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Queenstown
14 km
8 hours
1438 metres
If you’ve ever looked up from the bustling streets of Queenstown and seen a pointed, majestic peak dominating the skyline to the northwest, you were looking at Ben Lomond. It is, quite simply, the quintessential Queenstown hike. While the town below is famous for its adrenaline-pumping bungy jumps and jet boats, the Ben Lomond Track offers a different kind of thrill—one earned through sweat, determination, and a relentless 1,438-metre climb.
This is a challenging "out and back" adventure that rewards you with what many consider the best 360-degree views in the South Island. Whether you are a seasoned local tramper or a tourist looking to see the Southern Alps in all their glory, this 14-kilometre journey is a must-do.
The journey to the summit of Ben Lomond is a tale of two halves, each with its own distinct personality. Most hikers begin their day at the base of the Tiki Trail, located right next to the Skyline Gondola terminal on Brecon Street.
The first section is a real "thigh-burner." You’ll wind your way steeply upward through a dense forest of Douglas fir and native beech. It’s cool and shaded here, which is a blessing on a hot Central Otago summer day. As you climb, the city sounds—the distant hum of traffic and the occasional scream from a nearby bungy pod—start to fade, replaced by the rhythmic cheep of the pīwakawaka (fantail). You’ll catch "sneak-peek" views of Lake Wakatipu through the trees, a teaser for the grandeur to come.
After about 90 minutes of steady climbing, the forest abruptly gives way to the open alpine zone. This is where the magic happens. You emerge onto a high-altitude plateau of golden tussock and low-lying shrubs. From here, the trail follows a clear ridgeline, and the scale of the landscape truly hits you. To your right, the jagged, serrated edges of The Remarkables mountain range pierce the sky.
The gradient eases slightly as you approach the Ben Lomond Saddle (1,326 metres). For many, the Saddle is the perfect destination. There’s a bench here where you can sit, catch your breath, and soak in the view of the Wakatipu Basin. If you’re hiking with younger children, this is often the best place to call it a day, as the track remains well-formed up to this point.
However, for those pushing for the summit, the real challenge begins at the Saddle. The final 400-metre vertical ascent is a different beast entirely. The path becomes narrower, steeper, and significantly more rugged. You’ll be navigating rocky steps and loose scree, and in the final stretch, you might even need to use your hands for balance. It’s a demanding "grunt," as we locals say, but as the summit trig comes into view, the exhaustion vanishes. Standing at 1,748 metres, you are on top of the world, with a panoramic view that stretches from the turquoise waters of Lake Wakatipu to the snow-capped giants of the backcountry.
Parking is available at the multi-storey Skyline Queenstown Carpark, located directly behind the Gondola base terminal on Brecon Street. This car park operates 24/7, offers CCTV monitoring, and includes EV charging stations and accessible parking. Alternatively, limited free street parking can sometimes be found on residential streets like Man Street, Robins Road, or Lomond Crescent, though some areas may have time restrictions.
Get DirectionsKeep an eye out for these native and local bird species along the trail
Nestor notabilis
Intelligent alpine parrot endemic to the South Island. Known for curiosity and problem-solving abilities.
Best time: Year-round
Rhipidura fuliginosa
Small insectivorous bird with distinctive fan-shaped tail. Friendly and curious, often following walkers through the bush.
Best time: Year-round
Refuel after your hike at these nearby spots
500m away
Located at the top of the Skyline Gondola, offering stunning panoramic views, coffee, hot food, and snacks – a great spot for a post-hike refuel with a view.
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Out and back
The obvious highlight is the 360-degree summit panorama. From the top, you aren't just looking at the mountains; you are among them. You’ll see Cecil Peak and Walter Peak directly across the water, the famous Coronet Peak ski area to the north, and on a clear day, the distant, shimmering peaks of Mount Aspiring / Tititea and Mount Earnslaw / Pikirakatahi.
