Ben Lomond Station is located a short distance from Queenstown and is one of the few high country stations owned and operated by New Zealanders. The station has been a key part of Queenstown’s history for over 150 years and the first run holder for the station was William Rees, the founder of Queenstown.
The station is 33,000 acres and has a rich history in farming and gold mining, and offers a unique and authentic high country experience with stunning scenery. This experience has something for everyone, even if you’re not into too much heavy history we promise this tour will still completely ‘wow’ you.
The entrance to Ben Lomond Station is through a private access road. Spend the morning exploring the vast landscape of this station, climbing the ridgeline to look over the Shotover River, Mt Dewar and Skippers Canyon. With endless scenic stops enroute, your guide will explain the rich history and stories of the region and explore the grazing lands, native forest, lakes and rivers as well as old mining huts and settlements.
After several river crossings, you’ll wind up at Moonlight Lodge where you’ll enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch to keep you fuelled for the afternoon, further exploring this high country station with the option to take on some nature walks in stunning Beech Forest, learn more about the gold mining history (including gold panning) or relax and enjoy the surroundings before tracking back through the station to your accommodation.
Depending on the day it’s likely you will also get to meet John Foster who owns this station. Where he will share insights into the farming and history of the area and sharing stories of living in this remote area – a real insight into authentic New Zealand.