Ben Lomond Track
Located in Queenstown area in the Otago region
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Introduction
The Ben Lomond Track is a demanding climb and a full day's hike with an 1,438 m elevation gain when completed from Queenstown. On a clear day trampers are rewarded at the summit with spectacular panoramic views.Fitness required: High
Gradient: Steep
11 km return via same track
Seasonal restrictions
In winter you will need to carry and be able to use alpine equipment such as avalanche equipment, ice axe and crampons. The track may change between very slippery and muddy.
Dog access
The Ben Lomond Track rewards trampers with spectacular panoramic views over Queenstown, Lake Whakatipu and the surrounding mountain ranges. These include 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 crosses private land and is unmaintained. From here, the terrain becomes steeper and rougher. The hardest part of the climb remains as you approach 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.
Ben Lomond Saddle from the Skyline Gondola complex
Time: 3-4 hr return
Distance: 4.5 km
Enjoy a shorter tramp on the Ben Lomond Track by riding the Gondola to the Skyline complex and hiking to the Ben Lomond Saddle and back.
This is a good option for trampers who would like to take in the views while building the fitness and experience required to hike to the summit.
Add in the Tiki Trail to complete the hike to Ben Lomond Saddle from Queenstown.
Understand if you are ready for the Ben Lomond Track
Watch the NZ Mountain Safety Council’s walk-through video which takes you through how to prepare for this track. Including facilities, key decision points, hazards and typical conditions for the area.
Located near central Queenstown, the three access points to this track are:
- the Tiki Trail starting next to the Skyline Gondola base station at the top of Brecon Street.
- the bottom of the Skyline Access Road.
- from One Mile Creek Track which starts at the Fern Hill roundabout.
Ensure you leave enough daylight hours, but pack a headtorch just in case. In winter, you'll need alpine equipment.
What to expect
- A full day's hike with 1,438 m elevation gain. Remember, the peak is only the halfway point.
Hazards
- The weather changes rapidly in this region. Hypothermia is a real risk even in summer.
- Numerous steep downhill mountain bike tracks intersect with the walking track. Due to the high speeds these are unsafe for walkers. Be careful to follow the signs and stay on walking tracks.
- Animals have also formed tracks across the mountain. Ensure you follow the signs and orange markers to stay on the right track.
Amenities
- There are toilets at the top complex of the Skyline Gondola.
- There is now a toilet located 100 m before Ben Lomond saddle. Take your own supplies. No water, hand sanitiser or toilet paper is provided. Do not use the toilet as a rubbish bin. Carry your rubbish back off the track with you.
- Plan accordingly or bring a pocket toilet, available for purchase at Whakatipu-wai-Māori/Queenstown Visitor Centre.
What to take
Pack enough water for the day. There is no water past the Skyline Gondola complex.
Weather forecast
All drone use must be authorised by DOC
You must have a permit to fly a drone on public conservation land.
Stay safe in the outdoors
- Take the right gear for your trip: Walking and tramping gear lists.
- Tell a trusted person your plans and when to raise the alarm if you haven’t returned. Send them the information directly, or use the Outdoor Intentions form or Plan My Walk.
- Follow the five essential steps of the Land Safety Code.
Contacts
| 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 | |