Ben Lomond Summit (6-8 hour return hike) One of the highest peaks in the Wakatipu basin providing the most stunning views of the region. Should you want to continue on, be sure to assess the conditions on the summit. (Summer: Distance is 6 miles to the summit of Ben Lomond with 3,712 feet elevation gain) The hike is fairly grueling, and it compares with many 14er hikes in my native state of Colorado. From Queenstown we will climb to Ben Lomond Saddle (and the summit of Ben Lomond for those who are keen) before dropping into the Moonlight and making our way to the Lodge. The Cutler Ridge trailhead is down the gated dirt road; trail sign and map are on the left. The Cutler Basin trail is used less often than the Ben Lomond trail from North Fork Park because it is steeper and more strenuous. As a side note you can get snow at the summit even in the middle of summer so be prepared for quick changes. We noted the DOC estimated walk times to the saddle and the summit, using them as a marker to gauge how fast we were walking. The Hike to Ben Lomond Saddle. Evening stretch and yoga. The Ben Lomond walkway is one of the easiest and most accessible walks in the Queenstown area. The path from the top of the gondola to the saddle is longer but less steep while the path from the saddle to summit in shorter but much steeper and technical. I had in fact hiked Roy’s Peak, ... the effort fitness level gondola station average fitness hour walk tree line take your time stunning views cable car south island saddle summit peak. These photos are somewhat deceiving as the ridgeline was essentially snowless all the way to the summit. The trail morphs into a steep uphill climb from saddle to summit. Ben Lomond Track: After ascending the hill from Queenstown (either by foot or gondola) the track follows the ridge just below the top. Expect 4-6 hours round-trip from the top of the Gondola and 6-8 from Queenstown Views from the summit: From here, the terrain becomes steeper and rougher as it approaches Ben Lomond's 1,748m summit. Ben Lomond track is a challenging track with a 1438m elevation gain of the walk. Evening stretch and yoga. 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. The most iconic (and surely the best) day hike in Queenstown takes you above picturesque Lake Wakatipu to the summit of Ben Lomond, the mountain which looms over Queenstown (but is hidden from view from most parts of town). Made it to the Ben Lomond Saddle in time for a much needed lunch after leaving Arthur’s Point four hours earlier. March 6, 2019 Queenstown, New Zealand Ben Lomond Summit Hike The Ben Lomond Summit hike is a difficult hike that winds its way steadily above Queenstown to the Ben Lomond Saddle before taking on a rocky trek circling the mountain to arrive at the summit 1748m high. Few of them are as easily accessible as Ben Lomond. The Ben Lomond Saddle is also a critical point on the hike to reassess the weather conditions, which could have easily changed in the time its taken to journey here. Ben Lomond Track Summit, Queenstown NZ Trail Running trail in Queenstown, Otago (New Zealand). Plan for an additional 30- to 60-minute ascent to bag the peak. You'll pass Lake Kirkpatrick and lots of sheep on your way to Moke Lake, but keep driving until you get to the ... From Queenstown drive to the Remarkables Ski Field. From the top stunning 360 degrees view, amazing hike!! The Ben Lomond track also connects to the Moonlight Track at the saddle, so you can take that track down to Arthur's Point if you want to avoid and out-and-back, but you would have to arrange a car drop because it would make the adventure a point-to-point. The Ben Lomond Track The Summit. If you decide to go all the way to the Ben Lomond Summit, expect the total hike to take 6-8 hours (according to the DOC). There are chances of Keas on the summit. It was pretty fun. The saddle is 1,326m high and the summit is 1,748m high. The final stretch from the Ben Lomond Saddle to the Summit is the hardest part. Late lunch at lodge. The Ben Lomond track can be broken down into two distinct parts – the trail to the saddle followed by the ascent to the summit. Unreal! Even if you don’t plan on hiking all the way up to the Ben Lomond Summit, just completing the Ben Lomond Saddle is worth the climb! 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