38 Years and millions of visits later
Passengers from around the world have been boarding the Gondolas since 1985 and the ride hasn’t stopped since.
![Gondola Rotorua with bright sun in the background](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.skyline.nz.beingbui.lt%2Frotorua%2Fmedia%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F19223003%2FGondola-3_2560x1440px.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
About us
Skyline’s story began in 1981, when Skyline Enterprises founder Hylton Hensman purchased farmland on the city side of Mt Ngongotaha. On 10 March 1985 Skyline Skyrides Rotorua was officially opened and in the past 30 years of operation, the attraction has had more than eight million visitors ride the Gondolas.
Many Kiwis will have fond childhood memories of riding the Gondolas for the first time – for many it was, and still is, a quintessential part of growing up in New Zealand.
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Our Certifications
Learn more about our certifications.
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Sustainability
We are proud to support the Tiaki Promise, an initiative that embraces the values of guardianship and responsible tourism.
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Trade and Media
Are you a tourism operator wanting to collaborate with Skyline Rotorua?
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Careers
Our values continue to guide us to deliver the world-class guest experience we're known for, making Skyline a great place to work and visit.
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Community
Read more about how Skyline Rotorua is committed to contributing to and supporting the local Rotorua community to ensure its success and well-being.
![People admiring the view on top of the mountain](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.skyline.nz.beingbui.lt%2Frotorua%2Fmedia%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F19231320%2FVisiting-Us_Gondola-4_2560x1440px.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
Education
Learn more about Skyline Rotorua on-site. We offer a range of educational options for students in year's 12 and 13 studying towards NCEA.
The History of Skyline Rotorua
After running a successful South Island Gondola, Skyline decided that it was time for expansion.
1984 - Construction begins
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1985 - Skyline Skyrides Rotorua was officially opened
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1987 - World’s first Luge track opens
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1997 - Skyline Rotorua wins New Zealand Tourism Award
![Aerial photo of the luge track with beautiful New Zealand native trees](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.skyline.nz.beingbui.lt%2Frotorua%2Fmedia%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F16213323%2FLuge-2_1600x1200.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
2000 - Skyswing opens
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2005 - New $10 million dollar 8-seater Gondola installed
![The Rotorua gondola in the air heading towards a sunset](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.skyline.nz.beingbui.lt%2Frotorua%2Fmedia%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F16213649%2FGondola-3_1600x1200.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
2012 - Market Kitchen, Jelly Belly Store and Volcanic Hills Wine Tasting Room open
![Image of a girl in a sweet store choosing jelly beans](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.skyline.nz.beingbui.lt%2Frotorua%2Fmedia%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F27215630%2FThings-to-do_Jelly-Belly-1_1600x1200.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
2013 - Celebrates the 15 Millionth Luge rider in Rotorua & Food Market Kitchen renovation
![Aerial photo of the luge track with beautiful New Zealand native trees](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.skyline.nz.beingbui.lt%2Frotorua%2Fmedia%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F16213323%2FLuge-2_1600x1200.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
2014 - Skyline Rotorua Gravity Park opens, Nature Trails developed, Zoom Zipline is launched and a $2 million dollar renovated Stratosfare Restaurant opens
![Half aerial shot of the luge track with riders going down through the forest](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.skyline.nz.beingbui.lt%2Frotorua%2Fmedia%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F27215851%2FLuge-5_1600x1200.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
2015 - Skyline Rotorua turns 30 years old. Crankworx Rotorua is hosted at Skyline with custom-built tracks and courses
![Mountain bike riders in the air doing a flip](/_next/image/?url=https%3A%2F%2Fmedia.skyline.nz.beingbui.lt%2Frotorua%2Fmedia%2Fuploads%2F2023%2F11%2F27215933%2FAbout-Us_Crank-Worx-1_1600x1200.jpg&w=3840&q=75)
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Our team of Skyliners make the fun possible.
We’re brave, we care and we do everything we can to bring real fun to the world and make people smile. Our values continue to guide us to deliver the world-class guest experience we’re known for, making Skyline a great place to work and visit.
Experiences for everyone
Whoever you are, whatever mood you’re in - we have something for you.