40 Years of Fun
Time flies when you're having fun, right? Join us this March in celebrating 40 years of adventure, community connection and unforgettable memories on Mount Ngonotahā.
40 Years of Skyline Smiles, Thrills & Memories!
In March 2025, Skyline Rotorua is celebrating a massive milestone, 40 years of epic rides, stunning views, and unforgettable memories! Since opening in 1985, we’ve welcomed millions of manuhiri, bringing adventure, excitement, and a whole lot of fun to Rotorua. From soaring up the Gondola to zooming down the world’s first Luge, it’s been four decades of smiles, shared moments, and unforgettable experiences! Here’s to 40 years of adventure and plenty more to come!
Cheers to 40 Years with Our Community!
For 40 years, Skyline Rotorua has been more than just epic rides and stunning views, it’s been a proud part of the community. Over the decades, Skyline Rotorua has contributed significantly to the local economy, provided meaningful employment opportunities, and actively supported community initiatives. Now, this milestone offers a chance to give back to the Rotorua whānau and thank them for their ongoing support.
The Fun Doesn’t Stop Here!
As we reflect on 40 years of innovation and adventure, we also look to the future with excitement. From nostalgic memories to new beginnings, this celebration is an invitation for Kiwis everywhere to reconnect with Skyline Rotorua and experience its enduring charm. Join us in honouring four decades of fun, community spirit, and cultural connection, while looking ahead to many more years of incredible experiences.
Skyline Rotorua’s 40 Years of Fun Competitions
Skyline Rotorua is turning 40, and we want you to be part of the celebration! From sharing your favourite Skyline memories to getting creative with stories and colourful artwork from our local tamariki, our competitions are all about celebrating the unforgettable moments we’ve had together.
And, of course, there are epic prizes up for grabs! Whether you’re a visitor, a past or present team member, or part of our awesome local community, there’s something for everyone. So, let’s honour 40 years of fun, adventure, and connection, while making even more amazing memories along the way!
Share Your Memory
Share your favorite photo or memory from Skyline Rotorua and be in to win
Colour your way to Skyline
Be in to win a trip for your classroom by entering our colour your way competition
Calling all Skyliners (Past & Present)
Share with us your favourite memory and be in to win
More ways to join the fun
Instant Win
As part of our 40th birthday celebrations, we’re giving you the chance to win instantly while you’re on-site! Simply scan the QR code when you visit and find out if you’re a winner, right then and there. This activation will run from Monday, 10th March to Monday, 31st March.
With over $42,000 worth of prizes up for grabs across 22 days, you could win activity passes, food and beverage treats, or exclusive 40th merchandise.
Don’t miss your chance to be part of the celebration
Click here for the Instant Win terms and conditions
Click here for the Instant Win redemption instructions
iNZpired Store
Visit our iNZpired store at the top of the Gondola and take home a piece of Skyline Rotorua’s 40th celebrations! With exclusive 40th merchandise, you can celebrate this milestone long after your visit, whether it’s for friends, family, or just for you
Social Media
Keep an eye on our social media for special ways to celebrate with us. Something exciting is coming, and trust us, you won’t want to miss it!
Our History
Laying the foundation
In 1981, Hylton Hensman purchased land on the city-facing side of Mt Ngongotahā, which had previously been used for farming, marking the beginning of Skyline Skyrides. This was part of Skyline Enterprises’ strategy to expand its successful South Island operations into Rotorua. Around the same time, Skyline directors visited Mt Ngongotahā with the vision of developing a “thrill rides” project. With neighbouring tourist attractions such as Rainbow Springs already thriving, the area was seen as an ideal opportunity for development.
Building Skyline Rotorua
Construction commenced in 1984 with a significant investment. The project included the installation of a Swiss-engineered Mueller Gondola system, a restaurant seating 250 people, and the creation of the world’s first Luge, a unique, gravity-powered downhill ride that would go on to become a defining feature of the attraction. By early 1985, Skyline Skyrides was ready to welcome its first visitors.
