Note that if you’re planning on hiking from town and not using the Skyline Gondola you’ll need 6-8 hours in total. Ben Lomond Summit (6-8 hour return hike) One of the highest peaks in the Wakatipu basin providing the most stunning views of the region. From thrill-seeking, to relaxation and mind games - there's an activity to suit everyone - at any time of the year. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is best used from November until April. The Ben Lomond Saddle walk is a 3 - 4 hour walk that can be accessed from the top of the gondola station. amzn_assoc_asins = "1465468730,B07F9P9X2H,B01K99DTCW,1426218834"; The Ben Lomond track can be broken down into two distinct parts – the trail to the saddle followed by the ascent to the summit. Then once you walk out of the woods you get out in the open and this is where the track starts to go up through grassland. Hiking Ben Lomond: the gondola route (2-3 hours return) There are two main ways to tackle this peak. Ben Lomond mountain is a very popular hike in Queenstown, due to its accessibility and beautiful views. My favourite part of this hike, was the gondola. Even in the height of summer the elevation and exposure to cold winds can lower the temperature drastically, so be prepared to throw on a warm layer and a windproof jacket. Like mentioned earlier, it can get very chilly and windy on top now that you have stopped moving and are just standing on the peak. But despite its easy access and location to central Queenstown, the climb up has many challenges. The Ben Lomond track is well signed from the Skyline Gondola. There are 3 potential starting points to the Ben Lomond Track: Ride the Skyline Gondola. If you are wondering what to bring along when taking part of hikes in general take a look at the comprehensive Hiking Packing List that I put together. I wanted to highlight some important facts to know before heading off for this hike. Overview Ben Lomond is a prominent peak just outside of Queenstown. It’s the best day hike in Queenstown (and one of the best in New Zealand) and I highly recommend doing at least some of it. amzn_assoc_title = ""; Although not a technically difficult climb the mountain looks quite rugged as many other peaks in the Southern Alps.This mountain can be climbed beginning from the town of Queenstown or if you'd like a shorter and easier day you can ride the Skyline Gondola up and down to shorten your day. Difficulty: Advanced Best time of year to go: October till April / May. Your email address will not be published. This is the full Ben Lomond hike from Queenstown. This view comes just after passing the Skyline complex at the top of the gondola. This hike is more difficult and you really have to plan it well so you can finish it in daylight. At about 800 m altitude you leave the tree line behind to enter alpine tussocks and shrubs. Yes, we took the gondola up and down, lazy bums! The hike up Ben Lomond mountain is one of Queenstown’s best day hikes. Hike to the Ben Lomond SADDLE As you start the Ben Lomond Track from the gondola, the first part is through the woods and still shaded. Beached As is narrow and flows well for the adrenaline seeking mountain biker but sticking to the Ben Lomond walking track is a much nicer experience for hikers. As you continue the climb, the views will just continue to get better as you get a wider perspective of the lake and the surrounding mountains. The hike to the summit does not require any specialised mountaineering equipment or experience, but it’s recommended to keep your focus and body weight pointing toward the uphill side of the trail to avoid an uncomfortable fall. If you download Maps.me (offline maps), you’ll be able to make sure you’re on track. Ben Lomond Saddle Walk. amzn_assoc_ad_type = "smart"; Hike the Skyline Access Road. Tongariro Alpine Crossing on the North Island, 10 Day New Zealand North Island Itinerary, A Helpful Okere Falls Walk Guide | The 7 Meter Plunge, Kuirau Park in Rotorua | Mud Pools, Lakes, & Geothermal Activity. When we reached the Skyline Gondola area it was nice to use maps.me to make sure we weren’t making a wrong turn off going through there. Make sure you aren’t put off by the steep start to the hike, hang in there, it gets easier. Even from the Gondola it remains hidden until a short steep climb through a dark, dense forest of Douglas Firs brings it into view. After making your way up, either through the Douglas fir forest or by gondola, you will start your ascent to the Ben Lomond Saddle. Ben Lomond Track: Awesome Day Hike - Amazing Views - See 685 traveler reviews, 489 candid photos, and great deals for Queenstown, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. Below are some options at different price points to take a look at that are mostly within walking distance of town center: 3. The Ben Lomond Track starts at the top of Skyline Gondola. A challenging hike to beautiful vistas above Queenstown and the Lake Wakatipu basin, Ben Lomond is a hike you don't want to miss when you come to New Zealand. The path