The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, and nature trips and is best used from November until April. Moke Lake Loop Track and Lake Dispute – Queenstown, A Weekend around Westhaven (Whanganui Inlet). The final stretch from the Ben Lomond Saddle to the Summit is the hardest part. Your email address will not be published. You start from Thompson street and just follow the signs up through the forest and towards the summit of Ben Lomond. The trail's top section – from the 1326m saddle to the summit – runs through Ben Lomond Station, and farmer Hamish Foster has had a gutsful. You'll pass Lake Kirkpatrick and lots of sheep on your way to Moke Lake, but keep driving until you get to the ... From Queenstown drive to the Remarkables Ski Field. Day 3 - Saturday. Before you begin your ascent up to the saddle of Ben Lomond, you’ll encounter a hub of activity. 3. And the saddle is only just past the halfway mark in terms of elevation (about 520m vertical ascent from the top of the cablecar to the saddle and 430m from the saddle to the peak). I shamelessly hugged the longer side of that time estimate thanks to plentiful photo, snack, and water breaks. The track is well defined and family-friendly, but it's completely uphill and rather exposed until you reach the summit.You start off walking through native Beech forest and invasive wilding pines, and then at about 800 meters you get above the tree line and alpine tussocks dominate the landscape. But you need good stamina too. From the Skyline Gondola to the Ben Lomond Saddle and back is about 3 to 3.5 hours. I had in fact hiked Roy’s Peak, ... the effort fitness level gondola station average fitness hour walk tree line take your time stunning views cable car south island saddle summit peak. March 6, 2019 Queenstown, New Zealand Ben Lomond Summit Hike The Ben Lomond Summit hike is a difficult hike that winds its way steadily above Queenstown to the Ben Lomond Saddle before taking on a rocky trek circling the mountain to arrive at the summit 1748m high. There, you’ll find a café/restaurant, luge track and a paragliding, bungy jump and ziplining base – plenty of … The Ben Lomond walkway is one of the easiest and most accessible walks in the Queenstown area. From the bottom of the gondola look for the signs to the Tiki Trail. The Ben Lomond Track The Summit. The walk to the saddle is easy, and from there it gets much steeper to the summit. To as low as 3 hours if you jog it. Late lunch at lodge. 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 was pretty fun. Queenstown is famous for being surrounded by some spectacular mountains. It follows the Tiki trail and the Skyline access road for about the first hour of the journey. Time roundtrip: 6-7 hours with plenty of stops. *More info on the other tracks can be found here: http://www.doc.govt.nz/Documents/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/otago/wakatipu-walks-brochure.pdf. Type: Moderate Hike. The hike itself will take around 3 hours to reach the saddle with the summit being another 45 minutes from there. The saddle is often the place I stopped as a little kid, not being big enough to make it all the way to the summit … The track now swings to the west as it goes up a steeper ridge to the Ben Lomond summit – … 2. Discover everything you need to know about Ben Lomond summit—a hiking attraction recommended by 16 people on komoot—and browse 29 photos & 1 insider tips. The trail morphs into a steep uphill climb from saddle to summit. The summit lies approximately 4 km northwest of the town centre, and reaches a height of 1,748 metres (5,735 ft). Once you reach the saddle between Ben Lomond and Bowen Peak the track climbs the northeast ridge until it loops around and gains the summit from western side. At 1748 meters, this summit offers stunning 360 degree views over Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding Queenstown region. Expect 4-6 hours round-trip from the top of the Gondola and 6-8 from Queenstown Views from the summit: Note: The section from the saddle to the summit crosses private land. Evening stretch and yoga. At 1748 meters, this summit offers stunning 360 degree views over Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding Queenstown region. Ben Lomond (45°00'24.06" south 168°36'54.76" east) is an attractive mountain that looms up behind Queenstown, reaching an altitude of 1748 metres (5735 feet). We did this walk on the last day of winter (August 31 st) and before long we encountered some shady parts of track full of ice, snow and mud.It was slow going but we could see the impressive face of Ben Lomond ahead which distracted us. The Ben Lomond saddle, at 1,346 meters, marks a wonderful stopping point if you are crunched for time. Tiki Trail (1 hour walk) Starting at the base of the Gondola, the Tiki Trail is an alternative route to get … If you wish to take the gondola to the Skyline overlook, you can pick up the Ben Lomond trail behind the building. Note: The section from the saddle to the summit crosses private land. From here the trail is pure joy, though steady work to climb uphill toward Ben Lomond Saddle. The most iconic (and surely the best) day hike in Queenstown takes you above picturesque Lake Wakatipu to the summit of Ben Lomond, the mountain which looms over Queenstown (but is hidden from view from most parts of town). Many people call it a day once they get there, but climbing the final stretch to the summit is incredibly worthwhile since you get 360-degree views of the Lake Wakatipu Basin and Southern Alps. 