New Zealand's first 4-D, 64-seater simulator has officially opened in Rotorua.
The Skyvue Voyager II was created by Space Dome Technologies for a Taupo family that has extended its earthmoving business to make the earth move for visitors at Skyline Rotorua.
Tony Elmiger and his son Todd Elmiger decided to take the
plunge into something completely different after 30 years as earthmoving contractors.
While keeping that business going, they also worked with Space Dome and Skyline for six years to develop and fine-tune the simulator.
"It has been a very long journey, but we are finally here.
'This is quite something for Rotorua and for the Bay of Plenty in general."
The simulator has an 8x3m screen and the entire mechanism can move in all directions to add motion to the standard 3-D experience.
Elmiger told The Daily Post there was huge potential for the facilities, currently showing both 2-D and CGI experiences.
He said there were some incredible experiences out there that could be changed to keep things fresh - including educational material, which he hopes can be used with schools outside tourism periods.
The big screen will also be available for sporting events and he envisages dining and viewing packages with the Skyline restaurant.
Skyline Enterprises chief executive Jeff Sandiland said this continued the tradition of innovative New Zealand tourism products, comparable to the luge - launched by Skyline 25 years ago. "We have no reason to believe this won't be just as successful. It complements what we are doing and adds to what is available in Rotorua."
Space Dome Technologies also built the Voyager I, located at Auckland's MOTAT, where it is visited by 200,000 people a year. But shareholder Bill Mathews said Voyager II was a new prototype. "Many have been to theatres where the seats move but, with this, the whole ship moves. It brings you closer to the feeling of actual flight using the latest 3-D and HD technology."
Pictured are Space Dome's Dennis Hyde, (left), Skyline Rotorua's Neville Nicholson, Space Dome's Bill Matthews, Skyvue's Tony Elmiger, Skyline Enterprises' Jeff Staniland and Skyvue's Todd Elmiger. PHOTO/ANDREW WARNER 170311AW2
