Brow Peak

Brow Peak (1456m) is the highest, most impressive peak you can see looking towards the north from Arrowtown. The official route starts on the Sawpit Gully Loop before heading through beech forest to the Big Hill Saddle then along a ridge to the peak. It’s a mostly poled track with a big gain in altitude into the alpine zone, so you’ll need to be fit, experienced and properly equipped. It’s also a hike best done in good conditions as the final section is along a rocky ridge that is exposed to the wind - so make sure to check the weather before you go.

If a 1000m uphill climb sounds like no fun, you can always organise a car shuttle and do a high-altitude traverse from Coronet Peak Skifield to Brow Peak and down to Arrowtown. It’s downhill most of the way!

Two men standing atop of Brow Peak overlooking red rugged mountain rangesBrow Peak. Credit @renatobjr

Mt Beetham

There is newly established track to the summit of Mt Beetham (929m) from the top of the Tobins Track walk. To access the track, keep following the dirt road around the corner and you’ll find a poled route up this cone-shaped peak. The views on Tobins Track are beautiful, however the views at top of the hill are even more impressive as the extra 250m of grunt at the end makes a big difference to the panorama!

You can make the walk into a loop using the steep Tobins Drop track and the Millennium Walkway.

Woman looking over view of town and mountains from the top of Mt BeethamMt Beetham. Credit @queenstowntrail

Crown Peak

Ben Lomond and Crown Peak have a good deal in common. They’re about the same height – at 1735m Crown Peak is just 13m smaller – both offer sensational 360° views from the summit rocks, and both are challenging full-day hikes.

Crown Peak however is a quieter trail in comparison, in fact you may well not see another soul all day. There are several options to start and finish the walk, all of them converging at the Crown Peak Track. You’ll need to be fit and well-equipped, and bear in mind there is no protection from the sun on this hike.

Group of bikers riding down Crown Peak overlooking view of mountains and townCrown Peak. Credit @helibikenz

Know before you go.. 

These walks are best to explore during late spring, summer and early autumn. Be sure to check the weather report and properly prepare for these alpine hikes as conditions can change quickly. Always inform someone of your hiking intentions and when you expect to be back, so they can ensure you return from your hike safe and sound. For more information on New Zealand's Land Safety Code, see here.

To find out more about the location of these spectacular trails, check out the Mahu Whenua map.   

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