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.
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
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.
After about an hour views of Lake Wakatipu and Cecil and Walter Peak will open up behind you.
Looking south towards the Remarkables.
The hike to Ben Lomond’s summit should not be tackled during the winter unless you’re prepared for ice, snow and alpine climbing.
These photos are somewhat deceiving as the ridgeline was essentially snowless all the way to the summit.
Higher…
…and higher.
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.
The photo above shows the ridgeline you follow to the summit.
Looking north towards Mount Earnslaw…
View of Moke Lake and the mountains beyond…
Summit views – 1,400 metres above Lake Wakatipu.
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
Backpacking Matt 
That’s awesome! Adding this to my to-do list for when we make it back over there!
Dan
Ahhh Queenstown…hoping I’ll make it down there in 2012, think I would love it!
That photo of the Ben Lomond Saddle is gorgeous! Gah, I miss Queenstown!!
Pretty much just ‘wow’! Beautiful photos!
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!
@Kieu Yup, good luck getting out of here. Especially Queenstown. 🙂
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.
@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!
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
Great post, amazing photos. Loved Queenstown myself.
@Ollie Glad you enjoyed the photos and my current home. It’s a pretty special place. 🙂
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.
@AJ NZ brings out the hiker (tramper) in most people!
Awesome photos. Spent a wonderful weekend based out of Queenstown – definitely not enough time! Did even get close to any hiking like this.
@AnitaMac It’s a must whilst visiting! Glad you enjoyed the photos.
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!
@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!
these photos are simply breathtaking!
@Michelle Thanks!
This looks like it would be a phenomenal climb! The views are simply spectacular! 🙂
@Nomadic Samuel Thanks!
Amazing pictures – need to go there, now!
Amazing photos! Looks so peaceful too 🙂
@Laura Thanks. 🙂 Terrific walk – I have a new camera now and am itching to go back up to get some more photos!
The scenery in New Zealand and Canada, my stomping ground, look so similar. I have to go to New Zealand ad think about how I am in Canada but then I’m not because everyone will sound different and then I’ll just be confused and stare at the mountains in a daze.
Stunning photos.
@Bula Thanks, whilst I don’t think there is anyplace like NZ, I imagine Canada has plenty of similarities!
Too beautiful! It looks like it is pretty empty people wise which is lovely. What I wouldn’t do to be sitting on that bench right now and what an amazing spot for a bench!
@Kate, Cheers – yes a terrific view! Chances are you won’t be the only person on the trail, but it certainly doesn’t get much use – especially given the numbers of travellers in and out of QT.
That looks really good up there. Really like the clear blue sky and the scenery. Is it cold up there?
@Nicholas Somewhat cold, yes! You’ll want to bring extra layers + a rain jacket in case a storm blows in!
Can’t wait! I’m moving to Queenstown in just 11 days and couldn’t be more excited!
Thanks for the info on both Mt Alfred and the above. I had a cab booked at 6:45am to take me to Arthur’s point $25 and set off in the slight dark on moonlight track, it was light by 7:30 and it was relatively easy track to navigate – I wore runners as I tend to like to run where I can, however will change in future to water proof shoe as plenty of wet mossy crossings. I reached the saddle by 9:30 and was the only person climbing Ben lomand, was quite tough but so worthwhile, the views, mountain goats, with not a breeze was majestic. The trip back to queenstown is all down hill and I was back at my hotel icing my feet by midday – highly recommend and thanks for the info. I am only here two days for work and got 2 great hikes in.
@Darren That is AWESOME. So glad this post came in useful and you were able to get up Ben Lomond. Starting at 645: brilliant. What a way to start the day. Not sure you’ll come back to this post, but if you do: What other hike did you get in?
Hey Matt,
I am currently living in Queenstown, under in the shadow of the Ben Lomand. The walk into town for me is through the forest and out onto the lake.. I love it here and will most likely stay for the majority of my WHV, traveling from Queenstown to explore the south island.. Heading for my first great walk next week on the Routeburn. Can’t wait!
All the best,
Adam
Hi Matt!
I’m hoping to climb this baby at the end of May, can’t wait! I hear that the end of May is a tricky time to gauge the weather… do you have any experience/ know if there is a chance for me to climb the mountain without being knee deep in snow the last week of May? Also, do people climb this alone, is it safe to do as a girl alone? I’m not an experienced climber, but I have good endurance.
Thanks!
Totally depends on the weather, but end of May is probably unlikely as there will be too much snow.
With no snow you could do it solo no worries, but snow makes it unachievable.
Kia ora Matt! Glad to have stumbled across your site & stunning nature pics! I see you have done both the Ben Lomond & Mt Alfred tracks. Both are on my must do list but time constraints will only allow me to squeeze in one.. Would you recommend any one in particular over the other?
Flip a coin :-p
Thanks for this post! I will attempt to do this hike when I am there February 2017. Do you know if there’s a way to find out if there are other travelers that may want to do the same at the same time?
Hey Amy, best just to catch up with people in your hostel and see if anyone else is keen to do the hike. Always better going with a mate into the mountains!