Ben Lomond Track

Ben Lomond Track (DOC)

A full-day climb to the peak behind Queenstown

⚠ Fit hikers only; winter gear

Hours

Always open (hike in daylight)

Tickets

Free (gondola extra)

Address

Starts on the Tiki Trail beside the gondola base on Brecon Street; the summit is 1,748 m

Past the top of the gondola, the trees give out at about 800 m and the path climbs on through tawny tussock along the ridge. Even the 1,326 m saddle gives you the lake and town dropping away below, and the stretch from there to the summit is the steepest and roughest. On top, Lake Wakatipu spreads in every direction and the Southern Alps line up along the horizon. The summit is only halfway, so save something for the descent.