Description: We have all be on gondola rides somewhere around the world, and this is not a world-beater. Each gondola seats four people. The trip is not particularly steep or particularly scenic compared to many. Nevertheless, it was very popular the day we visited. It’s probably what is at the top that is the big appeal here.
First is the restaurant. There is a good view over the city and Lake Rotorua, and the food is a ‘Best of New Zealand Seafood Buffet and Grill". We were reminded of the wonderful restaurant on Bob’s Peak in Queenstown, but the view in Rotorua cannot compete. The buffet offers chowder, prawns, oysters, salmon, mussels, carved roast, steak, chicken and lamb cutlets. If all this sounds too much, the food court and café has a selection of snacks and meals from traditional bakery items to fish and chips, burgers and pies.
Next is the luge. This is claimed to be a ‘world-first’ and it certainly is fun. The luge is a gravity ride on 3-wheel carts which give you full control over your direction and speed. We tried the 2-kilometre scenic track, which winds through Redwood trees and has pull-over rest areas at locations suitable for photographs. There were two other options for those seeking more thrills. At the end of the ride you return uphill via a double-seater chairlift, which, in my opinion, rivals the gondola for enjoyment.
There is also a selection of other rides. The Skyswing provides a thrilling ride of up to 150 kph. The Venturer Simulator allows you to simulate super bikes, flights, a roller coaster, and more. Sharp shooters can try their hand at the Slug Target Range using pump action rifles. Mountain bike rides are offered with a choice of two tracks, neither involving uphill pedalling. That’s my style of riding.
For those looking for simpler pleasures, there is a good walking track with a gradual climb and descent from lookouts providing good views over the region. If even this seems too strenuous, there is a helicopter for flights over nearby attractions, which offers the chance to land on Mokoia Island.
Skyline operates 7 days from 9am.
Tel: (07) 347 0027; Fax: 647-348 2163; Email: enquiries@skylineskyrides.co.nz
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