Ben Lomond

Overview

Ben Lomond is a prominent peak just outside of Queenstown. It is a popular and easy to follow track. 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. The views from the summit are magnificent. Many other prominent Southern Alp peaks are visible as well as The Remarkables and the lake. On the summit you will find a short pillar with a metal disc and metal fin. Point the fin towards a mountain and look at the disc to see the name of the mountain

Getting There

Bottom of the Gondola start: Begin at the One Mile Roundabout on the Queenstown-Glenorchy Road.

Top of the Gondola start: Park at the base of the Gondola, buy a ticket, and enjoy the ride to the top. Information and prices for the Gondola can be found here: Skyline Gondola.

Route Overview

This is a well maintained and easy to follow track. It does get steep in areas but offers great views almost the entire duration. Some short portions pass through dense pine forests.

Ben Lomond Track: After ascending the hill from Queenstown (either by foot or gondola) the track follows the ridge just below the top. 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. Expect 4-6 hours round-trip from the top of the Gondola and 6-8 from Queenstown







Views from the summit:

Red Tape

This track crosses private land. Please keep on the track and do not disturb any livestock you may see.

External Links

Local weather: Queenstown, New Zealand
Gondola Information: Queenstown Skyline Gondola
Peakbagger.com infomation about Ben Lomond

Images

View Ben Lomond Image Gallery - 11 Images