Moonlighting around Bowen Peak

Plenty of history in the area from the old mining days. Watch or listen for Keas and New Zealand Pipits along the way.

Lots of parking around the skyline building. A small amount of parking at the Lomond Crescent option or start from central Queenstown and simply make your way to the entry points.

1 km

2 minutes

Unknown

No

Hard.

Rated hard because as a first timer going by yourself it is very easy to get lost or go off track. So ideally go with someone who knows the route or follow the GPS data or use a Topo App. The main spots people can get into trouble are on the first section of uphill where there are numerous tracks/paths and mountain bike trails. Luckily lately lots of signage has been installed so be careful and read any you come across.
Second tricky area is around the farm area once you have gone down the nice clear single track from the saddle, at this point it is easy to go too high or go too low and join on to other trails. Stick to the markers. Then later on as you are on the Shotover River side there are many sheep and goat trails, one in particular leads you too low and you will have to rejoin the track by climbing back. If you think you have gone off the main trail simply stop or slow down and look around it is usually not too hard to get back.

Very patchy.

Waterproof leggings, Thermal leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Short-sleeved thermal top, Long-sleeved thermal top, Seam-sealed waterproof jacket, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Beanie/thermal headwear, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Survival blanket, Cellphone, Map.

There is a water fountain at the Skyline complex and Midway clearing on the 4wd access road. There is also a couple of streams near the Arthurs Point side you can drink out of.

Can become difficult to near impossible in the depths of winter with the snow coverage. Gets very muddy in parts with rain. You can get exposed from the Ben Lomond saddle through to Arthurs Point so generally you wait for good weather for this one, but it can be done when colder, just take plenty of gear and food. It's close to town for sure but far enough away there's not many people around the back end.

Not much in the way of steep drop offs but there are a couple of points you will want to watch your balance. Snow conditions can make the higher sections dangerous though. When there's a metre of snow the track may become completely invisible.

Searchlight Brewery
12 INDUSTRIAL PLACE, Queenstown
searchlightbrewery.co.nz
Closest spot to stop after your mission, and typically great beer made on tap

Canyon Food and Brew Co.
1 Arthurs Point Rd, Arthurs Point 9371
canyonfoodandbrew.co.nz
Updated to modern tastes with beer good enough you might want to stop here before you finish your run!

Smiths Craft Beer House
53 Shotover St, Queenstown 9300
http://www.smithscraftbeer.co.nz/
The locals favourite and why do they keep going back? The tastiest and largest variety of beers in town and in a town like Queenstown that means it's gonna be pretty good :)