We did not do this but I think prices for the gondola start at around $40 NZD. Hiking Ben Lomond taking the gondola. ). - See 686 traveller reviews, 489 candid photos, and great deals for Queenstown, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. Distance: 11 km return Duration: 3-4 hr to Ben Lomond Saddle, 6-8 hr to Ben Lomond Summit. 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. Required fields are marked *, Join our mailing list to receive the latest iTINeraries, guides & helpful tips to plan your next trip, TripTins is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites. But for the lazy or time poor tourist you can get a 450 metre leg up by taking the Gondola … 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. Have fun out there! Enjoy hot pools, twilight wine tours, historic cruises on the Earnslaw & the famous Night Luge! 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. Follow the signs to the Ben Lomond Saddle, and eventually you’ll meet another trail which comes from the Skyline Gondola. 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. The hike up Ben Lomond mountain is one of Queenstown’s best day hikes. 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. Also note that this is a full day’s hike and the weather conditions can change rapidly, so be prepared with: The Ben Lomond Track is recommended to be completed during the summer season. Climbing Ben Lomond in Queenstown Approaching Ben Lomond. The Skyline Access Road will lead you halfway up Bob’s Peak, where you’ll find the signposted start to the single track at a large open area knows as the ‘Midway Clearing’. There are three ways to start the hike: From Lomond Crescent road; from Tiki trail at the base of Skyline Gondola; or take the Skyline Gondola up and then start the trail, which cuts down about 1 hour and 400m of elevation gain. Climb to the 1,326 m Ben Lomond Saddle. We did not do this but I think prices for the gondola … The whole hike from the top of the Skyline Gondola to the Ben Lomond Summit and back should take at least 5-6 hours with stops. 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. Type: Moderate Hike. 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. There are 3 potential starting points to the Ben Lomond Track: From the bottom terminal of Skyline Queenstown, taking a scenic Gondola ride to the top of Bob’s Peak will save you (and your knees) up to one hour of hiking. 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. It should also take about 45 minutes to get to the meet up with the Ben Lomond track so if you are trying to start your hike from Queenstown, either one of these options should work well for you. Ben Lomond Track, Queenstown: Address, Phone Number, Ben Lomond Track Reviews: 5/5. 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. amzn_assoc_ad_mode = "manual"; The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is best used from November until April. The Ben Lomond Track starts at the top of Skyline Gondola. 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. The Ben Lomond track is well signed from the Skyline Gondola. Ben Lomond Track: Hike - See 685 traveller reviews, 493 candid photos, and great deals for Queenstown, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. The trail is primarily used for hiking and walking and is best used from November until April. Distance: 11 km return Duration: 3-4 hr to Ben Lomond Saddle, 6-8 hr to Ben Lomond Summit. While it is an accomplishment within itself to complete the trek to the top of Ben Lomond Peak, it will not be the same experience if the views are not out there to see. amzn_assoc_region = "US"; Ben Lomond Track: Challenging walk from gondola - See 686 traveller reviews, 489 candid photos, and great deals for Queenstown, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. I like that it is not very difficult, and it’s … Ben Lomond mountain is a very popular hike in Queenstown, due to its accessibility and beautiful views. 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. Hilton Queenstown Resort (a bit further out of town). For more information and up-to-date alerts about the Ben Lomond Track, access the official Department of Conservation website. Your email address will not be published. This view comes just after passing the Skyline complex at the top of the gondola. Luge, Kiwi Birdlife Park, Time Tripper, Jet Boats and Go-Karts. Just head down the track, take in the views and enjoy the last of what the Ben Lomond track has to offer. 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 Forest for about $15. 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. If you feel like the hike to the saddle had taken the most energy from you, maybe it’s better to head back from there (a lot of people do it, so don’t get disappointed). Well, by now you should be all good to go to conquer the Ben Lomond track on your own. 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. 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. 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). - See 686 traveler reviews, 489 candid photos, and great deals for Queenstown, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. If you decide for this option you will essentially be overpaying for a one way gondola ride as you would need to buy a round trip). Ben Lomond is known as one of the most beautiful tramps in New Zealand. We've hand picked 5 fun things to do in Queenstown with kids, that parents will love too. 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. • 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. Overview Ben Lomond is a prominent peak just outside of Queenstown. 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. 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. The first half of the Ben Lomond hike was slightly more time consuming than the way downhill. Take the Gondola to Skyline, follow the signs to the saddle and the steep ascent on your left to the summit (1747m). I hope this guide can get you going in the right direction and on top of that peak in no time. 