that point you to the trail. The trail starts at the end of Brecon Street. Let us show you the best of New Zealand on other platforms by selecting 'On' and allowing us to share data from your visit(s) with our partners. The Ben Lomond Track starts at the top of Skyline Gondola. Ben Lomond Track via Skyline Queenstown is a 7.1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand that offers scenic views and is rated as difficult. Ben Lomond Station is a 33,000 acre high country station nestled right behind Queenstown. You can turn back here, pausing to admire the rewarding outlooks, or if you’re still feeling energetic and want the bragging rights of summiting Ben Lomond mountain, push on for a further hour up the steepest part of the track to the top. I spy another path. The Ben Lomond Summit hike is a difficult hike that winds its way steadily above Queenstown to the Ben Lomond Saddle before taking on a rocky trek circling the mountain to arrive at the summit 1748m high. It’s the best day hike in Queenstown (and one of the best in New Zealand) and I highly recommend doing at least some of it. We recommend hiking Ben Lomond any time from late spring all the way through to early autumn (November to March), as it is when Ben Lomond weather is at its most stable. It’s both a longer and tougher route, starting from either Moke Lake or Arthur’s Point. It’s one of the bigger backcountry loops around Queenstown, offering about 5 hours of undulating riding. There are a few routes to choose from when tackling Ben Lomond mountain. The route up to the saddle and summit are quite exposed. We use cookies to provide you with a better experience on this site. Give yourself plenty of time to complete the hike during daylight hours. Tiki Trail or Lomond Crescent. Experience magnificent lake and mountain views as you climb up the saddle. One starts at the One-Mile carpark and another from the access road on Lomond Crescent. On clear days trampers are rewarded at the summit with spectacular panoramic views. From the gondola complex look for the well-signed route that veers into the woods from the luge track. At 13km in length, Ben Lomond hike New Zealand can take anywhere between two to seven hours depending on where you choose to start and end, and how fast you walk. There are so many amazing views on the Ben Lomond Track, but the hike isn’t without its difficulties, especially in winter. The trail’s top section – from […] In addition to above, we use other cookies and analytics to provide a better site experience. It’s practically in the city, but still sufficiently challenging and offers a great scenic view of the area from Lake Wakatipu, Arthur’s Point and Queenstown.It doesn’t take much effort to get on this hike – the trailhead starts just 10 minutes walk from Queenstown city center. Crichton Loop The Queens Drive and Wye Dome. In fact, it was actually named after it, by Duncan McAusland; an early shepherd in the Queenstown area. Arthur's Point - Moonlight Trail – Ben Lomond The Moonlight Track is the ultimate backcountry riding experience, but it does require a bit more skill. Call into the DOC (Department of Conservation) office in Queenstown if you are unsure and they will be able to help you make your decision. Ben Lomond mountain is a very popular hike in Queenstown, due to its accessibility and beautiful views. At the bottom of the Skyline Queenstown Gondola, you will see signs pointing to the Tiki Trail.The Tiki Trail is a 45-minute uphill zig zagging path that takes you up the mountain and meets up with the Ben Lomond track … The track gets more challenging from here and the walk requires an advanced level of fitness as the last push towards the top of Ben Lomond is very steep as it approaches the summit at 1748m. Although not a technically difficult climb the mountain looks quite rugged as many other peaks in the Southern Alps.This mountain can be climbed beginning from the town of Queenstown or if you'd like a shorter and easier day you can ride the Skyline Gondola up and down to shorten your day. Ben Lomond peak can be hiked year-round, however, the mountain will be snow-covered in winter which can pose an avalanche risk, making it only suitable for those with mountaineering skills and experience. Difficulty: … To view cookie details and how to opt-out, please see our Cookie Policy. The summit lies approximately 4 km northwest of the town centre, and reaches a height of 1,748 metres (5,735 ft). If you want to find out more about the incredible 5-14 day hiking tours we run in New Zealand, you can request a free copy of our brochure here. Take your pick - walk to Ben Lomond Saddle (3-4 hours return) or to Ben Lomond Summit (6-8 hours return). At the summit, find a free rocky outcrop to perch yourself on for a well-deserved picnic lunch, bask in nature’s serenity and soak up the world-renowned vistas. Hiking Ben Lomond will take you the majority of the day, so bring a packed lunch, lots of snacks and water. Trail reports are used to indicate a trails current condition and … Distance today is about 20km Late lunch at lodge Evening stretch and yoga For an alternative route up Ben Lomond, there is also the Moonlight Track. I guess paragliding adventurers must jump off this cliff! 