The Southern Lakes area has been sculpted over time by colossal glaciers
to form some of the most remarkable terrain in Aotearoa.
The remaining landscape holds some of the most beautiful and challenging
tramping (hiking) routes in New Zealand.
One of the most accessible tracks requires a
demanding 1,400 metre climb that takes you high above Queenstown for a truly
breathtaking panoramic view.
The Ben Lomond track has a challenging day walk that takes you from Queenstown
to the summit of Ben Lomond to in 6-8 hours return.
Its accessibility makes it a popular activity
for people visiting the area, but it is a
tough 1400 meter climb that ventures high into an Alpine environment.
So, there are a few things to know before you go.
The best time of year to climb
Ben Lomond is between October and April,
the long summer days will be a huge help.
Outside of this period, snow covers the track
making it extremely hazardous to attempt.
The average summer temperature
is 7 to 13 degrees (C)
with temperatures at
the summit
frequently falling well below freezing.
You can expect over a hundred
days of rainfall per year.
It's important to remember that you will be in an
Alpine environment,
which means there is a good chance you'll experience
heavy rain, strong winds,
snow and freezing temperatures
even in the height of summer.
So, you'll need to pack warm
and waterproof layers
as well as a good pair
of tramping (hiking) boots.
Also, take enough water for the whole day
as there isn't any
available on the track.
Make sure you start your walk no later than 10:00 AM in
the morning, leaving yourself
enough daylight hours to get home and take a
head-torch and cell phone just in case.
As with all walks and tramps in New Zealand
make sure you 'leave your intentions'
with a trusted contact and
inform them when you've finished your tramp.
You can find out more about
'leaving your intentions' at the Mountain Safety Council website.
You can start the Ben Lomond track from two different points.
The most popular is
at the bottom gondola terminal on Brecon Street.
You can either take the
gondola up, or start walking up the tiki trail from here.
The other alternative starting point
is at the bottom of Skyline Access Rd.
There are mountain bike tracks all over
this first section so no matter where
you start from, you'll need to pay special attention to the signs and take
a map to avoid straying into the mountain bike trails.
At the end of the
tiki trail you will reach the top gondola station. Just follow the signs
for Ben Lomond to stay on the right track
Shortly above the gondola
the trees will give way to an open tussock valley and
from this point onwards
you'll be exposed to any incoming weather for the
rest of the walk.
This makes the first track junction
just beyond the tree line
a key decision making point.
Reassess the weather here and look up higher to see
what the weather looks like toward the summit.
There is still a long way to the
top so check your groups fitness and confidence.
If you have doubts about any
of these then turn around and head back down.
The track on the section is well
formed but be aware that there are animal tracks
that cut through the
tussock which can easily lead you astray.
Just keep following the orange poles to
stay on the right track.
After 1000 meters of climbing you'll reach the
Ben Lomond saddle,
this is the first place you will experience
the full exposure of
any Westerly weather,
so it's a good spot to take a break
and assess the weather conditions.
Winds will only increase from here
and temperatures will drop so make
sure you're adequately prepared for what's ahead.
Again, reassess the group's
fitness and confidence.
Remember, the hardest part of the climb still remains
Finally, assess how much daylight
you have left.
There is still one hour left
to the summit from here
and three hours back to Queenstown from the top.
If you're in doubt about any of this
then we suggest turning around and heading home
If you continue on to the summit then
you will take a left at the saddle.
If you turn right you'll be heading towards
Arthur's point.
This is clearly signed but the tracks
can be well hidden when
snow is present.
The trek to the summit is steep
un-marked and can be beyond
many people's abilities.
This section is also prone to avalanches
So, avalanche skills and equipment
along with crampons and ice axes will be
required to reach the top if snow is present.
You are now walking on private land
so please respect the landowners
property and stick to the track.
It narrows down in parts
and a bit of rock scrambling
will be required. Just take
your time, and watch your footing.
You still have a decent amount of climbing
to do, and the higher
you climb the colder it will get.
So, layer up and eat
food as you go to stay comfortable and energized.
Once you reach the top you can
bask in those beautiful panoramic views.
Reassess the weather to keep an eye on
any incoming fronts.
If the weather is good
use this time to take some photos
have a rest, but make sure to
keep an eye on the time
and allow yourself plenty of
daylight hours to make it back down.
Although it looks like you may be able
to head down the Western Ridge,
this is only a track created by people who have
gone the wrong way!
This will only lead you to steep bluffs
and multiple search and rescues have occurred here because of this.
To get back down
you simply need to go back the way you came.
Tread carefully on your descent to avoid injury
and stick to the marked polled route
Nearing the end there is another route
that was created by people going
the wrong way that heads
up the ridge.
This is a dead end so make sure you are
following the right track
marked by the orange poles.
There are mountain bike
tracks along the section as well
so make sure you follow the signs
to stay on the
walking track.
From here, you can either continue
your descent down through the
mountain bike park or treat yourself
to an easy gondola ride down the rest of
the mountain.
Ben Lomond is a great option for those looking for a
challenging Alpine adventure
that's close to the city.
Just aim to give it a go
between October and April.
Talk to staff at the Queenstown DOC visitor
centre to get up-to-date track information.
Remember to check out the
official Southern Lakes
weather forecast at MetService.com
as weather can be
variable at high altitudes.
Finally, if the weather is poor
or you don't think this track
is for you, then try the Moke lake or Bob's
Cove tracks as alternatives.
Most importantly, have fun and enjoy the
stunning views of the Queenstown region.
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