Another feature is the Ben Lomond Saddle. It’s a natural amphitheatre that offers a stunning perspective of the "back" of the mountain, looking toward the remote Moonlight Track. It’s also the prime spot for a mid-hike snack and a great place to photograph the winding trail you’ve just conquered.
If you want the views without the full eight-hour commitment, the Skyline Gondola is a fantastic "cheat code." By taking the gondola to Bob’s Peak, you bypass the forested Tiki Trail, saving yourself about 450 metres of elevation and an hour of uphill slog. It’s a great option if you’re short on time or want to save your knees for the descent!
The trailhead is incredibly accessible from central Queenstown. Simply walk toward the Skyline Queenstown base station at the end of Brecon Street.
Parking: If you’re driving, the most convenient spot is the multi-storey Skyline Queenstown Carpark located directly behind the Gondola base terminal. It’s open 24/7, has CCTV, and even offers EV charging stations. If that’s full, you can try for limited free street parking on residential streets like Man Street, Robins Road, or Lomond Crescent. Just be sure to check the signs, as many areas have strict time restrictions that won't cover the 8 hours you'll need for the hike.
The star of the show on the Ben Lomond Track is undoubtedly the Kea. These large, olive-green alpine parrots are famous for their intelligence and cheeky personalities. You’ll often find them hanging around the Saddle or the summit, watching hikers with a mischievous glint in their eyes.
A quick tip: Keep a close watch on your backpack! Kea are notorious for "inspecting" (and destroying) gear in search of food. As tempting as it is, please do not feed them. It’s vital for their survival that they remain wild and don't become dependent on human snacks.
Winter Warning: Between June and August, the upper sections are covered in snow and ice. This becomes a technical alpine route requiring an ice axe, crampons, and the knowledge of how to use them. If you aren't an experienced alpine climber, it’s best to stick to the lower sections during winter.
The area surrounding Ben Lomond is steeped in both Māori and colonial history. The mountain was named by early shepherd Duncan McAusland after Ben Lomond in Scotland, a nod to the many Scottish settlers who helped shape the Otago region.
For the local Iwi (tribe), Ngāi Tahu, the Wakatipu region is rich with stories. The lake itself, Whakatipu-wai-māori, was said to be formed by the burnt remains of a giant ogre, Matau, whose heart still beats at the bottom of the lake (explaining the lake's unusual rhythmic rise and fall of the tide, known as a seiche).
As you hike, you are walking through land that has been a source of pounamu (greenstone) and seasonal resources for centuries. Today, the area is a focus for conservation, with ongoing efforts to restore the native beech forest and protect the unique alpine ecosystems from invasive species.
Once you’ve descended back into the "real world," your legs will likely be reminding you of every one of those 1,438 metres. Luckily, you are in the right place to refuel.
The Ben Lomond Track is more than just a walk; it’s a rite of passage for anyone visiting Queenstown. It’s tough, it’s steep, and it will test your fitness—but standing on that summit, looking out over the grandeur of the Southern Alps, you’ll realise every single step was worth it.
Anthornis melanura
Endemic songbird with bell-like calls. Males are olive-green with a purple head sheen; females are browner with a narrow white-yellow stripe across the cheek.
Best time: Year-round
Best time: Year-round
Ninox novaeseelandiae
Native owl also known as Ruru. Named for its distinctive two-note call heard at night.
Best time: Year-round
Nestor meridionalis meridionalis
A large, noisy forest parrot, often heard chattering in the treetops and distinguished by its olive-brown and scarlet plumage, though less common than its alpine cousin, the Kea.
Best time: Year-round
500m away
An iconic buffet restaurant situated at the top of the Skyline Gondola, providing an exquisite dining experience with unbeatable panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the mountains.
800m away
A popular cafe known for its fresh, locally sourced produce, excellent coffee, and tranquil atmosphere, located just a short walk from the trailhead.
1km away
Features Queenstown's original rooftop bar, offering a lively atmosphere, great food at affordable prices, an extensive drinks selection, and regular entertainment.