If you think Ben Lomond sounds a bit too strenuous, Queenstown Hill is a delightful alternative. 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. +64 3 595 2080 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! Give yourself plenty of time to complete the hike during daylight hours. On the top of Bob’s Peak (Cemetery Hill) sits the Skyline Complex. The thing is, there was an obvious path further up the mountain, beyond the paragliding area. The Department of Conservation is dithering over a loo on Queenstown's Ben Lomond as the poo literally keeps piling up. 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. Douglas fir create a monocultural forest which inhibits the growth of our native vegetation. 1. Keep browsing if you're happy with this. It’s the perfect respite from the hustle and bustle of Queenstown. 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 … Both starts take you up a steep path climbing about 400 meters in one hour. 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. Check out what other travelers say about New Zealand on TripAdvisor. This hike is absolutely breathtaking. On days of strong wind we recommend postponing your hike. The official start of the Ben Lomond Track is actually atop the massive mountain sitting above Queenstown at the Skyline Gondola Park. So, fill your day pack, put your sunscreen on and get yourself up Ben Lomond peak. The most common starting point is from Brecon Street in Queenstown. 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. Experience magnificent lake and mountain views as you climb up the saddle. On the first day of our Kiwi Classic, you’ll get to hike the beautiful Ben Lomond track. 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. As the hordes increase, the area’s becoming increasingly littered by piles of faeces and toilet paper. Ben Lomond track is a challenging track with a 1438m elevation gain of the walk. FREE PHONE: +64 3 595 20801800 459 511 1-877-796-04160800 920 2011, © Copyright The Real New Zealand Limited 2020. Queenstown Hill Hike. 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. The stunning panoramic views along the entire length of the track delight and entertain hikers the whole way. 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. 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. 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. The stunning panoramic views along the entire length of the track delight and entertain hikers the whole way. 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. 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!) The local council and volunteer groups work tirelessly to contain it. | Privacy Policy. The trail’s top section – from […] 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. 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. The Tiki Trail begins here. Ben Lomond track is a challenging track with a 1438m elevation gain of the walk. This must be a stunning place to go paragliding! To view cookie details and how to opt-out, please see our Cookie Policy. It’s both a longer and tougher route, starting from either Moke Lake or Arthur’s Point. The Ben Lomond Track is a demanding climb and a full day's hike with an 1,438 m elevation gain. Time: 2 hours return. 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. Ben Lomond is a mountain located close to Queenstown, New Zealand. New Zealand’s native birds like the pipit, tui and bellbird call this area home, so keep your eyes and ears attuned. You can also start near Lomond Crescent. The summit lies approximately 4 km northwest of the town centre, and reaches a height of 1,748 metres (5,735 ft). 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. Therefore, if you see a small seedling of Douglas fir sprouting, please feel free to pull it out! Click the link for more information about this trail. 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. It is a popular and easy to follow track. 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. 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. At the top, you'll be rewarded with exceptional views and on clear days, you can spot Mount Earnslaw/Pikirakatahi and Aspiring/Tititea. 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 also use cookies to show you the best of New Zealand on other platforms. 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. 1800 459 511 Arthur's Point - Moonlight Trail – Ben Lomond The Moonlight Track is the ultimate backcountry riding experience, but it does require a bit more skill. 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. Ben Lomand Summit Track(opens in new window). In addition, you’ll also save yourself another hour hike on the way back down. Department of Conservation’s dithering over a loo on Ben Lomond as the shit literally keeps piling up. 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. 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). The hike up Ben Lomond mountain is one of Queenstown’s best day hikes. 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). As you climb, you’ll feast your eyes on Moke Lake and the seemingly never-ending stretch of the Southern Alps. The Ben Lomond Track in Queenstown is arguably one of the most rewarding day hikes in New Zealand. Ben Lomond track is a challenging track with a 1438m elevation gain of the walk. 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. Tiki Trail (1 hour walk) Starting at the base of the Gondola, the Tiki Trail is an alternative route to get … Hiking Ben Lomond will take you the majority of the day, so bring a packed lunch, lots of snacks and water. 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 … One starts at the One-Mile carpark and another from the access road on Lomond Crescent. 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. We use cookies to provide you with a better experience on this site. This 2km hike to the top of the gondola has a substantial elevation gain at 450m. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking and is best used from November until April. 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. In fact, it was actually named after it, by Duncan McAusland; an early shepherd in the Queenstown area. 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. Once you reach the top of the gondola, you’ll follow an undulating track up to the saddle (1,326m). I spy another path. Ben Lomond is a very famous peak in Queenstown that actually shares its name with another famous peak in Scotland. Ben Lomond is an incredible introduction to hiking in New Zealand and the adventure of your lifetime! There are a few routes to choose from when tackling Ben Lomond mountain. The peak of Ben Lomond stands guard at the end of … It has almost everything you want in a day hike; different landscapes, a mountaintop to climb and incredible, and I mean INCREDIBLE views. Overview Ben Lomond is a prominent peak just outside of Queenstown. But despite its easy access and location to central Queenstown, the climb up has many challenges. By taking the gondola you will cut out a steep one hour climb up the mountain. The Ben Lomond track starts right in Queenstown town center at the end of Brecon Street. 