I was recently in Queenstown, New Zealand for a friend’s wedding. While there I thought it would be remiss of me to not explore some of the stunning natural beauty that NZ has to offer. This would offer some nice balance with a weekend full of festivities. This led me to research some hiking options that I could do from Queenstown.
My first stop was the Department of Conservation (DOC) visitor centre. These are run by very knowledgeable local people. The two ladies gave me valuable insights. They detailed a few different hiking options I could do around the Queenstown area. They have plenty of free maps of the hikes and there was even a short video of the Ben Lomoond trail.
The Hike
I took the lovely lady at the visitor centre’s advice and rode the first gondola up from town at 9:30am. This put me up the top a few minutes late. During my gondola ride there were three other solo travellers. One was going to do the hike I was embarking on. We shared what little knowledge we had of the upcoming trail.
There was some construction work occurring at the top of the gondola. This made it difficult to find the path. Once I found the trailhead, there was a nice informative sign. It had some rough times and distances I would encounter.
The trail started in native Beech forest. There was a sign explaining how the invasive fir trees were taking over the natural habitat. The locals are trying to control these trees through felling, poisoning and other control measures. There was a large dead patch of trees which was striking in its own right.
The first ten minutes were in thick trees. The vegetation cleared and soon opened out into rolling hillside. At this point you are get your first view of Ben Lomond peak. There was still a light dusting of snow on the top from two nights earlier. At this point I am starting to warm up, so I take my jacket off and am left in shorts and t-shirt.
The path is criss crossing along the lower slopes of the saddle. There are many mountain bike trails darting off to the sides here. The trails keeps going ever skyward. As you round the first peak. You get some views back over QT, Arrowtown and Lake Wakatipu. After another few minutes you make you way towards the Ben Lomond Saddle. This is as pronounced as saddles get. It has a nice bench looking north towards Mt Aspiring, a toilet and some info signs.
This might be the end of the road for some. Which is fine as the views are spectacular back towards Cardona and the Crown Range. I press on. This is where the trail starts to put you through your paces.
The path works its way around the north side of the peak. With the views extending towards Wanaka and Mt Aspiring National Park. About half way up there is a small technical section. It is nothing to worry about. You can take your time and it will be very safe. During this time I meet some mountain runners coming down while I’m nearing the summit. There are some very small pockets of snow. The majority of which had melted which turned the dirt to slushy mud. I make it to the summit in 1.5 hours. My legs are burning at this point. I am greeted with a clear day and 360 degree views. It is stunning! There is one other person at the top, a lad who is going to mountain bike down.
As you are fully exposed at the top, it is nice and chilly. After taking stock, plenty of photos and have some food and water I start to make my way back down. It is much easier on my legs on the way down. I make good time and have a front row view to the north. I stop to use the facilities at the saddle. I would avoid if you don’t need to!
I meet one of the hikers I met in the gondola on the way down. I’m able to give some encouragement and info on how far it is to go. I’m stopping every few minutes for more photos. Different angles and lighting. I make it back down into the forest area and I know I am not far from the top of the gondola.
Fineto – Wrap Up
I make it back to the top of the gondola in roughly 3 hours with a 15 minute break at the top. I go and treat myself to a scone and a coke. Next up is the luge with some friends!
This was a great beginner-friendly hike to do on your own or with some friends. Given its accessibility to QT. I would highly recommend this to anyone staying in the area.
