Queenstown Guided Walks

Depending on if you go for the summit or the saddle, your walk could take anywhere between 3 hours to 7 hours return journey from the top of the Gondola. 

For the Ben Lomond Saddle walk, we recommend guests are comfortable walking up to 4 hours, covering 8 kilometres with an elevation gain of 536 metres (1,759 feet).

For the Ben Lomond Summit walk, we recommend guests are comfortable walking up to 7 hours, covering 11 kilometres with an elevation gain of 958 metres (3,143 feet).

We recommend guests bring:

• Walking boots or sturdy walking shoes 
• A thermal base layer 
• Shorts and/or walking pants 
• A waterproof jacket 
• A fleece layer (for relaxing at the Saddle and Summit) 
• A hat (for sun protection, and warmth on a cold day)
• At least 2 litres of water 
• A small backpack for food and water, and additional clothing layers
• Any personal medication you may require in this timeframe

Our Guided Walks are available during the warmer months, from October to April when the weather is warmest, and the track conditions are best.

From the Skyline Queenstown complex on Bob’s Peak to the Ben Lomond Saddle, the trail is wide, well maintained with a constant uphill gradient. For most of this stretch of trail, walkers can mostly travel 2 abreast. There can be occasional wet slippery sections especially after rain. 

From the Ben Lomond Saddle to the Ben Lomond Summit the trail narrows, becoming single-file and slower walking. While this section of trail is more technical and challenging than the Saddle walk, guests of all ages and abilities can complete the journey to the summit. Our guides will be alongside you for the journey, so you can take your own pace and there’s no pressure to reach the summit if you don’t feel up to it on the day. 

Both the Ben Lomond Summit and Ben Lomond Saddle Guided Walks begin with a briefing in the Snug, which is a lounge area near the Stratosfare Bar at the Skyline Queenstown Top Complex.

After taking a Gondola ride up Bob’s Peak, enter through 2 sets of automatic doors then turn right. The meeting point will be clearly marked by a set of banners, and your guides will be there to greet you.

Yes, you can access the Ben Lomond Reserve from the bottom of the Tiki Trail, which starts at the base of the Gondola. However, this section is a steep climb with few viewpoints. To save energy and enjoy more scenic views, we recommend taking the Gondola to start your hike from the top of Bob’s Peak.

Our Guided Walk tours will run in all weather, however, the guide may cancel the tour if conditions become too dangerous. If weather conditions are unsuitable to run the tour, you will have the option to:

• Re-book for another date where space is available.
• Take a full refund for the Guided Walk tour.