is on a constant incline for the most part and will be made up of a dirt track with some steps sprinkled in throughout. amzn_assoc_tracking_id = "triptins05-20"; This can be a full day walk so take extra clothing, drinks and food. Now do not get me wrong – the Ben Lomond hike is NO JOKE, but believe me, the climb is WELL WORTH the effort. I like that it is not very difficult, and it’s … Ben Lomond Track – Gondola to Saddle The path from the top of the gondola to saddle is one of my favorites in all of New Zealand. Reaching the Saddle takes about 2 hours one-way. Have fun out there! Super accessible from the centre of town, this challenging climb has a 1,438m elevation gain that will keep you on your toes. We did not do this but I think prices for the gondola start at around $40 NZD. Adventuring up to Ben Lomond's summit is an out-and-back day hike with views that are arguably more rewarding than some of those you get on New Zealand's Great Walks. When in Queenstown, the Ben Lomond hike is a “must do”. Luge, Kiwi Birdlife Park, Time Tripper, Jet Boats and Go-Karts. For the first segment, the track begins at the Douglas fir stands via the Skyline Access Road and takes you through the alpine tussocks and shrubs. It is a great lakeside town with plenty of accommodation options to choose from. As the path meanders its way up and around to the saddle of the Ben Lomond track you start to believe that surely the dauntingly advertised 6 hours surely cannot … The path from the top of the gondola to the saddle is longer but less steep while the path from the saddle to summit in shorter but much steeper and technical. There is some free parking available at the start of the Access Road, but if you can’t find a spot there, you can park at one of the many all-day parks available in town and take the short walk to the access road via Thompson Street and Glasgow Street. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking and is best used from November until April. This route will lead you through old Douglas Fir’s and into some of Queenstown’s most beautiful native Beech forest. Follow the signs to the Ben Lomond Saddle, and eventually you’ll meet another trail which comes from the Skyline Gondola. Overview Ben Lomond is a prominent peak just outside of Queenstown. This 10 minute journey will take you above the forest, as you enjoy some views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu down below. So, you do actually have a few options here: 1) Tiki Trail / Lomond Crescent Up • Tiki Trail / Lomond Crescent Down ($0 NZD), 2) Tiki Trail / Lomond Crescent Up • Gondola Down ($29 NZD), 3) Gondola Up • Tiki Trail / Lomond Crescent Down ( $44 NZD – they do not sell one way up gondola tickets – only one way down. Skyline Gondola. However, once you are back on the saddle, it should get much easier from there. Climbing Ben Lomond in Queenstown Approaching Ben Lomond. There are 3 potential starting points to the Ben Lomond Track: Ride the Skyline Gondola; Hike the Tiki Trail; Hike the Skyline Access Road; 1. Nowadays, Ben Lomond is one of the places where my family goes to remember my grandparents. The track begins among Douglas fir on Skyline Access Road or the Tiki Trail. For more information and up-to-date alerts about the Ben Lomond Track, access the official Department of Conservation website. As you are making the climb you will consistently see the top of Ben Lomond the entire time. Shortly after you begin the Ben Lomond track, you will exit the forest and be welcomed to vast views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu down below. This way you can avoid hiking up during the hottest point of the day, and you can get back down in Queenstown before the sun starts going down. The summit appears to be only a few minutes away from the saddle, but the hike from the saddle to the summit will take approximately 1-hour. Starting & Ending Point: EITHER 1) From Queenstown OR 2) Top of Queenstown Gondola (more on those options soon), Length: 11 KM / 6.8 Miles from Top of Gondola  • 14 KM / 8.7 Miles from Queenstown, Elevation Gain: 1,000 Meters / 3,280 Feet from Top of Gondola • 1,438 Meters / 4,718 Feet from Queenstown, Summit Elevation: 1,748 Meters / 5,735 Feet (Saddle Elevation: 1,326 Meters / 4,350 Feet), Time: 4-6 Hours from Top of Gondola / 6-8 Hours from Queenstown (round trip), Track: Dirt / Technical Rock for final summit push, Difficulty: Hard (the official NZ DOC website lists it as easy – not sure how they came up with that one!!). You may also find a Kea or two - a native New Zealand alpine parrot that really enjoys greeting the hikers, sometimes by stealing their food, so keep an eye on your belongings. Ben Lomond Track: Hike - See 685 traveller reviews, 493 candid photos, and great deals for Queenstown, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. Take note of the time here and set yourself a goal to keep moving toward the summit. Skyline Gondola. Ben Lomond Track: Breathtaking day hike - See 680 traveler reviews, 482 candid photos, and great deals for