Photo: Jacqueline Zwack
Photo: Michel Laliberté
Photo: C Math
Ben Lomond Track
Adventure
🕑 30 minutes to 8 hours depending on how far you hike. Most families with children spend 1.5-3 hours doing a partial hike to viewpoints before returning.👶 Best for ages 8 and up for the lower sections (1-2 hours), ages 12+ for serious attempts toward the saddle or summit. The full summit trek is extremely challenging and suited only to very fit teenagers with hiking experience. Younger children (5-7) can enjoy short 30-minute nature walks on the initial trail sections before it steepens significantly.
About
Ben Lomond Track offers families multiple hiking options ranging from easy forest walks perfect for young children to challenging summit climbs for adventurous teens. The lower sections provide accessible nature experiences with stunning Lake Wakatipu views, while families can turn back at any point, making it flexible for different fitness levels and ages. The track showcases New Zealand's remarkable alpine scenery right from Queenstown's doorstep.
Highlights
- ✓Breathtaking 360-degree views of Queenstown, Lake Wakatipu, and the Remarkables mountain range
- ✓Native New Zealand forest with unique bird species like fantails and bellbirds in lower sections
- ✓Alpine meadows and tussock grasslands at higher elevations showcasing South Island landscapes
- ✓Flexible turnaround points allow families to customize the hike to their ability level
- ✓Combination with Skyline Gondola makes for an exciting full-day adventure
Pro Tips
- 1.Start early in the morning (7-8am) to avoid afternoon heat and clouds that can obscure the spectacular views at higher elevations.
- 2.Access the trailhead via the Skyline Gondola (saves energy for the hike) or walk up from Queenstown (adds 1-2 hours). Most families with kids find the gondola start much more manageable.
- 3.Bring layers as temperatures drop significantly with elevation. Weather can change rapidly in the mountains, so pack rain jackets even on sunny days.
- 4.Download offline maps before you go as cell service becomes unreliable higher up the track.
- 5.For families with younger kids, the first 30-45 minutes offers beautiful forest walking and views without extreme difficulty, perfect for a taste of New Zealand hiking.
Best Time to Visit
Visit during summer (December to February) for the most stable weather and warmest temperatures, though spring (October-November) and autumn (March-April) offer fewer crowds and clear skies. Start your hike in early morning (7-9am) to maximize good weather windows and avoid afternoon cloud cover that often rolls in.
What to Know
The track is free to access, but the Skyline Gondola (if used for access) costs around NZD 50-60 for adults and NZD 30-35 for children. No facilities exist on the trail itself, so bring all food, water (at least 2 liters per person), and snacks. The full summit hike is 6-8 hours return and extremely strenuous.
Seasonal Notes
Best hiked November through April when weather is most favorable and snow has cleared from upper sections. Winter (June-August) brings snow and ice to higher elevations, making the track dangerous without proper equipment and experience. Track conditions can be muddy after rain year-round. Always check local weather forecasts and Department of Conservation alerts before attempting the hike.
Nearby Eats
Back in Queenstown, head to Fergburger (iconic New Zealand burger joint with options for kids and massive portions perfect after a hike) or Patagonia Chocolates for ice cream and sweet treats. The Skyline Gondola complex also has a buffet restaurant and cafe if you used the gondola for trail access.
More Activities Near Queenstown
Adventure
Arrowtown
❤️10
Arrowtown is a delightful historic gold rush village just 20 minutes from Queenstown, offering families easy riverside walks, gold panning activities, and charming streets to explore. Kids love the old-world buildings, the Arrow River trail perfect for spotting fish and skipping stones, and the sense of adventure that comes with exploring a real 1860s settlement with restored miners' cottages and heritage sites.
Activity
TSS Earnslaw Vintage Steamship
Step aboard the TSS Earnslaw, a beautifully restored 1912 coal-fired steamship affectionately known as the 'Lady of the Lake,' for an unforgettable cruise across the stunning turquoise waters of Lake Wakatipu. Kids will be mesmerized watching the engine room in action with its gleaming brass and working pistons, while the whole family enjoys breathtaking views of Queenstown's dramatic mountain scenery. This authentic vintage experience combines history, engineering wonder, and natural beauty into one magical journey.
Trampoline Park
Sticky Fingers Trampoline Park
$$
Sticky Fingers Trampoline Park is an indoor wonderland for bouncing, jumping, and burning off energy, rain or shine. With dedicated zones for different activities including dodgeball courts, foam pits, and multiple trampoline areas, this Queenstown attraction keeps kids active and entertained while parents can relax knowing their children are safe in a supervised environment.
Park
Queenstown Gardens
Free❤️8
Queenstown Gardens is a stunning 37-acre peninsula park jutting into Lake Wakatipu, offering families a perfect blend of natural beauty and kid-friendly amenities. With modern playgrounds, wide paths ideal for scooters and bikes, and expansive lawns for picnics and games, this free attraction provides a peaceful escape right in the heart of Queenstown's adventure capital.