| Queenstown, South Island |
 Trail Name:Ben Lomond Summary: |
| Trail Description |
| Queenstown, with its stunning setting surrounded by high peaks on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, bills itself as the adventure capital of the world. Here, popular multi-day hikes and adrenaline-pumping sports such as bungy jumping, jetboating and white-water rafting are the prime draws. Maybe this is the reason you can hike to the top of Ben Lomond on a perfect summer’s day and have the spectacular views practically to yourself. The 3,000-ft ascent in less than 3 miles will tug on the muscles of all but the most athletic hikers. The spectacular panorama from the top is a worthwhile reward, all the more enjoyable for having to work hard for it.
There are good views over Queenstown as the gondola lifts you 1,476 ft/450 m to the Skyline Chalet at the top of Skyline Hill. From here, a clear, signed trail leads up through Douglas fir to connect to the Ben Lomond Track. At this higher elevation the vegetation changes noticeably, from forest to tussock slopes, and a wonderful view over Lake Wakatipu opens up behind you as you climb the relatively gentle slope (you will see why this gradient is considered gentle when you start the final pitch to the summit!) Eventually the trail veers left as you reach Ben Lomond saddle. This level section, with its wonderful views north and south, soon gives way to the final, punishing climb to the summit. The effort is more than rewarded at the top – a 360 panorama of lakes and snow-capped mountains, stretching as far as Mount Aspiring on a clear day. When you are able to pull yourself away, climb back down to the saddle and return the way you came. An alternative descent route leads north from the saddle towards Sefferstown, where you turn right to join the Moonlight Track. Ending at Arthurs Point, 5 km north of Queenstown, you will need to arrange transport to get back to your starting point. This strenuous route will take a very full day, and the poled route is subject to landslips, so get more information and check trail conditions with the Department of Conservation. |
| FACT FILE |
| Location: Southern South Island, on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, 304 miles/487 km south-west of Christchurch and 119 miles/190 km north of Invercargill.
Directions: Approach on Hwy 6, which becomes the 6A just outside Queenstown. This road will take you into the center, connecting with Shotover Street. Trailhead: Top of Skyline Hill – ride up in the gondola cableway (fee charged). The gondola terminal (with car parking) is at the end of Beacon Street, 0.5 km north of Shotover Street. Length: 5.6 miles / 9.0 km Trail Type: Out and back Elevation Change: 3,116 ft / 950 m Duration: 5 hours Trail Condition: Well defined. Final climb to the summit is very steep. Features: 360-degree views of mountains and lakes. Climate: Be prepared for changeable conditions. Weather tends to be most stable late summer/early autumn (February/March). Accommodation: Queenstown has plenty of choice for all budgets: cabins, tent and RV sites, backpacker hostels, motels, hotels and apartments. Trail Notes: Trail information from the Department of Conservation visitor center, Shotover Street. If you don’t want to take the gondola, you can walk to the track via Skyline Access Road, off Lomond Crescent – obviously, this will increase the hike length and elevation change given in the Fact File. |
Popularity: 16% [?]
