Ben Lomond

Ben Lomond is a mountain summit in the Otago region that rises 1,748 meters above sea level, providing expansive views from its peak. From the top, you can see Lake Wakatipu, the town of Queenstown, and the Remarkables mountain range spread across the landscape.

The summit was named by Scottish settler William Gilbert Rees, who called it after Ben Lomond in his native Scotland. This naming reflects the early European influence on the South Island's geography and how settlers shaped the landscape through their memories of home.

This summit holds deep meaning for local Māori tribes who have maintained ancestral ties to the high country for countless generations. Walking here means passing through land that remains spiritually important to these communities.

The trail stretches about 11 kilometers with roughly 1,438 meters of elevation gain and takes most hikers 6 to 8 hours for the round trip. Start early in the day and bring sturdy footwear, as conditions on the exposed ridge can change quickly and the weather shifts rapidly at this altitude.

Winter hiking here requires specialized alpine gear such as ice axes and crampons to safely cross the snow-covered slopes. This seasonal transformation makes the mountain considerably more technical and challenging than during warmer months.