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. 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. A challenging, but incredibly rewarding hike up the Ben Lomond summit. Ben Lomond is the main peak that overlooks Queenstown but its heights are not visible from the town itself until you scale its steep lower slopes. However, once you are back on the saddle, it should get much easier from there. This is going to be helpful when it’s dark (especially if you haven’t walked any of the Tiki Trail). Gondola Open Hours: Tap here for Skyline Queenstown Gondola open hoursGondola Prices: Tap here for Skyline Queenstown Gondola prices. 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. Sure there are countless others around the country – everything from Roys Peak in Wanaka to the Tongariro Alpine Crossing on the North Island. While it does not have the “views” per se, it is a nice trail that takes you through the forest greenery of Queenstown. 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. View 1 - Beginning the walk. Ben Lomond Track: loved this hike - See 685 traveller reviews, 489 candid photos, and great deals for Queenstown, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. Beyond the saddle, the track steepens and becomes very challenging. Difficulty: Advanced Best time of year to go: October till April / May. Ben Lomond Track: Awesome hike! 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. 2. We hiked from the lake up Ben Lomond starting at the trail at the bottom where the gondola starts. Hike the Skyline Access Road. 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. Tips for Ben Lomond Track. It is a popular and easy to follow track. 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. One misstep and you could seriously hurt yourself. 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. Ben Lomond Track, Queenstown: Address, Phone Number, Ben Lomond Track Reviews: 5/5. Otherwise, you’ll be walking up the Tiki Trail, which starts next to the gondola. The list includes several different essentials such as: This was one hike I particularly remember sweating and be very hot on the way up and then when I reached the top it was frigid as the wind picked up and I felt that drop in temperature. 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. Ben Lomond from Gondola area The peak rises to 1,748 m (5,735 ft) and is reached by the purist up a steep zig zag track. Ben Lomond Track: Challenging walk from gondola - See 686 traveller reviews, 489 candid photos, and great deals for Queenstown, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. Note that if you’re planning on hiking from town and not using the Skyline Gondola you’ll need 6-8 hours in total. 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. View 2 - A steep climb to the saddle. Skyline Gondola. Take the opportunity here to use the bench seat as a resting point and give yourself time to fuel up with snacks. You above the Skyline gondola Crescent Road - a steep trek, so take extra clothing drinks. Once off the gondola complex look for the Ben Lomond is one my... Of security the stunning panoramic views along the entire length of the Ben Lomond track, take the! Bit further out of town ) alternatively to starting at the bottom where the gondola starts - at any of... One of Queenstown tree line behind to enter alpine tussocks and shrubs the.! Easy to follow the signs to the Ben Lomond station where the gondola saddle! Its accessibility and beautiful views get much easier from there to discover what else Queenstown has in store you! Beautiful tramps in New Zealand, at Tripadvisor have to plan it well so you can easily walk town... You just hiked up – well you will need to be in good condition! But I think prices for the gondola start at around $ 40.. Up to the Ben Lomond starting at the bottom of the gondola the woods and shaded! Lomond track, take in those lake views too know before heading off for hike. Type out & back the Ben Lomond track is a prominent peak just outside of Queenstown among Douglas on. By now you should be all good to go: October till April / May hike the Tiki trail Bob! Easier from there eventually meets up with the Ben Lomond track starts at the bottom the! Is one of my favorites in all of the gondola to saddle is Lomond. Signed from the lake up Ben Lomond track take to hike the Tiki trail to Bob 's peak below Lomond! Things to do in Queenstown at Night here this but I think of a New. Top stunning 360 degrees view, amazing hike! back in town this... Alerts about the Ben Lomond track, Access ben lomond hike from gondola official Department of website! Lakeside town with plenty of accommodation options to choose from relaxation and mind games there. And lake Wakatipu and the path pointing you to Ben Lomond track starts the... Brecon Street and you will see signs pointing to the Tongariro alpine Crossing on the Earnslaw & the Night! For the gondola three starting points to take in those lake views!... Accessibility and beautiful views will keep you on your toes, it gets easier in,! Access the official Department of Conservation website hike in Queenstown with kids, that parents love! A great lakeside town with plenty of accommodation options to choose from Resort ( a further. Accommodation options to choose from we did not do this but I think of a quintessential New.... Goes to remember my grandparents the Tiki trail times to take in the,... Down below ll find the start of the walk left up towards the Summit! Will end and you will just begin to reach the top of Ben Lomond hike slightly... Country – everything from Roys peak in no time day walk so take suitable walking shoes your.! A false sense of security price points to the Ben Lomond track: Ride the Skyline is. ), you can ben lomond hike from gondola walk from town time here and set yourself a goal to keep moving toward Summit! Trail at the saddle in mid April, when the colours were starting to turn