For Immediate Release

25 November, 2013

New gravity-ride activity at Skyline

Skyline Rotorua is furthering its fun factor with the creation of a new zipline attraction set to be launched in the new year.

The latest gravity experience at Skyline Rotorua’s Mt Ngongotaha site involves a thrilling high-speed twin zipline that descends 370 metres down the side of the mountain, dropping a total of 48 vertical metres.

Skyline Rotorua general manager, Bruce Thomasen, says the new Zoom Zipline attraction fits in well with the gravity attractions already on offer at the site. He says the development is a further reflection of the continuing investment at the property as it strives to maintain its pre-eminent position in the Rotorua visitor market. 

Recent developments include the re-development of the carpark and mountain-top Market Kitchen café, the completion of the Volcanic Hills winery and wine-tasting room, and the opening of nature trails and Jelly Bean concept store.

“Skyline Rotorua is an important icon for Rotorua, not just for the tourism sector, but for visitors and locals alike. Our gondola and luge rides have been a family favourite for decades and it’s important we continue to develop our operation to ensure it remains attractive, relevant and on the must-do list for a visit to Rotorua.

“Just as importantly, we want locals to feel passionate about this icon that is on their back doorstep, and excited about coming here again and again. Our latest zipline development is designed to help achieve that, as well as complementing our existing gravity-challenging activities.”

Mr Thomasen says this latest venture is another innovative example of ways Skyline Rotorua is meeting the demands of the tourism market.

“Our continuing development reinforces the confidence and potential we see in the tourism sector in Rotorua and wider New Zealand. Our tourism markets are constantly changing and it is crucial that we are also continuously evolving to meet those markets.”

The Zoom Zipline ride will begin from the top terminal zone at 450m above sea level, with spectacular views out over Lake Rotorua and surrounds. The Zoom Zipline will give riders the thrill of taking off and flying from the mountain side.  The 370m straight line ride comes to an end at the luge chairlift base, where riders will then ascend the hill via the chairlift.

The innovative system is being established and operated by Canadian company Zoom Ziplines in partnership with Skyline. The company has already designed and built systems in Canada, the USA, Europe, Asia and the Caribbean.

Kevin Smith from Zoom Ziplines says it has partnered with a world-leading Christchurch engineering company, to develop the latest in safety technology.

“We are thrilled to be partnering with Skyline and bringing the very latest adventure technology to such an iconic tourism operator that is also at the forefront of its industry, and which operates in such a special place for tourism in New Zealand.

“Our system uses a magnetic brake system, which is fail-safe and low maintenance. The reason the brakes are so effective is that they utilise magnetic forces, not friction, and are far more weight sensitive.”

The Zoom Zipline will be up and running in the second quarter of 2014.  

ENDS

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