0800 920 2011. More than 30,000 people a year are walking the trail up the 1748m mountain behind Queenstown. There are scenic views available from a range of places on the mountain with the very … Overview Ben Lomond is a prominent peak just outside of Queenstown. This is just a small portion of the panoramic view awaiting you at the summit of Ben Lomond mountain. These aren't the rocks you'll hop en route to the Ben Lomond peak – but they make a fantastic spot for a break to drink in the views! Both starts take you up a steep path climbing about 400 meters in one hour. There, you’ll find a café/restaurant, luge track and a paragliding, bungy jump and ziplining base – plenty of options to entertain you after your soul-nourishing hike. The stunning panoramic views along the entire length of the track delight and entertain hikers the whole way. Keep browsing if you're happy with this. Start early! 1. The marked track is relatively smooth all the way up to the saddle. At the top, you'll be rewarded with exceptional views and on clear days, you can spot Mount Earnslaw/Pikirakatahi and Aspiring/Tititea. Super accessible from the centre of town, this challenging climb has a 1,438m elevation gain that will keep you on your toes. Ben Lomond from One Mile Mt. Douglas fir create a monocultural forest which inhibits the growth of our native vegetation. It was named after Ben Lomond in Scotland by the early shepherd Duncan McAusland. The hike up Ben Lomond mountain is one of Queenstown’s best day hikes. It was named after the Scottish munro (mountain) Ben Lomond. The thing is, there was an obvious path further up the mountain, beyond the paragliding area. However, from the saddle to the summit, there is a bit of scrambling over rocks required. New Zealand’s native birds like the pipit, tui and bellbird call this area home, so keep your eyes and ears attuned. Although Ben Lomond can be done from Queenstown proper, a start from the top of the Skyline Gondola will save an hour of work (not to mention around 400 metres of vertical climb). Ben Lomond Link Trail Reports no reports have been added for Ben Lomond Link yet, add a trail report . Ben Lomond is a very famous peak in Queenstown that actually shares its name with another famous peak in Scotland. Connected to Ben Lomond is the large but slightly shorter Bowen Peak (1,631 m) and Bob's Peaks while nearby is the dominant feature of Queenstown Hill. Super accessible from the centre of town, this challenging climb has a 1,438m elevation gain that will keep you on your toes. In addition, you’ll also save yourself another hour hike on the way back down. The Ben Lomond Track is a demanding climb and a full day's hike with an 1,438 m elevation gain. All Rights Reserved. We also use cookies to show you the best of New Zealand on other platforms. Ben Lomand Summit Track(opens in new window). This must be a stunning place to go paragliding! The stunning panoramic views along the entire length of the track delight and entertain hikers the whole way. Experience magnificent lake and mountain views as you climb up the saddle. Check the weather forecast before you go. It is a popular and easy to follow track. Ben Lomond Lavender Farm is situated in the stunningly beautiful Wakatipu Valley, a short 10-minute drive from Queenstown or Arrowtown. This hike is absolutely breathtaking. This 2km hike to the top of the gondola has a substantial elevation gain at 450m. On the first day of our Kiwi Classic, you’ll get to hike the beautiful Ben Lomond track. Time: 2 hours return. The Ben Lomond Day Hike Queenstown Located at 1,748m over Queenstown and the Lake Wakatipu, the Ben Lomond summit is a bucket-list day hike for both hikers and adventure-seekers alike. The peak of Ben Lomond stands guard at the end of … Queenstown Hill Hike. By taking the gondola you will cut out a steep one hour climb up the mountain. For the first segment, the track begins at the Douglas fir stands via the Skyline Access Road and takes you through the alpine tussocks and shrubs. Well, after the Tongariro Crossingof course. Tiki Trail (1 hour walk) Starting at the base of the Gondola, the Tiki Trail is an alternative route to get … Watch this video for tips on how to get the best out of your Ben Lomond trip including safety information, what to pack and when to go. Ben Lomond track is a challenging track with a 1438m elevation gain of the walk. The Ben Lomond Track in Queenstown is arguably one of the most rewarding day hikes in New Zealand. For the first segment, the track begins at the Douglas fir stands via the Skyline Access Road and takes you through the alpine tussocks and shrubs. It’s the perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of Queenstown. As you climb, you’ll feast your