Ben Lomond Track
Ben Lomond Track
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  • Georgie Harris
    Essex, United Kingdom9 contributions
    Don’t let the reviews about its difficulty put you off!
    My boyfriend and I are of average fitness or slightly above, typical office worker level and we were very apprehensive due to the reviews about the level of skill and fitness needed to complete the Ben Lomond summit. Let me tell you, don’t let this put you off. We started with the gondola up the the luge area (we had climbed the tiki trail the day before and didn’t want to repeat the same scenery) and this was a blessing and relief to get down at the end. The track is very clear for 90% of the walk with orange poles directing you where to go. There is a little scramble at the end to reach the summit which my boyfriend managed in casual trainers - we even saw some people climbing in flip flops (although would definitely not recommend!) As long as you have comfortable shoes and the weather is good you will be fine. We completed the track in summer so did not have the extra obstacle of ice and snow. Remember to take plenty of water (2L should be fine) but also bear in mind there are no toilets on the track! Stunning views the whole time and especially at the top of the summit. Would definitely recommend as a must do in Queenstown!
    Visited February 2020
    Traveled as a couple
    Written February 17, 2020
  • Ruofan
    Auckland Central, New Zealand235 contributions
    Great native gift
    Great a native walk in Wanaka, car parking is available at the starting point, 2 toilets available at the start and end points. Cash of $2 track fee is payable at the track's entry. The first 1 hour - 1:30 hours is very deeply, it is very challenge, however it is worth it. The way up is around 2:30-3 hours depends on your fitness. The best time to start the journey is 10am.
    Visited May 2021
    Written May 25, 2021
  • Rakhan
    Dunedin, New Zealand237 contributions
    Busy but worth it
    This must be one of the more popular hiking trails in Queenstown. Accessible from the gondola, or via a walk through the woods from Fernhill, you soon rise above the willing trees and get some spectacular views, especially if you make the final push up to the summit. If you want a quieter option, from the saddle you can descend to the moonlight track from Moke Lake, and sidle around to Arthur's Point for a well deserved beer at Canyon Brewing. Unlike the Ben Lomond track, the track from the saddle to AP must be one of the least walked in the district.
    Visited January 2020
    Written December 31, 2019
  • Britdrnva
    Great Falls, Virginia159 contributions
    Ben Lomond is a great day hike
    We took the gondola to save us a bit of trekking - overall was a long walk but with great views throughout especially from the saddle to the top. Would recommend you be in decent shape total time up/down with a stop at the top and the saddle for a snack or three is about 5-6 hours. Walk up to the saddle was easy enough, the next bit requires a bit of bouldering to get to the top but nothing technical. I would personally rate the hike as strenuous but definitely doable as long as you've hiked before (for several hours). The trails themselves are very easy to navigate and not at all technical - just a long day's do and some serious elevation gain. But the views at the top are well worth it. If you've got a day and want to earn your beers (or wine) give it a go!
    Visited December 2019
    Written January 3, 2020
  • Duncan W
    Wellington, New Zealand341 contributions
    Tough climb but great views
    It can look daunting from the distance, but the track is pretty good right up to the summit. I started from the ground level by the Gondola going up the Tiki trail, which is probably a mistake - the Gondola trip would save the legs for the final climb. There is currently construction work at the bottom of the Gondola, and on the Tiki trail there are diversions and works - actually, the Tiki trail is a bit of a mess at the moment and best avoided. But this review is about the Ben Lomond trail from the Gondola up to the saddle and to the summit. Great views. The saddle track is wide. The Ben Lomond summit track is steep and rougher, but still fine. Only note is that these tracks are NOT well poled - there are some, but in cloud or darkness they aren't close enough. The track is easy to negotiate in fine weather and in poor weather you shouldn't be going up (ie the poles are useless). Highly recommended, but you do need above average fitness if you are going to the summit.
    Visited October 2021
    Written October 29, 2021
  • richardmce
    Christchurch, New Zealand7 contributions
    Tough climb but worth every minute