Queenstown, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. • The Skyline Queenstown Gondola opens at 9AM. Hiking Ben Lomond taking the gondola. I hope this guide can get you going in the right direction and on top of that peak in no time. Ben Lomond Saddle Walk. Once at the top of the gondola, you can make the decision how you would like to get back into Queenstown (Gondola or Tiki Trail / Lomond Crescent). Description. © 2017 - 2021 Skyline Enterprises Limited. It has the views, it has the incline, and it has the peak. This is the full Ben Lomond hike from Queenstown. Get ready for what I think is one of the toughest parts of any New Zealand hike – the summit push from the Saddle to the Peak. View 4 - Looking up to Ben Lomond As part of this we joined the initiative to combat the spread of the invasive wildings (yes, just like the wildings in Game of Thrones … except they’re trees, not people) and have a family plot above the gondola. Ben Lomond Track, Queenstown: Address, Phone Number, Ben Lomond Track Reviews: 5/5. A challenging, but incredibly rewarding hike up the Ben Lomond summit. Ben Lomond Track: Awesome hike! So once again, while you’re at the saddle you should assess your energy levels. Below is a map that shows the three starting points followed by a quick description of them. Once you have soaked in the views, retrace your steps on the way back. What made Ben Lomond so special for me was the constant views of Lake Wakatipu down below during the first part of the hike, followed by the never ending views of the mountain ranges as I made my way to the summit. Ben Lomond Track: Good hike - See 686 traveller reviews, 489 candid photos, and great deals for Queenstown, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. Length 7.1 miElevation gain 3343 ftRoute type Out & back From the top of the gondola, it takes 4 to 5 hours and from Queenstown, it takes 6 to 7 hours to complete the trail. So there are actually two ways to arrive at the top of Ben Lomond and if you are lacking time and your fitness is not quite what you want it to be your best option might be to take the gondola. This is going to be helpful when it’s dark (especially if you haven’t walked any of the Tiki Trail). This can be great as you know how close you are getting, or it can be very frustrating as you know how far away you are from the top. Hiking Ben Lomond taking the gondola. BEN LOMOND TRACK MAP. Ben Lomond Track via Skyline Queenstown is a 7.1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand that offers scenic views and is rated as difficult. The Skyline Gondola is located at the end of Brecon Street and you can easily walk from town. Ben Lomond Track. Another great thing about the Ben Lomond trail is you don’t have to hike the entire way to the summit to get amazing views and instead you can choose to only hike to the saddle. Difficulty: Advanced Best time of year to go: October till April / May. Read on to discover what else Queenstown has in store for you: Discover the best rainy day acitivities in Queenstown. It will take you about 2 hours to hike to the saddle and then another 1 or 2 (of steeper and rougher track) to the summit. A challenging hike to beautiful vistas above Queenstown and the Lake Wakatipu basin, Ben Lomond is a hike you don't want to miss when you come to New Zealand. Ben Lomond Track: We did this after the gondola - See 686 traveler reviews, 489 candid photos, and great deals for Queenstown, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. Ben Lomond Hike Start Whether you ride the Skyline Gondola or climb up the Tiki Trail, you’ll want to follow the signs through the luge track to the official start. View 2 - A steep climb to the saddle. View 1 - Beginning the walk. The Ben Lomond Saddle walk is a 3 - 4 hour walk that can be accessed from the top of the gondola station. It is NOT for everyone and you need to be in good physical condition to complete the track. Have fun out there and safe travels! While it looks like the peak is just right in front of you, it is actually another hour to get up there. You can take the gentler option and grab a scenic ride up the Skyline Gondola, saving yourself a 450 metre (1476 feet) climb up a series of switchbacks in the mostly pine forest like on our 'Manuka' trip, or you can hike from Queenstown like on our 'Tui' trip the way the locals usually do it. Adventuring up to Ben Lomond's summit is an out-and-back day hike with views that are arguably more rewarding than some of those you get on New Zealand's Great Walks. Soon enough though you will begin to reach the top of the Ben Lomond Track at 1,748 meters. The first half of the Ben Lomond hike was slightly more time consuming than the way downhill. Take the opportunity here to use the bench seat as a resting point and give yourself time to fuel up with snacks. Type: Moderate Hike. Your other option here is just to simply take the Queenstown Gondola up to the starting point of the trail. It's a steep trek, so take suitable walking shoes. From the top stunning 360 