Hiking Ben Lomond Track Queenstown

Ben Lomond Track is one of the most popular hiking trails near Queenstown offering stunning views of Queenstown, The Remarkables, and Lake Wakatipu from various points along the trail. On a clear day, you may even be able to see Mount Earnslaw and Mount Aspiring in the distance. You can choose the challenging hike up to the saddle of Ben Lomond or the very challenging trek all the way to its peak. The higher you go, the more impressive the views become. This post covers the details of hiking Ben Lomond Track, how to make it easier to get to the peak, and what to expect.

Ben Lomond Track

The full length of Ben Lomond Track is about 9.3 miles (15 km) including return with 4,717’ of elevation gain, so it’s very challenging. In fact, AllTrails notes it as extremely challenging. This is especially true as you get closer to the summit where the trail becomes much steeper and is more exposed to the elements.

The Ben Lomond Peak is at 5,735’ (1,748 m) above sea level, offering incredible panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu, Queenstown, The Remarkables (Kawarau), and the Cecil and Walter Peaks (Ka-kamu-a-Hakitekura). On a clear day, you may even be able to see as far as Mount Earnslaw (Pikirakatahi) and Mount Aspiring (Tititea).

There is however, a way to make it a little easier to reach the summit for this spectacular panorama. Although the trail officially starts near the base of the Skyline Gondola, you can ride the gondola up and start the trail from the top of Bob’s Peak, where the gondola stops. This saves you about 2.6 miles (4 km) of hiking (round trip) and gets you to the peak viewpoint faster.

• Base of Gondola to Peak – 9.3 miles (15 km) and 4,717’ (1,438 m) elevation gain.
• Top of Gondola to Peak – 6.7 miles (10.7 km) and 3,133’ (955 m) elevation gain.

Tiki Trail

The Tiki Trail is the name of the lower portion of Ben Lomond Track. The trail that zig zags up the hill below the Skyline Gondola. This trail takes about 45 minutes to an hour and is 1.3 miles (2.1 km) up to what’s called Bob’s Peak, the lookout area at the top of the gondola. As noted above, you can choose to skip hiking up this portion of the trail by taking the Skyline Gondola, saving you time and energy.

If you want the challenge of the full hike of Ben Lomond Track, or want to save the cost of the gondola ride (see below), hike the Tiki Trail to start Ben Lomond Track. This track starts at the top of Brecon Street, just to the left of where you buy your ticket for Skyline Gondola.

The path can be very rocky in places before heading up through the woods. Keep an eye out for mountain bikers as you hike as there are places where the track crosses mountain bike paths on this trail.

There are great views along the trail and at Bob’s Peak, but the best views are from the Stratosfare Restaurant and viewing area, which are part of the Skyline Gondola.

Skyline Gondola

The Skyline Gondola glides up to Bob’s Peak over the Tiki Trail area in 5 quick minutes. It’s so fast you barely have time to absorb the beautiful views on the way up!

This gondola was recently renovated, reopening in 2023, with a new top station, including a new restaurant and modern viewing platforms, new bottom station, and new 10-seat gondolas.

The gondola ride costs 52 NZD ($31.65) as of March 2024 and includes the ride down. You can also purchase lunch or dinner sitting with your gondola ride at the Stratosfare Restaurant and Market Kitchen Cafe. See the link to the left for the most up-to-date meal package options.

The restaurant and viewing platform are where the best views are, so even if you choose not to eat here, make sure to walk to the viewing platform. They are both to your right after you get off the gondola.

To ride the gondola, buy your ticket on-line in advance or inside the base building at 53 Brecon Street. The line can get long at peak times and in peak season (summer), so it’s best to arrive early in the morning or buy your ticket on line.

At the top of the Skyline Gondola, in addition to the start of Ben Lomond Track, the Stratosfare Restaurant and viewing platform, you’ll find other adventurous activities including the Skyline Luge, Ledge Bungy, G-Force Paragliding, and Ziptrek Ecotours (more on these below).

The restaurant, viewing platforms and Skyline Luge are officially part of the Skyline Gondola, the others are just partners.

Top Of Gondola To Ben Lomond Saddle

After you get off your gondola, exit the building and walk up and beyond the Luge area to the official start of the Ben Lomond Track. The trail here is a little confusing as there are also mountain bike trails here, so keep an eye out for signs and cyclists.

You will walk up through the forest for a little while before exiting to an open area with golden tussock grass. Once you’re in the open, look back for the increasingly expansive view of Lake Wakatipu as you head up the track.

The mountain bike trails continue all the way to Ben Lomond Saddle, but in the open grass area, the difference between the hiking track and cycle path becomes clearer. It’s still good to be aware of though.

The trail here is well groomed with good quality wooden steps in several areas. This part of the trail is moderately steep, but manageable if you take your time and make short stops to rest. Enjoy this part of the trail as it only gets steeper after the saddle.

When you finally reach the saddle there is a bench to rest at for a few minutes. The peak will be clearly visible here and it’s a good time to evaluate how you feel and evaluate the conditions ahead. If you’re feeling good and the weather is still pleasant, continue. If you’re starting to feel tired or clouds are rolling in, it may be better to start your descent now.

My hike from the top of the gondola to the saddle took me about and hour and 20 minutes.

