Located in Queenstown area in the Otago region
Fitness required: High
Gradient: Steep
11 km return via same track
In winter you will need to carry and be able to use alpine equipment such as ice axe and crampons. The track may change between very slippery and muddy.
The Ben Lomond Track rewards trampers with spectacular 360 degree views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountain ranges including Ka-kamu-a-Hakitekura/Cecil and Walter Peaks and Kawarau/Remarkables. In fine weather, you may even spot Mounts Pikirakatahi/Earnslaw and Tititea/Aspiring in the distance.
The track begins among Douglas fir on Skyline Access Road or the Tiki Trail. At about 800 m altitude you leave the tree line behind to enter alpine tussocks and shrubs. Climb to the 1,326 m Ben Lomond Saddle. Beyond the saddle is Ben Lomond Station where the track becomes a marked route. From here, the terrain becomes steeper and rougher as it approaches Ben Lomond's 1,748m summit.
Note: The section from the saddle to the summit crosses private land. Respect the landowner’s rights and keep to the formed track to avoid stock disturbance and farm hazards.
Located near central Queenstown, the three access points to this track are:
Ensure you leave enough daylight hours, but pack a headtorch just in case. In winter, you'll need alpine equipment.
Ensure you take:
Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.
A concession is required to fly a drone on any public conservation land.
Whakatipu-wai-Māori / Queenstown Visitor Centre | |
Phone: | +64 3 442 7935 |
Fax: | +64 4 471 1117 |
Email: | queenstownvc@doc.govt.nz |
Address: |
50 Stanley Street Queenstown 9300 |
Postal Address: |
PO Box 811 Queenstown 9348 |
Full office details |