Zoom Ziplines in full swing
Associate Tourism Minister and Rotorua MP, Hon Todd McClay, and Zoom Ziplines owner manager, Ron Betts, on the Zoom
Ziplines launching platform at Skyline Rotorua.
Skyline Rotorua’s exciting new gravity-ride, Zoom Ziplines, was officially launched atop the attraction’s Mt Ngongotaha
site yesterday in sky-high style.
The attraction involves a thrilling high-speed twin zipline that descends 385 metres down the side of the mountain,
dropping a total of 48 vertical metres. It also includes a unique 10 metre Quickjump system which sees guests freefall
from the landing platform following their zipline ride.
The opening ceremony was officiated by Associate Tourism Minister and Rotorua MP Hon Todd McClay, and Rotorua Mayor
Steve Chadwick who jointly cut the ribbon and declared the attraction open.
Mr McClay himself zipped down the mountain, alongside Zoom Ziplines’ Ron Betts, to sample the downhill action.
“The Zoom Ziplines is exciting and a lot of fun. It’s this type of tourism innovation that gives Rotorua its strong
reputation as a New Zealand tourism mecca,” says Mr McClay.
“The Quickjump in itself is equally exciting and I challenge everyone to come have a turn.”
Skyline Rotorua general manager, Bruce Thomasen, says the completion and official opening of the zipline attraction has
been exciting.
“Although it’s only taken a few months to actually build the zipline, it has been more than three years in the planning
and it is fantastic to finally see the vision come to fruition for our visitors to enjoy.
“Initial rider feedback from staff and lucky guests who have had the chance to ride in the soft opening period has been
fantastic. Three words have been used to describe the feedback to date – awesome, fast and fun.
“The Zoom Ziplines development fits in well with our other gravity-challenging activities on site and offers a nice
adrenalin rush, unlike a bungy. It is a further reflection of our confidence in both the local and national tourism
sector. Our tourism markets are constantly changing and it is crucial that we are continuously evolving to meet those
markets and remain a favourite for visitors and locals alike.”
The innovative zipline system is 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, with Skyline Rotorua’s ride a
first for the South Pacific.
Zoom Ziplines owner manager, Ron Betts, says he is thrilled to be partnering with Skyline Rotorua.
“It is great to be bringing the very latest adventure technology to such an iconic tourism operator, in such a special
place for tourism in New Zealand.”
The Zoom Ziplines ride begins from the top terminal zone at 450m above sea level, with spectacular views out over Lake
Rotorua and surrounds. It is suitable for children and adults, with a minimum weight of 27 kilos and a maximum of 125
kilos.
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