Ben Lomond Saddle (solo trip)
How Solo-Friendly is Ben Lomond Saddle?
What makes it 87% Solo-Friendly: The demanding 10 km alpine trail suits fit solo hikers, offers sunrise solitude and free entry, but you must carry all water, food and layers because no shelter or taps exist beyond the gondola.
Positives:
- Easy meeting point: The gondola top station has seating and covered restrooms ideal for solo travelers.
- Flexible pacing: You can turn back at any viewpoint if fitness or time is limited.
Challenges:
- Steep ascent: The climb gains over 600 m in 2 km; expect loose rock and exposed sections near the saddle.
- No water sources: Bring all water you need; there are no taps or streams past Bob’s Peak station.
What is Ben Lomond Saddle?
- A mountain saddle at approximately 1,570 meters on the Ben Lomond ridgeline above Queenstown
- A broad alpine col where greywacke and schist outcrops meet golden tussock fields, anchored by a simple timber bench
- A key waypoint on the Department of Conservation’s Ben Lomond Track, linking the summit of Ben Lomond to its eastern ridge within Mount Aspiring National Park
What is so special about Ben Lomond Saddle for solo trip?
- Panoramic 360° views of Lake Wakatipu and Remarkables.
- Multiple route options: gondola-assisted or full-trail for fitness challenge.
- Guided tours are solo-friendly and include lunch.
- Sunrise and late afternoon light offer dramatic photo ops.
- Optional paragliding adds an aerial thrill.
Recommended visit duration: 3–4 hours
Why 3–4 hours visit duration is ideal for solo trip: Allows time for the gondola ride, return hike to the saddle, and photo breaks without rushing.
Solo-Friendly Activities in Ben Lomond Saddle
Independent hike from Skyline Gondola:
Ride the gondola to Bob’s Peak and follow the Ben Lomond Track to the saddle bench.
Tip: Carry at least 1.5 L water, high-energy snacks, and a map app; there’s no refill past the station.
Sunrise photo trek:
Start 1 hour before dawn via the Tiki Trail to catch sunrise light on Lake Wakatipu.
Tip: Use a headlamp and layer your clothing; trails are quiet but steep in the dark.
Guided saddle walk:
Join a small-group tour that includes gondola tickets, guided route and packed lunch.
Tip: Book at least one day ahead; groups are mixed but ideal for solo travelers.
Tandem paragliding flight:
Launch near Ben Lomond ridges for aerial views of the saddle and lake.
Tip: Bring sunglasses and secure loose items; operators provide transport from town.
How to Make the Most of Your Visit to Ben Lomond Saddle
- Start early: Beat crowds and afternoon winds by hiking at first light.
- Use offline maps: Download the DOC Ben Lomond Track map to your phone in case of poor signal.
- Layer smartly: Carry wind- and water-resistant layers; weather can change rapidly on the ridge.
Reviews of Ben Lomond Saddle
Jonathan Oon
After the cable car upper station, Ben Lomond Trail starts. I liked it better than Tiki Trail, as it was more scenic. Unfortunately, I did not get a good view at the Saddle, due to snowy weather. Tiki Trail starts at the cemetery.
Hayden Thun
Great spot to just sit and admire the mountains. It feels so remote. Lovely view. Track is quite hard to follow but was so worth it. Quite snowy in winter and very icy
Marilla Harris-Vincent
Great hike with awesome views! It’s a challenging hike with lots of uphill, but I enjoyed the workout. I cheated and started from the top of the gondola. From the gondola to the saddle and back took me 2 hours. It was muddy in some spots and a bit chilly at the top. I saw some wild goats along the way too, which was very cool.
Faye O
Beautiful, gorgeous, wonderful, amazing view at the top.. We started at the Tiki trail going up to the Saddle then took the gondola going down, which cuts 2km, total hike is 11km, 1300 elevation to the saddle. It’s a busy track even on autumn season, steep but definitely rewarding views.. Bring enough water or electrolytes and energy bars to keep you going. Definitely will do this hike again.
Jacqueline Zwack
Gorgeous gorgeous gorgeous. It is so worth the climb up there. This was our favorite hike in New Zealand. It is a long slog, especially if you start from the Tiki Trail like we did. We started an hour before sunrise and highly recommend doing that. The goal is to get as far as you can before the gondola starts. We went up to just about the peak. The winds made things a bit too sketchy for us to su...
When is the best time to visit Ben Lomond Saddle (Queenstown, New Zealand)?
Summer (Dec–Feb): wear sun protection and refill water before the saddle. Winter (Jun–Aug): expect snow and ice; hire crampons and check avalanche forecasts.
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Typical Budget for Solo Traveler (1 Adult)
| Item | Cost (Approx.) |
|---|---|
| Skyline Gondola return ticket | NZD 52 |
| Snacks and water | NZD 10 |
| Guided walk (optional) | NZD 173 |
| Total Estimated | NZD 62 |
Note: All prices are indicative and may vary. Please check directly with the venue for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
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Map of Ben Lomond Saddle
Address: Ben Lomond Track, Queenstown 9371, New Zealand
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About Ben Lomond Saddle
Opening Hours
Hours may vary during holidays, special events, and peak seasons. Please check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
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