    Started off early before the heat of the day. Took the gondola up at 8:30am thinking I would be first but there had already been groups start earlier by walking the Tiki Trail. First leg to the saddle was comfortable but still got the heart rate up (on my way down I met a couple of hearty mountain bikers heading up). Great views and enjoyed to the beech forest. Majority is open an exposed so the heat from the sun took its toll. Second half past the saddle was demanding with steep and narrow paths. Interesting though with some great rocks and big steps! Views at the top were a great reward and the Keas kept everyone entertained. A bit cooler up top as well so good to cool down. In my way down at 12:30 I met a lot of walkers coming up. Most were struggling in the heat unless obviously fit and experienced hikers. I had 2 lots of water and ran out half way down. Recommend at least 3 ltrs for next time. There is phone reception the whole way. A great walk and I was proud to finish.
    Visited January 2020
    Traveled solo
    Written January 14, 2020
  • Ton AJJ van Dijk
    Kuala Belait, Brunei Darussalam169 contributions
    A good hike
    Great but tough going (for some) as it goes uphill all the time. We started from the upper cable car station and weather was fine. Close to the saddle we turned back as rain started falling down with lots of clouds getting over the mountain. Still people kept going to the summit - not sure if that was wise (irresponsible?) and shows a lack of common sense how weather can change suddenly in mountains. Still an enjoyable trip with good views and saw 2 mountain goats close by.
    Visited October 2022
    Written October 28, 2022
  • Bec
    Birmingham, United Kingdom537 contributions
    Beautiful 360 views
    Ben Lomond is a must-do when in Queenstown! Make sure you've got plenty of water, it gets really hot up there. Also make sure to pack a spare top, a fleece/insulated jacket and a waterproof. It can be hot walking up but it can easily get cold at the top. You can start from Queenstown or if you wait until the Skyline gondola opens you can skip out the Tiki Trail. Personally, I did the Tiki Trail and took the gondola down in the afternoon, this way I was able to start the walk before sunrise and beat the midday heat. In the early morning most of the hike is in the shade until you reach the final climb. Wear hiking boots, the trail is easy and steady until you get to the final climb (45mins-1hr) and then it gets a little trickier underfoot with some rocks to clamber over as well as many small loose stones. Take your time and you'll be good. The views at the top are spectacular. Take your time, I was stopping every minute for a photo. You get a 360 panoramic view from the summit and it's so worth it. It took us 2 hrs 30 going up from Queenstown, and only 1hr 30 down, including lots of breaks. It's honestly not too bad, and if you don't fancy the climb to the summit there are still amazing views to be seen en route.
    Visited February 2021
    Written March 31, 2021
  • Chris
    Glasgow, United Kingdom15 contributions
    Unbelievable
    Yesterday I spent nearly six hours climbing Ben Lomond, but my girlfriend didn’t cry, mainly because she doesn’t exist. There wasn’t one Starbucks on the path up and when I got to the top not a single plug socket to charge my phone. Since there was no one there and no designated toilet I was forced to use the gender neutral option and relieve my bladder over the ridge. Luckily I had brought plenty of fluids to top myself back up. BE WARNED - there are no facilities at the top or anywhere on the path, because it’s a hill walk not a pub crawl. The only thing you’ll find here is a mildly challenging walk up, the unpredictable Scottish weather and on a clear day some of the most stunning views Scotland has to offer. It was amazing. ⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ would recommend.
    Visited September 2020
    Traveled solo
    Written September 5, 2020
  • Lauren
    Christchurch, New Zealand23 contributions
    Queenstown Must Do
    Brilliant hike with epic views over Queenstown and the surrounding mountains. I started from the One Mile Creek path as the Tiki Trail was closed for maintenance until 10am. Started at 7am to beat the heat, and took me about 3.5 hours to summit as someone who does occasional walks. The first hour was a steep trek through pine forest, so if you want to save your energy get the Gondola up. Stunning views all the way after breaking the treeline, and had the summit to myself. Weather went from partly cloudy to overcast as I climbed, and from the Saddle onwards it was super windy and cold - make sure you take layers! Took about the same time down with a long stop at the Skyline for food and heading back down the now-open Tiki Trail. Sore legs for days afterwards but well worth it.
    Visited December 2020
    Written December 17, 2020
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
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Britdrnva
Great Falls, VA159 contributions
Dec 2019
We took the gondola to save us a bit of trekking - overall was a long walk but with great views throughout especially from the saddle to the top. Would recommend you be in decent shape total time up/down with a stop at the top and the saddle for a snack or three is about 5-6 hours. Walk up to the saddle was easy enough, the next bit requires a bit of bouldering to get to the top but nothing technical.

