Ben Lomond Track: Walking Guide, Time & Access

Route overview

The Ben Lomond Track is a demanding climb and a full day's hike with an 1,438 m elevation gain when completed from Queenstown. On a clear day trampers are rewarded at the summit with spectacular panoramic views.

This DOC directory entry covers Ben Lomond Track in Otago, within Queenstown area. Where DOC groups several walks, times and grades refer to the listed options rather than a single continuous itinerary.

Distance, time and grade

• Distance: 11 km return via same track
• Walking time: 6-8 hr return to Ben Lomond Summit from Queenstown
• DOC grade: Advanced

Access and alerts

Source checked 2026-10-08. This page is a dated snapshot, not a live track-status report. Check current DOC route information immediately before travelling. An absence of listed alerts does not establish that a route is open.

Seasonal restrictions

Fires are not allowed at any time. See fire rules on conservation land.In winter you will need to carry and be able to use alpine equipment such as avalanche equipment, ice axe and crampons. The track may change between very slippery and muddy.

Dog access

No dogs. Other pets on conservation land rules.

Description

The Ben Lomond Track rewards trampers with spectacular panoramic views over Queenstown, Lake Whakatipu and the surrounding mountain ranges. These include Ka-kamu-a-Hakitekura/Cecil and Walter Peaks and Kawarau/Remarkables.

In fine weather, you may even spot Mounts Pikirakatahi/Earnslaw and Tititea/Aspiring in the distance.

The area between Rat Point and Arthurs Point (including Ben Lomond) above Queenstown has a year-round ban on outdoor fires.

Tiki Trail to Ben Lomond Summit

Time: 6-8 hr returnDistance: 14 km return

This track starts from the Skyline Gondola base on Brecon street.

The track begins among Douglas fir on the Tiki Trail behind the stone wall of the cemetery. At about 800 m altitude you leave the tree line behind to enter alpine tussocks and shrubs. Climb to the 1,326 m Ben Lomond Saddle.

Beyond the saddle is Ben Lomond Station where the track crosses private land and is unmaintained. From here, the terrain becomes steeper and rougher. The hardest part of the climb remains as you approach Ben Lomond's 1,748 m summit.

There are steep drop offs from the track on the way to the summit. The track here can be more treacherous if covered in snow and ice.

Note: The section from the saddle to the summit crosses private land. Respect the landowner’s rights and keep to the formed track to avoid stock disturbance and farm hazards.

Tiki Trail to Ben Lomond Saddle

Time: 5 hr returnDistance: 10 km return

You can follow the Tiki Trail to hike to Ben Lomond Saddle from Queenstown.

Skyline Gondola top complex to Ben Lomond Saddle

Time: 3-4 hr returnDistance: 7 km return

Enjoy a shorter tramp on the Ben Lomond Track by riding the Gondola to the Skyline complex and hiking to the Ben Lomond Saddle and back.

This is a good option for trampers who would like to take in the views while building the fitness and experience required to hike to the summit.

Understand if you are ready for the Ben Lomond Track

Watch the NZ Mountain Safety Council’s walk-through video which takes you through how to prepare for this track. Including facilities, key decision points, hazards and typical conditions for the area.

Getting there

Located near central Queenstown, the four access points to this track are:

• the Tiki Trail, starting next to the Skyline Gondola base station at the top of Brecon Street (best option)

• the bottom of the Skyline Access Road on Lomond Crescent

• from One Mile Creek Track which starts at the Fernhill roundabout (navigation required)

• the Skyline Gondola - return or can pay for a one-way ticket downhill.

Download a map of the track and where it starts (PDF, 403K)

Know before you go

Ensure you leave enough daylight hours, but pack a headtorch just in case. In winter, you'll need alpine equipment.

What to expect

• A full day's hike with 1,438 m elevation gain. Remember, the peak is only the halfway point.

Fire hazard

The area between Rat Point and Arthurs Point (including Ben Lomond) above Queenstown has been designated a High Fire Risk Zone (Called the Queenstown Red Zone) as it is at risk from wildfire. There is a year-round ban on outdoor fires.

Further hazards

The weather changes rapidly in this region. Hypothermia is a real risk even in summer.

Numerous steep downhill mountain bike tracks intersect with the walking track. Due to the high speeds these are unsafe for walkers. Be careful to follow the signs and stay on walking tracks.

Animals have also formed tracks across the mountain. Ensure you follow the signs and orange markers to stay on the right track.

Amenities

• There are toilets at the top complex of the Skyline Gondola.

• There is now a toilet located 100 m before Ben Lomond saddle. Take your own supplies. No water, hand sanitiser or toilet paper is provided. Do not use the toilet as a rubbish bin. Carry your rubbish back off the track with you.

• Plan accordingly or bring a pocket toilet, available for purchase at Whakatipu-wai-Māori/Queenstown Visitor Centre.

What to take

Pack enough water for the day. There is no water past the Skyline Gondola complex.

Day hikes gear list

Weather forecast

Ben Lomond Track weather forecast – NIWA website

No drones

Flying a drone without a permit is strictly prohibited.

Drone use on conservation land

Sources and reuse

Route descriptions and practical information reproduced from the Department of Conservation, Crown copyright, under CC BY 4.0, subject to DOC's copyright policy. Formatting has been adapted, including flattening page sections; follow the original DOC page for maps, section-specific layout, current notices and linked documents. Outdoor Next is independent and is not endorsed by DOC.

The accompanying photograph is a licensed general hiking illustration, not a photograph of this route.