Last Updated: 19th Mar 2024

Intermediate

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Ben Lomond via Tiki Trail

Queenstown, Otago

Submitted by Rachel Bridgewater

Last Updated: 19th Mar 2024

Intermediate

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I've done it Done

Closed More info

Tiki trail is closed for construction.

Take care to check the track status following heavy snow fall in the winter.

Please notify us if this has changed.

Grunt Factor: 36

Gnarl Factor: 47

16.0km

1500m

1500m

1748m

  

  

  

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Trail Map

Type of Run

Front country - easily accessible

Out and Back

Mountainous

Dog Friendly

Native bush

Open tussock/grasslands

Open ridges/tops

Run Makeup

60%
20%
20%

Easy Single Track

Moderate Single Track

Technical Single Track

Average Uphill Gradient: +19.9%

Average Downhill Gradient: -19.9%

Trailhead

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Estimated Times to Run

5:00

Slow

3:30

Moderate

2:30

Fast

The Tiki trail starts at the bottom of the gondola to the left. Head up beside the cemetery to the marked Tiki Trail. Be careful crossing the mountain bike trail as you head straight up the Tiki trail. This zig zags all the way to the top up a steep rooty rocky trail to the Gondola. As the trail ends, turn hard right to head to the top of the Gondola. At the Gondola cafe, turn hard left up a track towards the luge. This will siddle along the luge track. Stop just before reaching the visible footbridge turning left at the signposted "Ben Lomond track" and leaving the luge track.

You will see a huge orange triangle DoC marker directing you onto the Ben Lomond track through the forrest. Carry on up until you reach the saddle, following left to the signposted Ben Lomond summit. Watch out for the view of Moke Lake as you round the summit to your right. Enjoy the views before heading back down the way you came for.

Awe-inspiring summit views!

There are 240 minute car parks beside the gondola building. If you are of reasonable fitness and can find a park here, you should get up and down in enough time.

1 km

2 minutes

Yes

No

Easy.

When you are descending past the Gondola, it is easy to miss the Tiki trail you came up from. Its the first left. The second left will take you onto a mountain bike track and you have gone the wrong way.

Generally good.

Waterproof leggings, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Personal Locator Beacon (PLB), Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map, Crampons / microspikes (for winter conditions).

Water access is at the Gondola Cafe. Other than that, there is very little.

Can get muddy after rain or in the spring with snow melt. Take care and consider not doing this route following heavy snowfall. Even in spring, be prepared with good gear as winds and weather can be unpredictable in the mountains.

Take care on the Tiki Trail - it's very tricky footing

Trail Legend

GM

Grace Mitchell

has completed Ben Lomond via Tiki Trail once in the last year.

Learn about Trail Legends.

You and Ben Lomond via Tiki Trail

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Trail Reviews

Curently a bit of a detour by the gondolas due to building work going on

Natalie Atkin

April 28, 2023

Tough climb up via the Tiki Trail - we hiked rather than ran.
Suggest starting early as by 9am there were heaps of people on the track and then once a the top can get quite hectic as everyone is trying to get that “perfect image”.
Great trail though, and views are amazing!

Zavana McAffer

April 21, 2023

Done this a handful of times. Beautiful every time and in every season. The first glimpse of the peak coming with the morning light, primo.

Jon Erickson

June 1, 2022

Awesome trail. Did this solo, starting in the dark. Got myself a bit off track on the Tiki Trail but met up with the track eventually (saved the gpx so felt confident I would). After the Gondola the track is easy to follow. Mostly hiking up with a lot of fun running down!!

Rachael Tobeck

April 17, 2022

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