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. 1049) just keep on the ridge and it will take you all the way down to the gondola. If you do this hike, you will be walking up a mountain (or at least part of it). The Ben Lomond track can be broken down into two distinct parts – the trail to the saddle followed by the ascent to the summit. As you start the Ben Lomond Track from the gondola, the first part is through the woods and still shaded. Lake Wakatipu from Above Higher… Lake Wakatipu and The Remarks …and higher. 3 hours up, about 2 down. If you want a bit of challenge and avoid the crowds for a spell on the way down you can take the less used ridge route. After the saddle when the track deviates from the ridge line (at Pt. I had in fact hiked Roy’s Peak, ... the effort fitness level gondola station average fitness hour walk tree line take your time stunning views cable car south island saddle summit peak. The track starts off pretty easily and the views don’t take long to arrive. The drive to Moke Lake from Queenstown is only 14km but it takes about 30 minutes since you're on a dirt road for a good portion of it. Ben Lomond Saddle . We tackle the super famous Ben Lomond Summit track! Both exposure and steepness increase during the final 400 meters to the summit. Best easily accessible day hike from Queenstown. Distance today is about 20km. We knew the walk to the Ben Lomond Saddle would need to be efficient not snow or ice to deal with. Ben Lomond Saddle. adventures and follow local regulations. The Hike to Ben Lomond Saddle. The Cutler Basin trail is used less often than the Ben Lomond trail from North Fork Park because it is steeper and more strenuous. On the top of Bob’s Peak (Cemetery Hill) sits the Skyline Complex. Breakfast at hotel and Pack bags (Bags will be Shuttled to Ben Lomond Station) From Queenstown we will climb to Ben Lomond Saddle (and the summit of Ben Lomond for those who are keen) before dropping into the Moonlight and making our way to the Lodge. These photos are somewhat deceiving as the ridgeline was essentially snowless all the way to the summit. Ben Lemond Saddle – Ben Lomond summit Loop from Boydtown is an expert Hiking Tour. ... Adventuring up to Ben Lomond's summit is an out-and-back day hike with views that are arguably more rewarding than … 4-5 hours if you take the gondola.. Climb to the 1,326 m Ben Lomond Saddle. Please explore responsibly! When walking the track you may decide to walk only as far as the Saddle (that’s where the blue dotted line in the picture above curves to the left). Moonlight from Ben Lomond Saddle On my most recent trip up Ben Lomond (when many of these photos were taken), I was wearing a singlet and shorts as I set off from the gondola at a leisurely 10am (if you’re starting from Queenstown itself and taking the Tiki Trail then you don’t really want to leave it any later than that – I was cheating with taking the gondola up and down). Hike to the Ben Lomond SADDLE. Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your I walked it relatively quickly. Had the time and beautiful weather to attempt Ben Lomond summit, a strenuous walk in the summer, a pretty sketchy and dangerous one in winter. ... up through the Tiki Trail Forest to the luge area, to the Ben Lomond Saddle, to the summit proper. About 3/4 of the way up you reach a bench at the Ben Lomond Saddle and get your first glimpse of the Southern Alps on the backside of Ben Lomond. About 3/4 of the way up you reach a bench at the Ben Lomond Saddle and get your first glimpse of the Southern Alps on the backside of Ben Lomond. How to Get There The track to Ben Lomond begins in Queenstown itself, making this an exceptionally … And if you're really ambitious, rather than taking the Moonlight Track out to Arthur's Point, you could take it to Moke Lake. Beyond the saddle is Ben Lomond Station where the track becomes a marked route. Even if you don’t plan on hiking all the way up to the Ben Lomond Summit, just completing the Ben Lomond Saddle is worth the climb! The tiki Trail was steep some times. Had the time and beautiful weather to attempt Ben Lomond summit, a strenuous walk in the summer, a pretty sketchy and dangerous one in winter. Unreal! Trail condition: Great until the last 30 min to the summit. The track starts right from town so you don't need a car, and unlike town, the track is rarely busy. There are so many amazing views on the Ben Lomond Track, but the hike isn’t without its difficulties, especially in winter. The Ben Lomond summit starts to the left of the skyline gondola in Queenstown. We're committed to building a better, more inclusive home for the modern outdoors. Should you want to continue on, be sure to assess the conditions on the summit. After a short section of bush we got our first glimpse of the Ben Lomond peak. Lake Wakatipu from Above Higher… Lake Wakatipu and The Remarks …and higher. The track now swings to the west as it goes up a steeper ridge to the Ben Lomond summit – which is still free of cloud Note: The section from the saddle to the summit crosses private land. This is the first part of the trail and the Tiki trail actually ends