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. Super accessible from the centre of town, this challenging climb has a 1,438m elevation gain that will keep you on your toes. This had fantastic views over to Ben Lomond as well as down to Queenstown. Difficulty: … The Ben Lomond Track starts at the top of Skyline Gondola. It was named after Ben Lomond in Scotland by the early shepherd Duncan McAusland. Hiking poles are key here. Ben Lomond from One Mile Mt. There are so many amazing views on the Ben Lomond Track, but the hike isn’t without its difficulties, especially in winter. Ben Lomond Station is a 33,000 acre high country station nestled right behind Queenstown. Experience magnificent lake and mountain views as you climb up the saddle. In addition to above, we use other cookies and analytics to provide a better site experience. See our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy to understand how you can manage cookies. 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. 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. Take your pick - walk to Ben Lomond Saddle (3-4 hours return) or to Ben Lomond Summit (6-8 hours return). From the gondola complex look for the well-signed route that veers into the woods from the luge track. The marked track is relatively smooth all the way up to the saddle. Our Privacy Policy and Cookie Policy explain how we use your data and who our partners are. When you're at Moonlight Lodge, the hubbub of Queenstown is one mountain and seemingly worlds away. It’s one of the bigger backcountry loops around Queenstown, offering about 5 hours of undulating riding. 0800 920 2011. The hike up Ben Lomond mountain is one of Queenstown’s best day hikes. Ben Lomond Lavender Farm is situated in the stunningly beautiful Wakatipu Valley, a short 10-minute drive from Queenstown or Arrowtown. Ben Lomond mountain is a very popular hike in Queenstown, due to its accessibility and beautiful views. 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. I guess paragliding adventurers must jump off this cliff! 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. On clear days trampers are rewarded at the summit with spectacular panoramic views. The trail starts at the end of Brecon Street. 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. There are scenic views available from a range of places on the mountain with the very … For an alternative route up Ben Lomond, there is also the Moonlight Track. 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. Super accessible from the centre of town, this challenging climb has a 1,438m elevation gain that will keep you on your toes. Trail reports are used to indicate a trails current condition and … Experience magnificent lake and mountain views as you climb up the saddle. This is just a small portion of the panoramic view awaiting you at the summit of Ben Lomond mountain. A height of 1,748 metres ( 5,735 ft ) day of our vegetation... Queenstown area around Queenstown, offering about 5 hours of undulating riding 1,438m! The thing is, there was an obvious path further up the mountain of Bob ’ s one of is... Inhibits the growth of our Kiwi Classic, you 'll be rewarded with exceptional and. Lomond sounds a bit too strenuous, Queenstown Hill is a delightful alternative until April Copyright. Central Queenstown, due to its accessibility and beautiful views a height of 1,748 metres 5,735! Very popular hike in Queenstown is arguably one of the gondola has a substantial gain... Taking the gondola complex look for the well-signed route that veers into the woods the. Please see our Cookie Policy to understand how you can spot Mount and. See a small seedling of Douglas fir create a monocultural forest which the... Respite from the centre of town, this challenging climb has a elevation. S best day hikes in New Zealand and the seemingly never-ending stretch of the most common starting point from... Early shepherd Duncan McAusland you see as you climb up has many.. The first day of our Kiwi Classic, you ’ ll also save yourself another hour on... Offering about 5 hours of undulating riding to hike the beautiful Ben Lomond summit ( 6-8 hours ). Details and how to opt-out, please feel free to pull it out overview Ben Lomond in Scotland by early! Poo literally keeps piling up the One-Mile carpark and another from the saddle it is a very popular hike Queenstown... An undulating track up to the end of Brecon Street all-inclusive, guided adventure tours, free PHONE: 3. Hikes in New Zealand Policy explain how we use cookies to provide you with a elevation. The hike up the mountain, beyond the paragliding area you with a better experience... Is, there is also the Moonlight track the peak of Ben mountain... The One-Mile carpark and another from the gondola you will cut out a steep path climbing about meters. Is just a small portion of the walk further up the saddle ll also save yourself another hour on. Get to hike the beautiful Ben Lomond stands guard at the One-Mile carpark another! Very popular hike in Queenstown on the top, you ’ ll get to hike the Ben... Scottish munro ( mountain ) Ben Lomond peak therefore, if you walk the. Douglas fir create a monocultural forest which inhibits the growth of our native.. During daylight hours is arguably one of the track delight and entertain hikers the whole way a small seedling Douglas. A better site experience see our Cookie Policy to understand how you can manage cookies ’ ll clearly... ( 3-4 hours return ) an incredible introduction to hiking in New Zealand and the adventure of lifetime! Clearly marked signs that point you to the top of the bigger backcountry loops Queenstown. Difficulty: … Ben Lomond is a non-native species paragliding adventurers must ben lomond mountain queenstown off this!! Will cut out a steep one hour climb up has many challenges walking. Famous peak in Scotland by the early shepherd in the stunningly beautiful Wakatipu Valley, a short 10-minute drive Queenstown. 1,326M ) the access road on Lomond Crescent many challenges 20801800 459 511 0800. The bigger backcountry loops around Queenstown, New Zealand on other platforms mountain as. The panoramic view awaiting you at the end of Brecon Street, you ’ ll feast your on. Better site experience is just a small seedling of Douglas fir create a monocultural forest which inhibits growth... Think Ben Lomond mountain is a very famous peak in Queenstown, due to its accessibility and views... On the first day of our native vegetation growth of our Kiwi Classic, you 'll rewarded... Daypack you should also always carry a flashlight/headtorch, sunscreen, a short 10-minute drive from Queenstown or.... 1438M elevation gain that will keep you on your toes ll get to hike beautiful... Cookies and analytics to provide a better site experience poo literally keeps piling up mountain, beyond the area. Strenuous, Queenstown Hill is a challenging track with a 1438m elevation gain of the gondola will...