Summary:
From Arthur’s Point, head through rugged gold-mining country to the old settlement of Sefferstown.

After about 1.25 miles/2km, the trail skirts a small, rocky crag and bears left (west) to follow Moke Creek. This crag makes a great vantage point to enjoy the mountains in some solitude.

The path continues for another 2 km, following the historic route into the Moonlight goldfields. It ends at a 4WD private farm track that leads to the old goldmining settlement of Sefferstown in around 0.6 mile/1 km. Branching off the road to the left, a poled route climbs to the Ben Lomond saddle.

Those wanting a longer hike can continue along the 4WD track through Moke Creek gorge for a further 5 miles/8 km, past abandoned copper mines, to Moke Lake. If you have not arranged any transport here, it will be a day’s hike out and back to Arthur’s Point.

Directions: Approach on Hwy 6, which becomes the 6A just outside Queenstown. This road will take you into the center. Continue up Stanley Street and turn right at the second roundabout onto Gorge Road. Head north on Gorge Road for 5 km to Arthur’s Point.

Trailhead: From Arthur’s Point, switchback up McChesney Road, pass a sign for Arthur’s Track and bear left at the fork. Continue to the parking area at the end of the road.

Length: 6.2 miles / 9.9 km

Trail Type: Out and back

Elevation Change: N/A

Duration: 3.5 hours

Trail Condition: Narrow, defined path. Final 1 km follows a 4WD track.

Features: River and mountain views.

Climate: Changeable – weather tends to be most stable February/March.

Accommodation: Limited lodging at Arthurs Point. 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.

Summary:
Awe-inspiring from the summit of one of the highest peaks in the Wakatipu Basin.

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.

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.