Attraction
Skyline Queenstown
Queenstown's gondola climbs from the top of Brecon Street to Bob's Peak, where a viewing complex, restaurant, café and two luge tracks look over Lake Wakatipu.
Ben Lomond Track
Queenstown's classic hard day walk climbs from the town to the 1,748 m summit of Ben Lomond, with views over Lake Whakatipu to the Remarkables and beyond.
At a glance
- Type
- Alpine day hike and summit
- Area
- Ben Lomond Scenic Reserve, Queenstown, New Zealand
- Official site
- doc.govt.nz
Good to know
- Free
- Toilets at gondola top and near saddle
- No water on the track
Why we recommend it
Ben Lomond is the mountain that stands directly behind Queenstown, about four kilometres north-west of the town centre, and its summit at 1,748 metres is the goal of the area's best-known day hike. The peak was named by an early shepherd, Duncan McAusland, after Ben Lomond in Scotland. The first recorded ascent was in 1860 by William Gilbert Rees, the area's first European settler, and Nicholas von Tunzelmann.
The track is managed by the Department of Conservation and is graded advanced, with a steep gradient and a high fitness requirement. From the town, the usual route starts on the Tiki Trail next to the Skyline Gondola base station at the top of Brecon Street. The full return trip to the summit is about 14 kilometres and takes six to eight hours, with a total climb of 1,438 metres. If that sounds like too much, the saddle at 1,326 metres is a worthwhile goal on its own: about five hours return from town, or three to four hours return from the top of the gondola.
Taking the gondola up saves a long climb, and you can also buy a one-way ticket to ride down at the end of the day. Other starting points are the bottom of the Skyline access road on Lomond Crescent and the One Mile Creek Track from the Fernhill roundabout, which requires some navigation.
The reward is one of the widest views in the region. From the saddle and summit you look down on Queenstown and Lake Whakatipu and across to Cecil and Walter Peaks and the Remarkables. On a clear day you may also see Mount Earnslaw and, far to the north, Mount Aspiring.
Preparation matters. There is no water beyond the Skyline complex, so carry enough for the whole day. Toilets are available at the gondola top complex and about 100 metres before the saddle, but neither water, hand sanitiser nor toilet paper is provided at the saddle toilet. The weather changes quickly, and hypothermia is a risk even in summer, so bring warm and waterproof layers. In winter, snow and ice make the track much more dangerous and alpine equipment is needed.
The hike suits fit walkers with a full day to spare. Start early, check the forecast before you set out, and turn back at the saddle if cloud closes in.
Ben Lomond Track FAQs
How long does the Ben Lomond Track take?
The return trip from Queenstown to the summit via the Tiki Trail takes six to eight hours and covers about 14 km.
Can you shorten the hike?
Yes. Taking the Skyline Gondola up and walking to the saddle and back takes three to four hours. You can also buy a one-way gondola ticket down.
How high is Ben Lomond?
The summit is 1,748 metres. The saddle is at 1,326 metres.
How hard is the track?
It is graded advanced, with steep sections and a high level of fitness required.
Where does the track start?
The best start is the Tiki Trail beside the Skyline Gondola base station at the top of Brecon Street.
Is there water on the track?
No. There is no water beyond the Skyline complex, so carry enough for the whole day.
Can you climb Ben Lomond in winter?
Snow and ice make the track more dangerous in winter, and alpine equipment is needed.
What can you see from the top?
Views include Queenstown, Lake Whakatipu, Cecil and Walter Peaks, the Remarkables and, in fine weather, Mount Earnslaw and Mount Aspiring.