When I first decided to come backpacking in New Zealand, I never expected to find a temporary home in the Land of the Long White Cloud. New Zealand seemingly has this effect on many – especially my current home of Queenstown. This bustling little resort town tucked into the Southern Alps seems to be home to more Irish, British, Canadians and Aussies than it does Kiwis.
Why?
Many visitors to Queenstown would quickly seem to understand why so many backpackers and those on working holidays in New Zealand seem to never leave. Queenstown is hands down one of the most beautiful places in New Zealand – which is without a doubt one of the most beautiful places in the world.
The stunning views and jaw dropping vistas that surround Queenstown are surely part of the draw, but it’s only those that really settle down in QT that get it. Yes, the views that surround Queenstown – the sunsets across Lake Wakatipu, the snow capped Remarkables Mountain Range, the tempting summits of Cecil and Walter Peak – those views are absolutely part of the appeal.
Yet for me – and I believe many others – it’s both what lies beyond those views and what those views open up that are the real draw to living here in this far away corner of the world.
It’s the lifestyle.
Ben Lomond Saddle
It’s the evening runs, the weekend missions into the backcountry, the hikes, the climbs, the casual community races, the epic mountain bike adventures and the overall outdoor focused, adventure influenced and healthy lifestyle that become an influential part of life in Queenstown. It’s that lifestyle that draws so many in and holds them here for much longer than they anticipated.
To get a taste of this lifestyle, you need not look any further than a climb up Ben Lomond just outside Queenstown. This 1,748 metre summit is literally accessed directly from town.
A well graded trail will lead you to a summit that feels miles into the backcountry in about three hours.
Climbing Ben Lomond in Queenstown
Approaching Ben Lomond
This view comes just after passing the Skyline complex at the top of the gondola. If you’re keen to save about an hours worth of hiking through the forest, you can take the Skyline Gondola up through the Ben Lomond Forest for about $15.
Cecil and Walter Peaks
After about an hour views of Lake Wakatipu and Cecil and Walter Peak will open up behind you.
Lake Wakatipu
Looking south towards the Remarkables.
Snowy Ben Lomond Summit
The hike to Ben Lomond’s summit should not be tackled during the winter unless you’re prepared for ice, snow and alpine climbing.
Ben Lomond Summit
These photos are somewhat deceiving as the ridgeline was essentially snowless all the way to the summit.
Lake Wakatipu from Above
Higher…
Lake Wakatipu and The Remarks
…and higher.
Ben Lomond Saddle
After about two hours of hiking you’ll reach the Ben Lomond Saddle with views opening up into Skippers and Shotover Canyons. From here you can carry on to the summit in about an hour or drop down through alpine tussock into farmland and onto the Moonlight Track which will lead you to Arthurs Point. It’s a solid three hours to Arthurs Point and from here you’ll have to hitch back to Queenstown unless you’ve arranged transport.
Nearing the Summit
The photo above shows the ridgeline you follow to the summit.
Snow Capped Mountains
Looking north towards Mount Earnslaw…
Moke Lake and Beyond
View of Moke Lake and the mountains beyond…
View from Ben Lomond Summit
Summit views – 1,400 metres above Lake Wakatipu.
Summit View
Expect a return trip from Queenstown to take no less than five hours.
Don’t rush it – take your time, bring a packed lunch and take in the exceptional views from what seems to be the top of the world.
Have you climbed Ben Lomond? Can you suggest any other hikes around Queenstown? Let us know in the comments section below.
Did you enjoy these photos? Then check out…
If you enjoyed this New Zealand hike, be sure to check out these too…
- New Zealand’s Great Walk – HikingThe Routeburn Track
- Epic Queenstown Day Trip – Climbing Mount Alfred
- Stunning Views from the Hike Up Queenstown Hill
29 November 2011 at 7:40 am
That’s awesome! Adding this to my to-do list for when we make it back over there!
Dan
29 November 2011 at 12:04 pm
Ahhh Queenstown…hoping I’ll make it down there in 2012, think I would love it!
29 November 2011 at 4:32 pm
That photo of the Ben Lomond Saddle is gorgeous! Gah, I miss Queenstown!!
30 November 2011 at 6:17 pm
Pretty much just ‘wow’! Beautiful photos!
11 December 2011 at 3:32 pm
Wow! Can’t believe we’re just a few short weeks away from New Zealand’s gorgeousness. I have a feeling we should have thought to leave NZ last on the rtw agenda since I don’t think we’ll ever leave either. Lol. Beautiful photos!
11 December 2011 at 5:01 pm
I’ve done Ben Lomond in April this year and it is a really great track indeed. The difficulty is just right and the rewards are more than you get out of other, harder tracks.
The weather was a tricky one though. Although I had a fine weather pattern during the days I made that track, the conditions changed from fair to foggy, to rainy, to snowy back to fair within 4 hours. So just make sure you are wearing many layers of clothing rather than one big jacket
Also I like that Ben Lomond is a good entry point more multi day hikes. Surely one of the best tracks out there. In particular if you are new to the whole tramping thing.
13 December 2011 at 11:29 pm
I know where my next holiday will be at now! Gorgeous pictures of Lake Wakatipu, can’t wait to visit the area. April 2012 seems so far away..
Linda
3 January 2012 at 9:38 am
Great post, amazing photos. Loved Queenstown myself.
5 January 2012 at 7:52 pm
@Ollie Glad you enjoyed the photos and my current home. It’s a pretty special place.
5 January 2012 at 8:05 pm
@Michael Cheers for the comment and feedback. As you mentioned the weather can change rapidly in the mountains so bringing proper clothes is crucial. Agree with everything you’ve said – a great introduction to some other hikes in the area with views to match!
5 January 2012 at 8:05 pm
@Kieu Yup, good luck getting out of here. Especially Queenstown.
7 January 2012 at 6:04 am
bpmatt, superb photos absolutely stunning. I’m not one for backpacking & hikes but would love to visit New Zealand sometime soon. Nice article thanks. AJ.
8 January 2012 at 10:24 pm
@AJ NZ brings out the hiker (tramper) in most people!
12 January 2012 at 5:55 pm
Awesome photos. Spent a wonderful weekend based out of Queenstown – definitely not enough time! Did even get close to any hiking like this.
23 January 2012 at 7:30 am
Hey Matt,
Awesome pics bro! I know from my own snowboard trips coming over the ditch from Aus that its almost impossible to get bad photo’s in QT!
Just curious what Camera, lens etc you use, also if you have easy to use (preferably free!) editing program aswell?
Sorry if you ve already answered these on your blogs somewhere! (Im a newbie here, only came accross this site 2 days ago)
yew!
27 January 2012 at 12:06 am
these photos are simply breathtaking!
10 February 2012 at 1:01 am
This looks like it would be a phenomenal climb! The views are simply spectacular!
16 February 2012 at 2:23 pm
Amazing pictures – need to go there, now!
17 February 2012 at 6:57 pm
@AnitaMac It’s a must whilst visiting! Glad you enjoyed the photos.
17 February 2012 at 7:22 pm
@Ash These photos were taken with a little point and shoot Kodak Playsport that I got to primarily make videos with. I only use iPhoto to do editing!
17 February 2012 at 7:22 pm
@Michelle Thanks!
17 February 2012 at 7:27 pm
@Nomadic Samuel Thanks!
22 February 2012 at 5:17 am
Amazing pictures, I can image what a adventurous tour it would be. I wish to get there sometime. thanks for sharing
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