where the Ben Lomond Trail starts. The Cutler Ridge trailhead is down the gated dirt road; trail sign and map are on the left. Just below the saddle is the turn-off to Arthurs Point on the Moonlight track. We noted the DOC estimated walk times to the saddle and the summit, using them as a marker to gauge how fast we were walking. If you are tired you can use the gondola to go down. The trail's top section – from the 1326m saddle to the summit – runs through Ben Lomond Station, and farmer Hamish Foster has had a gutsful. Ben Lomond Saddle is one of the most stunning views in all of New Zealand. Powered by: Powered by WordPress.com.Contact Me. Also go with your headlamp and catch a sunset up there. - See 686 traveller reviews, 489 candid photos, and great deals for Queenstown, New Zealand, ... We were 'older and slower' (50s/60s) than most on the track and fair to say we found the track from the saddle to the summit reasonably arduous as it … The great thing about the Ben Lomond Trail is that there are actually two different ways to hike to the saddle or summit. Ben Lomond Track: Difficult but well worth it! Make sure you do this hike! It is not a marked path but it is well-trodden. Plan for an additional 30- to 60-minute ascent to bag the peak. Experience magnificent lake and mountain views as you climb up the saddle. This can be a full day walk so take extra clothing, drinks and food. Queenstown is famous for being surrounded by some spectacular mountains. Ben Lomond Track: After ascending the hill from Queenstown (either by foot or gondola) the track follows the ridge just below the top. Buffet Dinner at Lodge. https://www.alltrails.com/trail/new-zealand/otago/ben-lomond-track The saddle is 1,326m high and the summit is 1,748m high. Ben Lomond Track: This the walk up to the Ben Lomond Saddle - See 686 traveller reviews, 489 candid photos, and great deals for Queenstown, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. These photos are somewhat deceiving as the ridgeline was essentially snowless all the way to the summit. Many people call it a day once they get there, but climbing the final stretch to the summit is incredibly worthwhile since you get 360-degree views of the Lake Wakatipu Basin and Southern Alps. After about two hours of hiking you’ll reach the Ben Lomond Saddle with views opening up into Skippers and Shotover Canyons. From here to the summit the track is very steep and not recommended for children under 10 or … My brother wanted to tag the summit. Few of them are as easily accessible as Ben Lomond. PHOTO: ALINA SUCHANSKI None of these peaks would have had their European names yet. It's supposedly a 6-8 hour hike to the summit, but it's possible to get to the summit and down again in under 4 hours if you're speedy. The hike is fairly grueling, and it compares with many 14er hikes in my native state of Colorado. Distance today is about 20km. Ben Lomond Track: Saddle or Summit-both great - See 687 traveller reviews, 493 candid photos, and great deals for Queenstown, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. Take the Gondola to Skyline, follow the signs to the saddle and the steep ascent on your left to the summit (1747m). Beyond the saddle is Ben Lomond Station where the track becomes a marked route. Ben Lomond Track: Saddle or Summit-both great - See 686 traveler reviews, 493 candid photos, and great deals for Queenstown, New Zealand, at Tripadvisor. Beyond the saddle, the trail is no longer marked in the winter - approaching the summit requires a fair amount of scrambling through rocks and snow. 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. And the saddle is only just past the halfway mark in terms of elevation (about 520m vertical ascent from the top of the cablecar to the saddle and 430m from the saddle to the peak). This is a great hike while you're in Queenstown to see a gorgeous view of the area if you have a few hours to kill. The first option to reaching the summit or saddle begins from Brecon Street in Queenstown. Ben Lomond Summit. The mountain is composed of a central massif with an extensive plateau above 1,200 metres (3,900 ft) and high outlier peaks projecting from the mountain. 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. Ben Lomond Saddle. From the top stunning 360 degrees view, amazing hike!! © 2021 The Outbound Collective - Terms of Use - Privacy Policy. The trail offers scenic views of Ben Lomond and Willard Peaks, and there are some outstanding rock formations along the way. It is usually accessed from town via the Tiki Trail, or by taking the gondola and walking the rest of the way – firstly to the saddle, then an hour to the … If you're in Queenstown and consider 360-degree views of lakes and mountains a worthwhile reward for a day hike, then trekking to the Ben Lomond summit is a perfect adventure for you! Both exposure and steepness increase during the final 400 meters to the summit. After about two hours of hiking you’ll reach the Ben Lomond Saddle with views opening up into Skippers and Shotover Canyons. 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. We knew the walk to the Ben Lomond Saddle … This hike is absolutely breathtaking. Made it to the Ben Lomond Saddle in time for a much needed lunch after leaving Arthur’s Point four hours earlier. 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