I would personally rate the hike as strenuous but definitely doable as long as you've hiked before (for several hours). The trails themselves are very easy to navigate and not at all technical - just a long day's do and some serious elevation gain. But the views at the top are well worth it. If you've got a day and want to earn your beers (or wine) give it a go!
Written January 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Duncan W
Wellington, New Zealand341 contributions
Oct 2021
It can look daunting from the distance, but the track is pretty good right up to the summit. I started from the ground level by the Gondola going up the Tiki trail, which is probably a mistake - the Gondola trip would save the legs for the final climb. There is currently construction work at the bottom of the Gondola, and on the Tiki trail there are diversions and works - actually, the Tiki trail is a bit of a mess at the moment and best avoided. But this review is about the Ben Lomond trail from the Gondola up to the saddle and to the summit. Great views. The saddle track is wide. The Ben Lomond summit track is steep and rougher, but still fine. Only note is that these tracks are NOT well poled - there are some, but in cloud or darkness they aren't close enough. The track is easy to negotiate in fine weather and in poor weather you shouldn't be going up (ie the poles are useless). Highly recommended, but you do need above average fitness if you are going to the summit.
Written October 30, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

richardmce
Christchurch, New Zealand7 contributions
Jan 2020 • Solo
Started off early before the heat of the day. Took the gondola up at 8:30am thinking I would be first but there had already been groups start earlier by walking the Tiki Trail. First leg to the saddle was comfortable but still got the heart rate up (on my way down I met a couple of hearty mountain bikers heading up). Great views and enjoyed to the beech forest. Majority is open an exposed so the heat from the sun took its toll. Second half past the saddle was demanding with steep and narrow paths. Interesting though with some great rocks and big steps! Views at the top were a great reward and the Keas kept everyone entertained. A bit cooler up top as well so good to cool down.

In my way down at 12:30 I met a lot of walkers coming up. Most were struggling in the heat unless obviously fit and experienced hikers. I had 2 lots of water and ran out half way down. Recommend at least 3 ltrs for next time. There is phone reception the whole way.

A great walk and I was proud to finish.
Written January 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Ton AJJ van Dijk
Kuala Belait, Brunei Darussalam169 contributions
Oct 2022
Great but tough going (for some) as it goes uphill all the time. We started from the upper cable car station and weather was fine. Close to the saddle we turned back as rain started falling down with lots of clouds getting over the mountain.
Still people kept going to the summit - not sure if that was wise (irresponsible?) and shows a lack of common sense how weather can change suddenly in mountains.
Still an enjoyable trip with good views and saw 2 mountain goats close by.
Written October 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Bec
Birmingham, UK537 contributions
Feb 2021
Ben Lomond is a must-do when in Queenstown! Make sure you've got plenty of water, it gets really hot up there. Also make sure to pack a spare top, a fleece/insulated jacket and a waterproof. It can be hot walking up but it can easily get cold at the top.
You can start from Queenstown or if you wait until the Skyline gondola opens you can skip out the Tiki Trail. Personally, I did the Tiki Trail and took the gondola down in the afternoon, this way I was able to start the walk before sunrise and beat the midday heat. In the early morning most of the hike is in the shade until you reach the final climb. Wear hiking boots, the trail is easy and steady until you get to the final climb (45mins-1hr) and then it gets a little trickier underfoot with some rocks to clamber over as well as many small loose stones. Take your time and you'll be good.
The views at the top are spectacular. Take your time, I was stopping every minute for a photo. You get a 360 panoramic view from the summit and it's so worth it.
It took us 2 hrs 30 going up from Queenstown, and only 1hr 30 down, including lots of breaks. It's honestly not too bad, and if you don't fancy the climb to the summit there are still amazing views to be seen en route.
Written March 31, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Chris
Glasgow, UK15 contributions
Sep 2020 • Solo
Yesterday I spent nearly six hours climbing Ben Lomond, but my girlfriend didn’t cry, mainly because she doesn’t exist.

