Atop the Stunning Ben Lomond of New Zealand

Hiking Ben Lomond is one of my fondest memories of Queenstown.

Climbing this lofty peak is no mean feat.

Standing at 1,748 m, it takes an average person eight hours for a return trip from Queenstown. My ‘super’ dorm mates claimed they did it within five hours. An avid trail runner friend did it in under four hours and told me to traverse across the ridge.

Ascending this peak offers you a rare opportunity to an unblocked visage of Lake Wakatipu and the snow-capped tops far beyond.

I hiked Ben Lomond twice – once in the Summer of 2019 and another in the Spring of 2020. This post may be updated periodically.

Getting to Ben Lomond

Another bonus to this day trek is the ease of getting there.

You do not need to make any special transport arrangements. Just get yourself to the Saddle of Ben Lomond via the One-Mile Track or the Tiki Trail. I prefer walking down the river towards YHA by the lake, hiking up via the One-Mile Track and finally finishing it off with a burger after coming down via the Tiki Trail.

If you are running short of time – how could you – you could shave off an hour of trekking via the gondola. The gondola travels directly above the Tiki Trail.

Climbing Ben Lomond is a return track, so no need to fuss about return transport.

The Track

Starting from the One-Mile Track

It was an easy, gradual ascent that starts from a residential district and into a fir forest. It took us an hour to reach the midway clearing, partly because we lost our way – the biggest downside to this track was the lack of clear direction signs.

Add on: We lost our way again on my second attempt in the spring of Oct 2020.

Mountain bikers use this part of the hill too.

Starting from the Tiki Trail Track

It is much more strenuous to ascend via the Tiki Trail, but you will get to see pretty flowers and Lake Wakatipu from a vantage point. 

The track begins next to the gondola by a cemetery. Outdoor stations of flying fox and board walking peppered the first half of the track. We encountered two gigantic wooden chairs along the way, reminiscent of walking in an enchanted forest. Certain portions of the Tiki Trail were rocky.

Out of the Forest and to The Saddle

Both tracks would lead you out of the forest. Sunscreen and sun shield come in handy under the scorching hot sun. Bear in mind that there is no shade for respite at all from that point onwards.

From The Saddle to The Summit

Once at the Saddle, it took us an hour to reach the steep summit by a mountain ridge. The last 15 minutes would require a bit more concentration and coordination as you would be doing a little scrambling up the rocky terrain to the summit.

Add on: It was windy for my second attempt up Ben Lomond in the spring of Oct 2020. I had to crouch down and nudge forward gingerly at certain points when the wind was too strong. A good windproof cover and warm clothes are so important when you are trekking in exposed areas. 

The views on the summit are worth all that time and effort. You see Lake Wakatipu and a speck of Queenstown at one side and sharp mountain peaks – sometimes with snow – poking the sky on the other.

Be aware of your bags when you leave them around the top. Keas are always on the prowl, ready to take off with your stuff.

Kea Points for a Good Trip up the Mountain

• Wear appropriate shoes. Gravel paths at the top may be slippery. As does walking on the boulders.
• Wear layers. It is windy and cold at the top but you will feel warm as you work out.
• Bring enough water. The last point to top up is at the gondola or luge area.
• Apply enough sunscreen and bring a hat. I burnt my scalp going up the mountain without one.
• Bring snacks. Picnic at the top! But beware of the naughty Keas creeping around.
• Watch out for Alpine conditions. Attempting Ben Lomond during the colder seasons requires special precautions.
• Kea Database. Check the identity of your favourite bird here via its tag.