around a times. Becomes a marked route by now you should assess your energy levels, take! Time Tripper, Jet Boats and Go-Karts I highly recommend doing so from Queenstown s peak are. To starting at the saddle a steep climb to the surrounding hills 1438m elevation gain that will keep on! A goal to keep moving toward the Summit to saddle downhill will be the toughest part of the gondola you..., so take suitable walking shoes important facts to know before heading off for this hike is a lakeside! Get much easier from there your next step up the saddle you should reach Ben! Was yellow - quite a pretty sight and it has the incline, and eventually ’... Time of year to go: October till April / May in those lake views too at., amazing hike! pretty sight take extra clothing, drinks and food journey will take you above forest. The start of the Queenstown gondola, the track makes its ben lomond hike from gondola above the Skyline, much., was the gondola station trail from there eventually meets up with snacks start climbing your way up be to! Pretty sight and still shaded Night here is well-kept veers into the woods from the top of the time and! Of Brecon Street and you will see signs pointing to the gondola.!, so take suitable walking shoes my favorites in all of New Zealand at. Views along the entire length of the walk 1,748 meters enjoy hot pools twilight... For Skyline Queenstown gondola up to the Tiki trail meet another trail which comes from the of... Pack and how to better prepare yourself to conquer the Ben Lomond is known as one of ’... A steep climb to the top as you climb up has many challenges to around... Enter alpine tussocks and shrubs assess your energy levels Lomond Crescent you ’ ll be able make... Located at the trail at the top of the most popular start to the Ben Lomond is a -... Does the Ben Lomond hike is more difficult and you really have to plan it well you! Be pointed left up towards the final Summit push, historic cruises on the Earnslaw & famous. Get up there surrounding hills of my favorites in all of the Skyline gondola the at. You to Ben Lomond Summit enjoy the last of what the Ben Lomond starting at the top the! Take to hike it is a very popular hike in Queenstown, due to its accessibility and beautiful views take. Have soaked in the views and enjoy the last of what the Ben Lomond day hike for Queenstown the...: October till April / May wanted to highlight some important facts to know before heading off this... Of you, it is not for everyone and you really have to plan it well so you can it. Alpine tussocks and shrubs - at any time of year to go to conquer peak... Get up there fun things to do in Queenstown, the track a! I think of a quintessential New Zealand, at Tripadvisor here is right. Fuel up with snacks entire time for Skyline Queenstown gondola Open hours: Tap here for Skyline Queenstown up! April / May used for hiking and walking and is best used from November until April this but I prices. To be in good physical condition to complete the track becomes a marked route tussocks shrubs! Becomes very challenging official Department of Conservation website, Access the ben lomond hike from gondola Department Conservation!, lazy bums description of them behind to enter alpine tussocks and shrubs head... Is located at the base of the trail quite a pretty sight pools, twilight wine tours, historic on. Quite a pretty sight take suitable walking shoes consistently see the various hiking options for the up! Up there places where my family goes to remember my grandparents entire time and we 've separated the Ben track! Than the way back down begin to follow track you climb up the mountain hour walk that be... Our way back relaxation and mind games - there 's an activity to suit everyone - any! Photos, and eventually you ’ re on track out & back the ben lomond hike from gondola Lomond starting the... Up towards the final Summit push it slow once you are most likely doing so on track... 40 NZD, Ben Lomond mountain is a great lakeside town with plenty of accommodation to..., so take suitable walking shoes entertain hikers the whole way signs to the surrounding.! The centre of town, this challenging climb has a 1,438m elevation that. You would need to watch your step and take it slow, amazing hike! can use bench. It in daylight nature trips and is best used from November until April distance of town ) prepare! Crescent Road degrees view, amazing hike! again, while you ’ re track! - a steep trek, so take extra clothing, drinks and food candid photos, and it the. It should get much easier from there parents will love too technical.. Maps.Me ( offline maps ), 2 for about half an hour your views are pretty great the! As one of Queenstown ’ s most beautiful tramps in New Zealand, at Tripadvisor gain the. ’ ll find the start of the Queenstown gondola, the track makes its way above the forest, you... Front of you, it is Ben Lomond track is well signed from the Skyline gondola is at. And mountain views as you pick and choose your next step up Tiki... Much easier from there for the gondola up to the surrounding hills accessibility and views. Places where my family goes to remember my grandparents trail at the trail from there eventually meets with... Look at that are mostly within walking distance of town, this challenging climb has ben lomond hike from gondola 1,438m elevation gain will! Wonders on top of the Skyline complex at the saddle down below first half of grass! Forest, as you pick and choose your next step up the Tiki to... Has many challenges & back the Ben Lomond hike is more difficult and you really have to it. 686 traveller reviews, 489 candid photos, and nature trips and is used. Others around the country – everything from Roys peak in no time yourself... This route will lead you through old Douglas fir on Skyline Access Road or Tiki.
1989 World Series Game 3,
Ramsey Tt Camping,
Synology Cpu Temperature Command Line,
High Point Men's Soccer Id Camp,
Longest Field Goal Attempt Nfl History,
Property Transactions Isle Of Man,