Open Day
Skyline Skyrides Rotorua officially opened its doors in March 1985, offering a restaurant, café, the Swiss gondola system, and the pioneering Luge. A day later, an official ceremony took place, featuring a recorded message from the Hon. Mike Moore, who was unable to attend due to international trade commitments. This marked the launch of one of New Zealand’s most iconic tourism operations.
40 Years of Growth
Over the last 40 years, Skyline Rotorua grew into a premier destination, attracting over 12 million visitors who came to enjoy its thrilling rides, breathtaking views, and renowned hospitality. It has since established itself as a cornerstone of Rotorua’s tourism industry and a must-visit attraction for travellers from around the world.
Did you know?
Seven of our current staff members have been part of the Skyline Rotorua family for over 20 years.
Among our amazing team, 29 staff members speak 19 different languages and represent 24 nationalities.
During peak periods, we have an incredible crew of 300+ staff members working hard to bring the fun, thrills, and unforgettable experiences.
During the summer of 2024, we scooped up a whopping 12,328 ice creams.
During the summer of 2024, we served up a massive 2,824 pizzas! That’s a lot of cheesy, delicious goodness straight from our talented chefs.
Our all-time record for the most Luge rides in a single day is a mind-blowing 14,582.
Our jaw-dropping record for the most Zipline rides in a single day is an incredible 365! That’s one ride for every day of the year.
Our highest Skyswing record in a single day is an epic 121 rides.
With 7.3 km of Luge tracks spread across five different routes, there’s a thrilling ride for everyone!
Home of the original Luge! The iconic Luge adventure began right here in Rotorua in 1985.
When our new Luge tracks were built in 2022, we planted over 12,000 native plants to keep our surroundings thriving.
Our Gondola can transport up to 2,000 people per hour, getting you to the top quickly so you can soak in the epic views and adventures.
Our Gondola cabins are usually spaced 72 metres apart, with a new cabin arriving approximately every 14 second.
Our Gondola cable is an impressive 43mm thick and stretches 1,817 metres long, ensuring a smooth and secure ride to the top.
Each Luge cart weighs 30 kg, and with over 560 carts at Skyline Rotorua, our team works hard to keep them ready for action.
Have you ridden a Skyline Luge track outside of New Zealand? No matter where you’ve ridden, every Skyline Luge cart across the globe is proudly manufactured right here in Rotorua.
The first Gondola to travel up Mount Ngongotahā was a four-seater, but today, our cabins have doubled in size to fit eight passengers.
The very first chairlift at Skyline Rotorua was a single-seater, but today, we’ve upgraded to two double-seaters!
Skyline is proud to be a founding member of the Rotorua Sustainable Charter, demonstrating our commitment to protecting our environment and community for future generations.
Skyline Rotorua has proudly won numerous awards over the years, recognising our dedication to delivering world-class experiences.
Skyline Rotorua proudly gives back by supporting local schools, sports teams, and events throughout Rotorua.
Instant Win FAQ
You will need to purchase a Skyline Rotorua Experience during the promotional dates outlined. Once you reach the top of the Gondola you will be able to find posters scattered around the site, these posters will have a QR Code you can scan to enter. Follow the instructions shown on screen to start winning!
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You will be directed to the iNZpired Gift Shop at the Top Terminal. Remember to WAIT until you are at the counter with a staff member before selecting “Redeem.”
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Once you are at the counter with a Skyline staff member, you can tap “Redeem.”
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Present your ticket to the staff member to confirm your eligibility for the prize.
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Show the staff member your phone so they can verify the prize you have won.
* Please note you can only enter the draw based on the number of tickets you have. If you have multiple tickets for your group, you can enter multiple times accordingly. However, if you have only one ticket, you are entitled to a single entry.
A customer can enter up to the total number of tickets they hold. The same email address can be used multiple times for each ticket they have.
* Please note your number of entries will be verified against the number of ticket(s) you own which you will need to present at the time you redeem the prize.