There wasn’t one Starbucks on the path up and when I got to the top not a single plug socket to charge my phone. Since there was no one there and no designated toilet I was forced to use the gender neutral option and relieve my bladder over the ridge. Luckily I had brought plenty of fluids to top myself back up.

BE WARNED - there are no facilities at the top or anywhere on the path, because it’s a hill walk not a pub crawl.

The only thing you’ll find here is a mildly challenging walk up, the unpredictable Scottish weather and on a clear day some of the most stunning views Scotland has to offer. It was amazing.

⭐️ ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ would recommend.
Written September 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lauren
Christchurch, New Zealand23 contributions
Dec 2020
Brilliant hike with epic views over Queenstown and the surrounding mountains. I started from the One Mile Creek path as the Tiki Trail was closed for maintenance until 10am. Started at 7am to beat the heat, and took me about 3.5 hours to summit as someone who does occasional walks. The first hour was a steep trek through pine forest, so if you want to save your energy get the Gondola up. Stunning views all the way after breaking the treeline, and had the summit to myself. Weather went from partly cloudy to overcast as I climbed, and from the Saddle onwards it was super windy and cold - make sure you take layers! Took about the same time down with a long stop at the Skyline for food and heading back down the now-open Tiki Trail. Sore legs for days afterwards but well worth it.
Written December 17, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

wloo_andrew
Waterloo, Canada888 contributions
Nov 2022 • Couples
Well maintained track that's easy to walk. It's a long steady incline to the saddle and then steeper and more rugged to the summit.

There are long sections with no shade so water, sunscreen and a hat are highly recommended. Beautiful views from the saddle (where we stopped and headed back down). Great views from all along the track.

Parking is tricky because of construction at the base of the hill. We parked on a residential street nearby and took the gondola to the top.
Written November 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

hannah
Christchurch, New Zealand207 contributions
Apr 2021
Department of Conservation has a video exactly showing the track. I recommend to watch it before you go, where you would know about the things to prepare. Waterproof, windproof jacket , good hike boot and at least 1L water would be recommended. Walking pole is handy too. Check right weather forecast or check with staff from DOC or Gondola before go. It was a bit tricky to find the entry of track. If you are fit and hiker, it would not be too difficult. The difficulty similar to Roys’ Peak in terms of slope and easier than Avalanche Peak at the top. I went there while quite snowy terrain above the saddle. It took me 3.5 hours in total including photo times but I am very fit, normally 4-6 hours. Walking down the snow was very tricky than walking up. The view was breathtaking.
Written April 27, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

ClareUK123
Auckland Central, New Zealand152 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
I loved this hike, I've have done a number of day hikes in NZ, mainly in the North Island and this is one of my favourites! It's a satisfying level of challenge, the views are incredible and I really like the terrain. Other walks have had scree which makes the descent a lot more challenging. There was a small amount of scrambling from saddle to the summit but nothing bad and no sheer drops. We spotted a mountain goat near the summit which was a very pleasant surprise.

I was worried about being cold but was actually too hot on the final climb and it was lightly snowing! A pause at the top was enough for the cold to set in, make sure you are well prepared with gloves/an extra layer if you want to hang around at the top. (The weather forecast was showing as - 3 degrees celcius.)

I highly recommend this hike!
Written October 14, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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