Ben Lomond Saddle To The Peak

After the saddle, the trail becomes much steeper and as it’s more exposed, the temperature may be much cooler. You’ll see that the trail here is also no longer groomed. It’s also so steep, you sometimes slide back in the dirt. There are also spots, especially closer to the top of the peak, where you will need to scramble up and climb around some large rocks.

Of course, as you climb, the view will be more and more stunning. Stopping to take a photo every once in a while is a good excuse to take a few breaths.

The hike from the saddle to the peak will take about an hour, depending on your speed.

Ben Lomond Peak

When you finally reach the peak, there is a large rocky outcrop to walk around on and admire the views. Make sure to spend some time admiring it from different vantage points. This is also a good place to get out your snacks, or picnic, and rest for a while.

There’s also an amazing sense of camaraderie with the other people here…so nice to chat with everyone and find out where they’re from.

When you start your trek back down, make sure to follow the same path you came up on. I have read there are some alternative paths that have gotten people in trouble.

Best Time To Hike Ben Lomond Peak

The best time to hike Ben Lomond Track is between November and April (late spring to early autumn). Outside of this time you will likely run into snow and ice, which will make the trek even more challenging.

This is an alpine environment and changes can happen quickly. You can even experience rain, snow, wind and cold temperatures in summer. It’s best to check the weather before you leave and still be prepared for this possibility.

How To Prepare For Ben Lomond Track

It’s best to start early, to beat the heat of midday and allow yourself plenty of time. The time to hike can vary dramatically based on your hiking ability. My hike from the top of the gondola to the summit and back down took about 4.5 hours. This included my gondola rides, stops for photos, and a nice long rest at the summit. If I added in the Tiki Trail it would have probably taken me about 5.5 to 6 hours.

Check the weather before you go. Even if no rain is forecasted, it’s a good idea to bring a good waterproof rain jacket as the weather can change quickly here. Also, dress in layers as it may be considerably cooler at the peak.

Wear good hiking shoes or trail runners and bring poles to help your knees on the hike back down. Bring plenty of water and any snacks you want as outside of the Stratosfare Restaurant, there is no food or water here. It’s also a good idea to wear a hat or visor and sunscreen to protect your skin.

This is considered a very challenging hike, so practice on smaller hikes in the weeks before your visit. You can also warm up in the area with a hike on Queenstown Hill. If you’re hiking solo, let someone else know your plan so they can raise the alarm if you don’t return. This shouldn’t be an issue in good weather, as there will be plenty of others on the trail, but it’s always a good practice.

How To Get To Ben Lomond Track

Ben Lomond Track is about 2.5 miles (4 km) northwest of the city center. The track starts near the base of the Skyline Gondola. It’s close to many of the hotels in town, so depending on where you’re staying, you may be able to walk to it.

If you are arriving by car, look for parking on Man Street, near the bottom of Brecon Street. There is public parking at the Man Street Public Car Park and at Wilson Parking.

Other Adventures At The Top Of Skyline Gondola

There are so many adventurous activities that feature incredible views at the top of the Skyline Gondola. Consider coming back in the days after your hike for more.

• Skyline Luge offers a variety of packaged luge rides with your gondola ride.
• Ledge Bungy And Swing offers freestyle jumping and swinging at 154’ (47m).
• G-Force Paragliding offers tandem paragliding over Queenstown.
• Ziptrek Ecotours offers the world’s steepest tree-to-tree zipline as well as options for beginners and families.

Where To Stay In Queenstown

Budget

• I stayed at Absoloot Hostel Queenstown, which is set on the lakefront and centrally located in Queenstown. The options at Absoloot range from budget (for a dorm) to moderate for a suite (which is what I stayed in). They have a communal kitchen that overlooks the lake, which is a great way to meet other travelers while still enjoying a private room.

Inexpensive

• Awesome Studio – Amazing Mountain & Lake Views is centrally located in Queenstown. It offers studios with a kitchenette and mountain and lake views.

Moderate

• Blackrock Apartments Queenstown is centrally located in Queenstown with an equipped kitchen and balconies and terraces.
• Lomond Lodge Motel and Apartments is centrally located in Queenstown near the lake. There’s a kitchen and view of the mountains and lake.

Splurge

• Alpine Home With Amazing Mountain & Lake Views is a 4-bedroom house with stunning views and a balcony.

Want More Of New Zealand?

For other great hikes in New Zealand, see my posts on Routeburn Track, Tongariro Abel Tasman Coastal Track, Cape Brett Walkway, Key Summit Track, and A Day Hike on Kepler Track. Routeburn, Tongariro, Kepler, and Abel Tasman are 4 of New Zealand’s 10 “Great Walks”.

If you’re on the South Island, you can’t miss stunning Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world, unmissable Milford Sound, and all the stops along the way on the drive from Queenstown To Te Anau and Te Anau to Milford Sound. There’s also incredible Franz Josef Glacier and Wānaka.

If you’re a wine lover, stop in Marlborough to taste some of the world’s best Sauvignon Blanc. There are many famous wineries (a non famous ones) to stop at and enjoy great food and wine. Even better, many now also offer beer as well.

To help plan your trip, see my New Zealand Travel Guide. It covers the top destinations above, how to get around, when to visit, safety tips, and more.

Safe Travels!

Julie