2 min from Queenstown

The most direct way to access Ben Lomond Walkway is via Tiki Trail, which begins on Brecon Street, opposite the lower gondola terminal, in central Queenstown.

You can also bypass Tiki Trail by purchasing a Gondola ride to the upper terminal.

Beginning on Tiki Trail, the track zig-zags steeply up the hillside through douglas fir trees. The track gains nearly 400 m elevation in a little over 800 m horizontal distance, before you reach the upper gondola terminal.

Above here, Ben Lomond Walkway begins, and the track enters the tussockland that cloaks the upper half of the mountain. The track intersects some of the upper MTB park trails (watch out for riders) as it climbs steadily through open tussock, and onto the crest of a spur that leads to Ben Lomond Saddle (1,315 m elevation), where the summit route branches to the left.

The route from Ben Lomond Saddle to the summit is not benched and becomes more of a worn route. The terrain steepens as the route climbs around schist boulders on the steep mountainside. Extra care is required here when snow or ice is present. The summit provides inspiring views of Lake Wakatipu and the mountains surrounding Queenstown.

The Maori name for Ben Lomond is Te-taumata-o-Hakitekura. Its current English name was given by Duncan MacAusland in 1861, who thought it bore a resemblance to a mountain of the same name in his homeland, Scotland. MacAusland, a shepherd, had been tasked by Queenstown ‘founder’ William Rees, with finding a stock route to the head of Lake Wakatipu.

From the summit, return the way you came back to Ben Lomond Saddle.

Moonlight Track

Instead of returning back to central Queenstown the way you came, you can head north from Ben Lomond Saddle to connect with Moonlight Track. This is a continuation of Ben Lomond Walkway, and the track drops steadily through golden tussock, grazed by merino sheep, on the northwestern slopes of Bowen Peak.

As the track descends the valley towards Moke Creek, you’ll reach the junction with Moonlight Track, which runs between Arthurs Point and Moke Lake. Turn right here, and head along Moonlight Track (a farm track). Expect to encounter cattle and sheep on the track, which sidles the hillside high above the true right side of the Shotover Gorge.

Note that Arthurs Point is 6.5 km from where you started at the base of the gondola (approx. 1.5 hr walking).

Ben Lomond is an alpine environment, so proper preparation and care should be made to ensure a safe trip. You must always be prepared for freezing conditions and take extra care if snow and ice are present. Do not rely on the Queenstown weather forecast as the conditions on the mountain are likely to be drastically different. Make sure you carry plenty of water with you as there are no water sources on the way up.

See the Mountain Safety Council website for useful information on preparing for the outdoors.