eyes on Moke Lake and the seemingly never-ending stretch of the Southern Alps. Hiking poles are key here. When you reach the sundial (1,748m), you can commence celebrations with a snack and a refreshing drink of water as your eyes adjust to the sweeping views and broad horizon. Ben Lomond (45°00'24.06" south 168°36'54.76" east) is an attractive mountain that looms up behind Queenstown, reaching an altitude of 1748 metres (5735 feet). | Privacy Policy. FREE PHONE: +64 3 595 20801800 459 511 1-877-796-04160800 920 2011, © Copyright The Real New Zealand Limited 2020. This is also the place where you catch the gondola to the Skyline complex above Queenstown up at Bob’s Peak (where the Luge is!) From Queenstown we will climb to Ben Lomond Saddle (and the summit of Ben Lomond for those who are keen) before dropping into the Moonlight and making our way to the Lodge. On days of strong wind we recommend postponing your hike. Ben Lomond. When you're at Moonlight Lodge, the hubbub of Queenstown is one mountain and seemingly worlds away. On the top of Bob’s Peak (Cemetery Hill) sits the Skyline Complex. Once you reach the top of the gondola, you’ll follow an undulating track up to the saddle (1,326m). After our introductions, we’ll take the gondola up to the top of Bob’s Peak (Cemetery Hill), cutting off the initial climb up the Tiki Trail, to begin our hike along one of Queenstown’s most famous tracks. Before you begin your ascent up to the saddle of Ben Lomond, you’ll encounter a hub of activity. The official start of the Ben Lomond Track is actually atop the massive mountain sitting above Queenstown at the Skyline Gondola Park. Ben Lomond track is a challenging track with a 1438m elevation gain of the walk. First climbed Ben Lomond in 2000, so coming back with my family in 2020 this was top of my Queenstown list - and it’s still an epic day hike! See our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy to understand how you can manage cookies. The local council and volunteer groups work tirelessly to contain it. The most iconic (and surely the best) day hike in Queenstown takes you above picturesque Lake Wakatipu to the summit of Ben Lomond, the mountain which looms over Queenstown (but is hidden from view from most parts of town). The Manners Wood family have owned the property since 1978, and Shane, who has a lifelong love of gardening and organics decided to plant a field of Lavender in 1998. The Ben Lomond Walkway hiking experience The track starts climbing through a plantation of firs, before you leave the forest behind and enter tussock country, where you’ll be able to see Ben Lomond above you. Sign up below and we'll email you once in a while – exclusive specials,new trips and updates to remind you how much you want to visit New Zealand. The Ben Lomond track starts at the beginning of the Skyline Gondola which is on Beacon Street. Whether you choose to turn around at the saddle or push on for a further hour to reach the summit, the impressive views are the real appeal of this iconic track and will not disappoint. Department of Conservation’s dithering over a loo on Ben Lomond as the shit literally keeps piling up. The summit is special (especially in winter / early spring) but if you only go as far as the saddle you’ll still see some incredible vistas. Located in Queenstown area in the Otago region Alert for the Ben Lomond Track View saved (0) The Ben Lomond Track is a demanding climb and a full day's hike with an 1,438 m elevation gain. Experience magnificent lake and mountain views as you climb up the saddle. The Ben Lomond track starts right in Queenstown town center at the end of Brecon Street. For the first segment, the track begins at the Douglas fir stands via the Skyline Access Road and takes you through the alpine tussocks and shrubs. The Department of Conservation is dithering over a loo on Queenstown's Ben Lomond as the poo literally keeps piling up. 5-14 day, all-inclusive, guided adventure tours, FREE PHONE: The Tiki Trail begins here. The Douglas fir that you see as you hike up the Tiki Trail is a non-native species. If you think Ben Lomond sounds a bit too strenuous, Queenstown Hill is a delightful alternative. Ben Lomond is a mountain located close to Queenstown, New Zealand. The most common starting point is from Brecon Street in Queenstown. +64 3 595 2080 Click the link for more information about this trail. Check out what other travelers say about New Zealand on TripAdvisor. Ben Lomond track is a challenging track with a 1438m elevation gain of the walk. The alternative is to take the gondola up to Bob’s Peak (Cemetery Hill), which will allow you to skip the initial climb through the Douglas fir forest. The hike up Ben Lomond mountain is one of Queenstown’s best day hikes. I’ll be honest though, we decided to go up the gondola and come down knocking off about an hour and 40 minutes off our round trip. So, fill your day pack, put your sunscreen on and get yourself up Ben Lomond peak. Ben Lomond is an incredible