Skyline Rotorua combines a gondola ride up Mount Ngongotaha with views over Rotorua and Lake Rotorua, plus activities at the top. The gravity-powered luge is the main draw: choose a track, steer downhill and ride back up on a chairlift with your cart. You can also try the Zoom Zipline, Skyswing or mountain biking, or take a nature trail. For a slower visit, stop at the café or Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar, where the buffet dining room looks out over the lake and city.
Getting up Mount Ngongotaha
The gondola carries visitors to the Skyline complex on Mount Ngongotaha. From the top, the views take in Rotorua, Lake Rotorua and the surrounding landscape. The gondola is also the access route for the activities on the hill, so plan to ride it if you want to try the luge or visit the dining venues.
If you are mainly interested in the view, you can make the gondola ride and viewpoint the focus of your visit. Nature trails provide another way to spend time at the top, though walking options around the viewpoint are limited.
How the luge works
The luge is a gravity-powered cart that you steer down the hill using simple controls. After each run, a chairlift carries you and your cart back uphill. Tracks are designed for different levels of experience, so you can choose a route that suits you. Children can ride with a parent, according to the available activity information.
A five-ride option gives you time to try several runs and repeat a favourite. If you plan to ride, wear one of the free hairnets under your helmet. The gondola and luge combination is a practical choice when the luge is your main reason for coming.
Other activities and food at the top
The hilltop has more than the luge. You can look into the Zoom Zipline, Skyswing and mountain biking, or take a nature trail. The mountain bike park has trails for different ability levels, including intermediate, advanced and expert routes. Check which activities you want to include before setting aside time for the visit.
For a meal or a pause between activities, Skyline has a café and Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar. The restaurant serves a buffet that includes grilled meats, local seafood and desserts, with views over the lake and city. Wine tasting is also available at Volcanic Hills Winery. Dining and tasting are separate options from the outdoor activities, so you can choose a visit centred on food and scenery instead of rides.
Preguntas frecuentes
How do you get to the top of Skyline Rotorua?
Ride the gondola up Mount Ngongotaha to reach the Skyline complex. The gondola is the access route for the luge and other hilltop activities.
What can you do at Skyline Rotorua?
Activities include the luge, Zoom Zipline, Skyswing, mountain biking and nature trails. You can also visit the café, Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar, or Volcanic Hills Winery.
Is the luge suitable for children?
The luge is designed for different experience levels, and young children can ride with a parent.
What food is available at Skyline Rotorua?
Stratosfare Restaurant and Bar serves a buffet with grilled meats, local seafood and desserts. There is also a café at the complex.
