Ben Lomond has been on our to-do list since we first visited the South Island some 3 years ago. We couldn't attempt it then due to time constraints and uncooperative weather. However, on our most recent trip at the end of 2019, we planned on a much longer stay in Queenstown and watched the weather closely for the right opportunity. That fruitful day came sooner than we thought and we summited Ben Lomond.
Queenstown on Boxing Day was bustling with people. The weather cleared and the sun was peeking out. Trying to find a place to park was such a bear with so many tourists in Queenstown! In the end we lucked out and found a spot at the Boundary Road parking lot just a short walk to the Skyline Gondola. Public parking was free today; a little unusual for this very touristy holiday town where in general everything costs more than usual. The walk to the gondola was indeed very touristy. Don't mind them as were would soon be on the trail.
The ride up to the luge track where the trailhead of Ben Lomond Track was nothing short of spectacular, as we ascended high above Queenstown, giving us a commanding view of the entire lake district.
At the back of the Luge, the track starts off with lush forested cedar and redwoods. Soon, it opened up to a contour trail, and once we rounded the corner, the peak of Ben Lomond came into view and beckoned to be summited on this clear day.
We kept a good uphill pace, overtaking quite a number of other hikers with the same intent. There was a constant breeze blowing, as we felt the cool mountain winds blowing from the side. It took us less than 1.5 hours to the saddle, where there was the perfect bench perched overlooking McConnochie, Moke and Moonlight Creeks. It is here that the second half of the track commenced, with a steep ascend on the ridge that will lead us to the top of Ben Lomond.
The second half of the track is slightly more brutal and technical, becoming steeper and less defined. Huffing and puffing, every step felt like an eternity. The air surrounding us was getting colder as we got closer and closer to the summit. Gloves came in handy. It also helped while we grabbed on stone slates and loose boulders as we inched our way to the top. Every so often, we would pause to have a sip of water, and admire the sweeping views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. We could see most of the track from whence we came from high above this point.
Once we got past the last steep and rocky section, the track leveled out a bit and we resumed to our normal brisk walk. Here we had views northwest across the Richards Mountains towards Glenorchy; with a peak-a-boo view of Moke Lake.
The track turns south just before it terminates, and pops up to a geological survey instrument perched at the tippy top. There were already some hikers taking a well deserved break at the top and many were of course posing for their perfect photo opportunities.
The 360 views were simply out of this world. No photograph could ever do it justice as compared to physically being here and seeing it with his/her own eyes. Every step was well worth the effort and the payoff at the end is simply indescribable.
As we were about to leave the summit to begin our journey back to the start, a Kea sneaked up from behind and decided to pose for couple of photos. The Kea is known for being the thief of the mountains and this pair were obviously territorial to this peak.
The way back down provided additional breath taking views that we did not see on the way up. This include views of the Remarkables, which looked closer than we thought.
Do watch out for MTB riders too as some parts of this track is mixed used between hiking and biking. This is something we should try the next time around.
Once we returned to the trailhead, there was a great spot to rest our feet and take in the view of the luge and surrounding environment. This hike will definitely go down as one of the most memorable hikes that we have ever accomplished!
Comments