Are you planning on hiking Ben Lomond? Good choice, it’s one of best day hikes in Queenstown in my experience, and I’m sharing everything you need to know to plan this top Queenstown hike.
New Zealand is arguably one of the most beautiful places in the world and a true hikers’ paradise! Located in the mountains and surrounded by stunning alpine landscapes, Queenstown is a popular destination in New Zealand for hiking and adventure.
There are so many fantastic hikes around Queenstown where you will be rewarded with stunning views and completely immersed in nature. You’ll be spoiled for choice from family friendly lakeside walks to multi-day great walks to the more advanced hikes getting up amongst high mountain peaks.
The Ben Lomond track is rated an advanced hike with a demanding climb which will require a good level of fitness. It will challenge the legs and reward you with some of the most spectacular views in New Zealand.
This comprehensive guide to hiking Ben Lomond covers everything from the track details to how to prepare, best time to go, what to expect, where to get the best photos and more!
When planning any hike it’s essential to be prepared, especially in Queenstown’s rugged and remote alpine environment in which conditions can change quickly. It’s important to choose the right trail for your level of experience, ensure you have the right equipment and always let someone know where you are going.
The New Zealand Mountain Safety Council is a great source of information to help you plan and prepare a safe and enjoyable journey.
Things to Know about Hiking Ben Lomond
How long will it take
| Difficulty: | Moderate to advanced |
| Distance: | 11 km return (6.8 miles) |
| Elevation gain: | 1,438 m (4718 ft) |
| Duration: | 6-8 hrs return to the summit (3-4 hr return to the saddle) |
Best time to go
Hiking Ben Lomond is right up there, along with jet boating and other fun activities that we feature in our 3-day Queenstown itinerary.
The best time of year to hike Ben Lomond is between Spring and Autumn which runs from October to April/May in New Zealand.
If you are hiking Ben Lomond in the winter months you will need to carry and be able to use an ice axe and crampons. The track may be slippery with snow and ice as well as muddy in some parts with sub-zero temperatures.
Mountaineering experience and equipment is essential for hiking the Ben Lomond track in the winter months, especially if there’s been snowfall. Even if there’s no snow in town, the conditions on Ben Lomond can be very different given the elevation and alpine environment.
Be sure to check the DOC website for up to date alerts and information when planning your hike.
What to bring
I always recommend wearing layers when hiking in New Zealand regardless of the season. Although the time of year you are hiking will determine just how many layers you need.
Even in summer, a waterproof jacket and a warm layer are worth bringing. I’ve hiked Ben Lomond on a clear day in April, which is fall in New Zealand, and was comfortable wearing a long sleeve tee and thick thermal jacket.
For comparison, I also hiked Roys Peak in nearby Wanaka in April in similar conditions and went from a short sleeve tee shirt to a puffer jacket at the top. It’s worthwhile having a light, medium and heavy layer for the shoulder seasons (spring/fall).
Here are other items we recommend bringing with you:
- plenty of water and snacks
- warm layers
- warm hat/sun hat
- gloves
- waterproof jacket (the weather can be changeable even in the summer months)
- sunscreen
- sturdy hiking shoes or boots
- hiking poles if you have them (but not necessary)
- camera
- cell phone or other communication device
- torch/ head torch
- ice axe/crampons during winter months
Things to consider
Timing
Hiking Ben Lomond is a full day so it’s best to start early to leave enough daylight hours for the full return journey. The descent can be as challenging as the climb so don’t forget to factor in timing for the return journey.
The scenery is truly spectacular! I highly recommend building in extra time for breaks to take in the views and photo opportunities.
It’s also highly advisable to check the weather and try to plan your hike for a clear day. The views from the saddle and peak are truly spectacular but might be hidden in foggy conditions or low hanging cloud. If it’s been raining the track may also get muddy in parts.
Pro tip: Even on a clear day the weather in the mountains can be quite changeable so my advice would be to take photos when you have the opportunity (being mindful of your time of course). If you wait to get them all on the return and the fog rolls in you may miss out. I’ve learned this the hard way on a few hikes.
How to find the start of the Ben Lomond track
There are a few access points to the Ben Lomond track, the most popular being via the Tiki Trail which starts on Brecon Street at the base of the Skyline Gondola in the center of Queenstown. This section is a short but steep 2.1 km climb with minimal viewpoints as you wind your way through the forest before emerging at the top of Bob’s Peak.
Here you’ll be rewarded with spectacular birds eye views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountain peaks. This is also the top of the Skyline Gondola.
If you prefer, you can cut out the Tiki Trail and take the Skyline Gondola to the top of Bob’s Peak. You’ll find the start of the Ben Lomond track at the top of the Skyline Gondola Access Road.
Once you come out of the gondola head outside to where the luge area is (don’t go all the way up to the top of the luge), turn left and follow the path down to a forest of fir trees which is where you will find the entrance to the Ben Lomond Track.
Pro tip: If you get a return ticket for the gondola you can get the day time views on the way up and on your return, if you arrive back to the Skyline Gondola in the late afternoon, you can stick around to watch the sunset before heading back down on the gondola.
What to expect
The Terrain
The Ben Lomond track is an uphill slog the whole way. The track is clearly marked with orange poles. You will start with a gentle climb through the forest before entering the alpine tussocks.
At this point you’ll see Ben Lomond above you provided the weather is clear. Keep an eye out for the cute little signs along the way.
Once through the tussocks, you’ll come out onto the ridgeline with sweeping views of Lake Wakatipu surrounded by lush forest and the Remarkable ranges.
From here the climb continues to the saddle with a few short wooden staircases along the way. You’ll see other trails intersecting with the track and carving their way up the hills. These are mountain bike trails so keep an out for riders cruising down the hills.
The Saddle
From the saddle you will be rewarded with scenic alpine views in all directions. There is a little park bench to have a rest and take it all in before the final climb to the Ben Lomond Summit.
After leaving the saddle you’ll be passing through the private land of Ben Lomond Station so it’s important to keep to the tracks so as not to disturb the animals.
Pro tip: If you are not up the full hike to the Summit a return trip to the saddle on its own is well worth it.
The Summit
The climb to the summit is the steepest and roughest part and you’ll be scrambling over loose rocks in parts. Most of the track is exposed to the elements which is especially noticeable on this final ascent.
At the Summit your efforts will be rewarded with the most incredible 360 degree views over Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountain ranges. If you’re lucky you might even be greeted by a Kea or two!
The Return
Ben Lomond is a return track so once you’ve soaked in all those views you’ll return the same way you came up. Keep an eye on your light and time.
We weren’t lucky enough to encounter a Kea while hiking Ben Lomond but we did bump into a heard of mountain goats on our way down the trail.
Final Thoughts
Hiking Ben Lomond is not for the faint hearted but the rewards are well worth the effort. I hope this information helps you to plan a safe and enjoyable hike to the Ben Lomond summit. If you’re feeling ravenous after the hike check out our top 10 places to eat in Queenstown to refuel.
The best way to end such an epic day is with a soak in the Onsen Hot Pools. Your muscles with thank you!
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Heather is a travel enthusiast living in New Zealand with her family. She writes about living in and enjoying travel to New Zealand.