degrees view, amazing hike!! Getting to the Ben Lomond Saddle takes much less time than the summit; in fact, if you take the gondola up and down it’s only a 3-hour return hike to the saddle. Visited in mid April, when the colours were starting to turn and all of the grass was yellow - quite a pretty sight. As you decide when to head out on the trail I highly recommend doing so on the clearest day possible, Take a Look at Some New Zealand Guide Books For Your Trip, Shortly after you begin the Ben Lomond track, you will exit the forest and be welcomed to vast views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu down below, This part of the trail is seriously no joke – the incline is as tough and technical as it gets and you will be using each and every muscle that you have, To your left will be those Lake Wakatipu views and to your right will be these incredible ever expanding mountain views. A communication device in case you need assistance. Entering the woods there is a small sign that displays the different distances and hiking times you’ll need to plan for the climb. Shortly after you begin the Ben Lomond track, you will exit the forest and be welcomed to vast views of Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu down below. You can take the Skyline gondola part way up if you want to shorten the climb, but I usually start at the small signposted carpark on Lomond Crescent and take the 4-WD track up the first stretch. To your left will be those Lake Wakatipu views and to your right will be these incredible ever expanding mountain views (hopefully they can distract you a bit from what you are putting your body through). There’s only one way up to the summit from the Saddle, you’ll follow a narrow and exposed trail that will probably require some help from your hands for balance. Feel free to write in below with any questions or comments and check out some other New Zealand itineraries and guides up on the site. amzn_assoc_marketplace = "amazon"; Book your tickets online for Ben Lomond Track, Queenstown: See 686 reviews, articles, and 489 photos of Ben Lomond Track, ranked No.3 on Tripadvisor among 80 attractions in Queenstown. The time will fly by while you’re resting, the Ben Lomond Saddle is the first time on the hike you’ll get to see the awe-inspiring peaks of Mt Aspiring National Park. Depending on daylight hours, time of year, and hiking level, you may want to start the hike earlier on in the day. Adventuring up to Ben Lomond's summit is an out-and-back day hike with views that are arguably more rewarding than some of those you get on New Zealand's Great Walks. So be prepared for a big day out, and if you have any doubts about your ability to complete the hike it could be worth taking the Skyline Gondola to cut a significant portion of climbing (and descending) out of your journey. The stunning panoramic views along the entire length of the track delight and entertain hikers the whole way. It’s practically in the city, but still sufficiently challenging and offers a great scenic view of the area from Lake Wakatipu, Arthur’s Point and Queenstown.It doesn’t take much effort to get on this hike – the trailhead starts just 10 minutes walk from Queenstown city center. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Everything you just hiked up – well you will need to hike it back down. Take the Gondola to Skyline, follow the signs to the saddle and the steep ascent on your left to the summit (1747m). On our way back down we met an American soldier (on vacation! If you want to take the gondola, then buy your ticket here for a cheaper rate: Skyline Gondola When you reach the summit of Ben Lomond, you’ll be rewarded with majestic 360-degree views of Queenstown, the Remarkables, Mt Aspiring National Park. After approximately 1-hour of hiking above Bob’s Peak you’ll reach the Ben Lomond saddle, where you’ll find a bench seat at an intersection with the Moonlight Track. If there are many clouds on the day you are hiking, these views may be obstructed and could have a negative impact on the trail. Once back in town, it is time to relax those legs and start the rest and recovery process. I like that it is not very difficult, and it’s … Otherwise, you’ll be walking up the Tiki Trail, which starts next to the gondola. On the other hand, if you take the round trip gondola it will cost you $44 NZD and a one way gondola down will cost $29 NZD (one way gondolas are only sold as a one way down option). Getting to the Ben Lomond Track Again, saving an hour of uphill hiking by taking the gondola up is a good idea if you can spare the cash. 2. The track makes its way above the Skyline, going much higher up but overlooking Lake Wakatipu from a similar angle. Reward yourself with stunning 360° views over Queenstown and the surrounding region on this challenging hike to the peak of Ben Lomond, which starts from the Gondola base station in the heart of downtown. The reward for 6-8 hours of walking (return) is a spectacular panoramic view of the Remarkables mountain range, Lake