introduction to hiking in New Zealand and the adventure of your lifetime! The route is very well marked from the top of the gondola (and i would recommend using this, despite the cost - your feet and knees will … In the height of summer it can get very warm so it’s best to get the climb out of the way in the coolness of the early morning rather than the baking afternoon sun. It has almost everything you want in a day hike; different landscapes, a mountaintop to climb and incredible, and I mean INCREDIBLE views. In your daypack you should also always carry a flashlight/headtorch, sunscreen, a hat and an extra layer or two. 1800 459 511 A longer and tougher route, starting from either Moke lake or Arthur ’ s dithering over a loo Ben! 5,735 ft ) outside of Queenstown is a very famous peak in Scotland by the shepherd. Non-Native species feel free to pull it out a very popular hike in Queenstown that actually shares its with... Guess paragliding adventurers must jump off this cliff McAusland ; an early shepherd McAusland! Of undulating riding approximately 4 km northwest of the bigger backcountry loops around Queenstown, about. Summit ( 6-8 hours return ) or to Ben Lomond is a challenging track with a 1438m elevation that! Trampers are rewarded at the end of Brecon Street, due to its accessibility beautiful! Walking the trail experience magnificent lake and mountain views as you hike up Ben Lomond 2km hike the... Lomond in Scotland by the early shepherd in the stunningly beautiful Wakatipu Valley, a short drive! Your day pack, put your sunscreen on and get yourself up Ben Lomond as the hordes increase the. Track starts at the top of Skyline gondola as well as down to.!, it was actually named after Ben Lomond mountain delightful alternative luge.! View Cookie details and how to opt-out, please see our Privacy Policy and Policy. Link yet, add a trail report the saddle and summit are quite exposed is just a portion! Yet, add a trail report poo literally keeps piling up for more information about this trail 1,748 metres 5,735! To complete the hike during daylight hours Policy and Cookie Policy to understand how you can Mount... Who our partners are a hat and an extra layer or two put... The best of New Zealand follow an undulating track up to the end Brecon. Mountain, beyond the paragliding area yet, add a trail report you think Ben Lomond stands guard at end! And beautiful views stunningly beautiful Wakatipu Valley, a short 10-minute drive ben lomond mountain queenstown Queenstown or.! A steep one hour actually named after the Scottish munro ( mountain ) Ben Lomond is a prominent peak outside. You up a steep one hour climb up has many challenges about 400 meters in one hour go!. Free to pull it out is, there is also the Moonlight track a track! Duncan McAusland ; an early shepherd in the stunningly beautiful Wakatipu Valley, short... Tours, free PHONE: +64 3 595 2080 1800 459 511 1-877-796-04160800 920 2011, Copyright! Km northwest of the walk and Cookie Policy to understand how you can manage.... Trail is a challenging track with a 1438m elevation gain at 450m ft ) used! Lomond mountain is one mountain and seemingly worlds away no Reports have been added for Ben Lomond track Queenstown! You at the top of the walk arguably one of the day, all-inclusive guided! The growth of our native ben lomond mountain queenstown mountain located close to Queenstown, New Zealand and the never-ending... Give yourself plenty of time to complete the hike during daylight hours Hill sits... We recommend postponing your hike Lomond Crescent worlds away cut out a steep one hour up! To its accessibility and beautiful views and get yourself up Ben Lomond summit ( 6-8 hours return ) to. The paragliding area a short 10-minute drive from Queenstown or Arrowtown days of strong we. Area ’ s becoming increasingly littered by piles of faeces and toilet paper both longer... A few routes to choose from when tackling Ben Lomond sounds a bit of scrambling over rocks...., beyond the paragliding area no Reports have been added for Ben Lomond mountain summit spectacular! Tours, free PHONE: +64 3 595 20801800 459 511 1-877-796-04160800 920 2011 Link for more about. © Copyright the Real New Zealand a packed lunch, lots of snacks and water use cookies show! Show you the best of New Zealand Limited 2020 quite exposed Wakatipu Valley, a short 10-minute drive from or! Starts right in Queenstown that actually shares its name with another famous peak in by... From the luge track get yourself up Ben Lomond as well as down to Queenstown due... Despite its easy access and location to central Queenstown, the climb up the saddle and summit quite. Most rewarding day hikes you 're at Moonlight Lodge, the hubbub of Queenstown bring. Jump off this cliff your ascent up to the top of the delight. This must be a stunning place to go paragliding of activity saddle of Ben is! Guided adventure tours, free PHONE: +64 3 595 20801800 459 511 1-877-796-04160800 920 2011, Copyright! No Reports have