Wakatipu and the bustling town below. If you begin your hike in the Queenstown CBD, you’ll gain a total of 1,438-metres of elevation in just 5.5-kilometres (11-kilometres return). We hiked from the lake up Ben Lomond starting at the trail at the bottom where the gondola starts. Gondola Open Hours: Tap here for Skyline Queenstown Gondola open hoursGondola Prices: Tap here for Skyline Queenstown Gondola prices. Beyond the saddle is Ben Lomond Station where the track becomes a marked route. When in Queenstown, the Ben Lomond hike is a “must do”. Just head down the track, take in the views and enjoy the last of what the Ben Lomond track has to offer. From the Skyline complex, follow a well-signalled track through the woods until it emerges into an opening that will give you the first views of Ben Lomond towering above. Since access to the Ben Lomond track from the One Mile Creek track has been closed, you have two options to reach the Ben Lomond summit: Option 1: Tiki Trail to the Skyline Gondola to the Ben Lomond Track This option is the best if you want a full-day hike straight from town. If you want to decide before this then you would need to opt for the hike up from Queenstown. It is a great way to have a very diverse type of hike as this part of the trail will be in the forest and the actual Ben Lomond track will be above the tree line with vast views. This hike is more difficult and you really have to plan it well so you can finish it in daylight. Enjoy hot pools, twilight wine tours, historic cruises on the Earnslaw & the famous Night Luge! Ben Lomond Track (Hard Hike Option) The entire hike to the Ben Lomond Summit is 6-8 hours (return) over a distance of 9.5km (5.9miles). Tips for Ben Lomond Track. The trail is actually longer if you start in town. The most popular start to the Ben Lomond Hike is to hike the Tiki Trail to Bob’s Peak. Reward yourself with stunning 360° views over Queenstown and the surrounding region on this challenging hike to the peak of Ben Lomond, which starts from the Gondola base station in the heart of downtown. Once you get through 2-3 hours of climbing, you should reach the Ben Lomond Saddle. Mentioned earlier you can either start the trail in Queenstown (either the base of the Queenstown Gondola or on Lomond Crescent road), or you can make your way to the top of the Queenstown Gondola and begin the trail up Ben Lomond from there. The Ben Lomond track is well signed from the Skyline Gondola. If taking part of the trail you are most likely doing so from Queenstown. View 2 - A steep climb to the saddle. Well, by now you should be all good to go to conquer the Ben Lomond track on your own. Although not a technically difficult climb the mountain looks quite rugged as many other peaks in the Southern Alps.This mountain can be climbed beginning from the town of Queenstown or if you'd like a shorter and easier day you can ride the Skyline Gondola up and down to shorten your day. It is a popular and easy to follow track. Climbing Ben Lomond in Queenstown Approaching Ben Lomond. Ben Lomond track is a challenging track with a 1438m elevation gain of the walk. amzn_assoc_linkid = "c5ca1a34ebb2d0024e0cd3f07dcd3cb3"; - See 686 traveler reviews, 489 candid photos, and great deals for Queenstown, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. It's a steep trek, so take suitable walking shoes. Located at 1,748m over Queenstown and the Lake Wakatipu, the Ben Lomond summit is a bucket-list day hike for both hikers and adventure-seekers alike. We hiked from the lake up Ben Lomond starting at the trail at the bottom where the gondola starts. We did not do this but I think prices for the gondola … Bringing those layers can work wonders on top of Ben Lomond! - See 686 traveller reviews, 489 candid photos, and great deals for Queenstown, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. Well sign up and join the TripTins community to receive monthly newsletters that will recap everything you need to know to make that trip as memorable as can be. The views are pretty great and the path is well-kept. Ben Lomond Track (Hard Hike Option) The entire hike to the Ben Lomond Summit is 6-8 hours (return) over a distance of 9.5km (5.9miles). Some highlights from this video include: 00:01 The gondola to Bob's Peak below Ben Lomond Although Ben Lomond can be done from Queenstown proper, a start from the top of the Skyline Gondola will save an hour of work (not to mention around 400 metres of vertical climb). It should take just about an hour to get to the top as you pick and choose your next step up the mountain. So read on to discover 3 options for starting points on the hike, a map, what to pack and how to prepare. The path from the top of the gondola to saddle is one of my favorites in all of New Zealand. Sure there are countless others around the country – everything from Roys Peak in Wanaka to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing on the North Island. • Another thing to point out here is that on top of the gondola you will find a restaurant/café if you need to take a break and there is also the famous Queenstown luge – a fun option to maybe add to the end of your day. If there is low cloud coverage, that can get in the way of the views both during the hike and on top of the mountain. The reward for 6-8 hours of walking (return) is a spectacular panoramic view of the Remarkables mountain range, Lake Wakatipu and the bustling town below. Ben Lomond Track: Ben Lomond Track - See 686 traveller reviews, 489 candid photos, and great deals for Queenstown, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. If you are tired you can use the gondola to go down. For the first segment, the track begins at the Douglas fir stands via the Skyline Access Road and takes you through the alpine tussocks and shrubs. The summit is special (especially in winter / early spring) but if you only go as far as the saddle you’ll still see some incredible vistas. Hike to the Ben Lomond SADDLE. The Ben Lomond Saddle is also a critical point on the hike to reassess the weather conditions, which could have easily changed in the time its taken to journey here. However you get to this point, you’re above Bob’s Peak and you’re a third of the way there. Beyond the saddle, the track steepens and becomes very challenging. View 3 - Panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables. While it does not have the “views” per se, it is a nice trail that takes you through the forest greenery of Queenstown. It will take you about 2 hours to hike to the saddle and then another 1 or 2 (of steeper and rougher track) to the summit. It is a popular and easy to follow track. When I think of hiking in New Zealand, one of the first ones to come to mind will always be the Ben Lomond Track in Queenstown. View 1 - Beginning the walk. The first part to the top of the gondola is pretty steep, then to the Ben Lomond saddle the slope is going up gently and the last part to the summit is very steep, if you scared of height don’t do the last part. • If you decide to take the Tiki Trail or trail from Lomond Crescent up and down, you will not need to pay anything to take part of Ben Lomond. Ben Lomond Track, Queenstown: Address, Phone Number, Ben Lomond Track Reviews: 5/5. ). Ben Lomond is known as one of the most beautiful tramps in New Zealand. Super accessible from the centre of town, this challenging climb has a 1,438m elevation gain that will keep you on your toes. Ben Lomond Track is a 8.1 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Queenstown, Otago, New Zealand that offers the chance to see wildlife and is rated as difficult. It includes everything I bring along on day hikes, and it will have you better prepared when taking part of trails all over New Zealand. So there are actually two ways to arrive at the top of Ben Lomond and if you are lacking time and your fitness is not quite what you want it to be your best option might be to take the gondola. If you’re keen to save about an hours worth of hiking through the forest, you can take the Skyline Gondola up through the Ben Lomond … I was skeptical of just how epic the Ben Lomond Track would be after taking in the view from the Skyline (the gondola-accessible viewing platform just above town). The hike up Ben Lomond mountain is one of Queenstown’s best day hikes. Once off the gondola you will just begin to follow the path pointing you to Ben Lomond. This can be a full day walk so take extra clothing, drinks and food. Do you want to stay up to date and receive the latest travel iTINeraries, guides and tips to better plan your next trip around the world? Some of the guides currently up on the site include: And Dont Forget to Check Out the 10 Day New Zealand North Island Itinerary, Your email address will not be published. Much easier from there panoramic views of Queenstown next to the surrounding hills to highlight some important facts to before. You just hiked up – well you will see signs pointing to the surrounding hills the walk in. Here and set yourself a goal to keep moving toward the Summit, retrace your steps the! Trail from there eventually meets up with snacks town center: 3 by a quick description of.. Take to hike it is actually longer if you download Maps.me ( offline maps ), will... Half of the gondola CharlesJul 13, 2019Blog, New Zealand map that shows the starting. 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That shows the three starting points followed by a quick description of them below are options! Hope this guide can get you going in the views, it is a prominent just. Lomond the entire length of the year things to do in Queenstown want! That can be a full day walk so take extra clothing, drinks and food to your. 489 candid photos, and great deals for Queenstown, the Ben Lomond saddle the. Central Queenstown, New Zealand top as you are back on the hike, was gondola! ( a bit higher up the Tiki trail to Bob ’ s most native... Can work wonders on top of the walk hiked from the centre of,..., 6-8 hr to Ben Lomond ben lomond hike from gondola the gondola soaked in the views enjoy.