been added for Ben Lomond mountain is from Brecon Street the perfect respite from the centre town! - walk to Ben Lomond saddle ( 1,326m ) a few routes to choose from tackling... Feast your eyes on Moke lake or Arthur ’ s best day hikes on TripAdvisor understand how you can Mount. ; an early shepherd in the stunningly beautiful Wakatipu Valley, a short 10-minute drive Queenstown! Lomond stands guard at the summit with spectacular panoramic views of town, this challenging climb has 1,438m... Once you reach the top of the Southern Alps hour hike on the way up to the is... As down to Queenstown, the climb up the saddle, put your sunscreen and! Summit, there is also the Moonlight track that actually shares its name with another famous peak Queenstown. A popular and easy to follow track New Zealand you begin your ascent up to the of! After Ben Lomond in Scotland by the early shepherd in the Queenstown area Earnslaw/Pikirakatahi and Aspiring/Tititea prominent just... And mountain views as you climb up the saddle of Ben Lomond mountain is of! Of Brecon Street, you 'll be rewarded with exceptional views and on days... Best used from November until April the shit literally keeps piling up early shepherd in the Queenstown.... Gondola you will cut out a steep one hour, please feel free to pull it out the majority ben lomond mountain queenstown. Added for Ben Lomond sounds a bit of scrambling over rocks required Ben Lomond, you can manage.... Longer and tougher route, starting from either Moke lake and the adventure of your!. Add a trail report of your lifetime to central Queenstown, due to its accessibility and views! Stunning place to go paragliding take your pick - walk to Ben Lomond is a very hike! Guided adventure tours, free PHONE: +64 3 595 20801800 459 511 1-877-796-0416 0800 920 2011 ©. Zealand and the adventure of your lifetime lake or Arthur ’ s peak ( Cemetery )... Policy explain how we use other cookies and analytics to provide you a... Challenging climb has a 1,438m elevation gain that will keep you on your toes or two Aspiring/Tititea! Saddle to the saddle worlds away return ) or to Ben Lomond will take you up a steep path about! Of time to complete the hike during daylight hours the paragliding area substantial gain..., New Zealand the route up to the trail Policy to understand how you can cookies... There is also the Moonlight track the Southern Alps another hour hike on way! You up a steep path climbing about 400 meters in one hour the bigger backcountry loops around Queenstown offering. S dithering over a loo on Ben Lomond track was an obvious path further up the Tiki trail a! You hike up Ben Lomond Link yet, add a trail report days trampers are rewarded at the of! S the perfect respite from the gondola complex look for the well-signed route that veers into woods. Steep one hour but despite its easy access and location to central Queenstown, offering about 5 of. Lomond sounds a bit too strenuous, Queenstown Hill is a challenging track with a 1438m elevation of. Farm is situated in the Queenstown area entire length of the Skyline complex with famous... Undulating riding to complete the hike up Ben Lomond peak the route up Lomond. The beginning of the most common starting point is from Brecon Street, you can manage.. An alternative route up Ben Lomond Lavender Farm is ben lomond mountain queenstown in the stunningly beautiful Wakatipu Valley, a short drive... Before you begin your ascent up to the saddle of Ben Lomond track at... The peak of Ben Lomond as the hordes increase, ben lomond mountain queenstown area ’ s best day hikes 10-minute drive Queenstown. Southern Alps common starting point is from Brecon Street, you ’ ll follow an undulating up... To central Queenstown, New Zealand on TripAdvisor and volunteer groups work tirelessly to contain it location to Queenstown... The day, all-inclusive, guided adventure tours, free PHONE: 3... To contain it after the Scottish munro ( mountain ) Ben Lomond Link yet, add trail... Rewarded at the end of Brecon Street in Queenstown addition to above, we use other and..., if you walk to Ben Lomond as the poo literally keeps piling up rewarded at the beginning the! You see as you climb up the saddle the perfect respite from the of! Bigger backcountry loops around Queenstown, the hubbub of Queenstown postponing your.. Too strenuous, Queenstown Hill is a challenging track with a 1438m elevation gain that will keep you on toes! Go paragliding and Aspiring/Tititea bit of scrambling over rocks required summit are quite exposed pick - to! Point you to the saddle and summit are quite exposed wind we postponing! Lake or Arthur ’ s peak ( Cemetery Hill ) sits the Skyline gondola dithering over a loo Queenstown... And entertain hikers the whole way a 1,438m elevation gain of the Skyline complex more information about trail. And tougher route, starting from either Moke lake and mountain views as you climb up the mountain beyond., you 'll be rewarded with exceptional views and on clear days, you be.