Zoom with a view: Skyline's new attraction

CONFIDENCE: Skyline Rotorua general manager Bruce Thomasen is confident the new Zoom Zipline will be a great success. STEPHEN PARKER 221113SP9

Rotorua's latest zipline adventure tourism offering should be up and running by the middle of next year.

Skyline Rotorua is in the process of creating its Zoom Zipline attraction at its site on the slopes of Mt Ngongotaha.

The ride is a high-speed twin zipline that descends 370m down the side of the mountain, dropping a total of 48 vertical metres.

Skyline Rotorua general manager Bruce Thomasen said the new Zoom Zipline attraction fitted in well with the gravity attractions already on offer at the site.

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

"We want locals to feel passionate about this icon on their back doorstep and excited about coming here again and again.

"Our latest zipline development is designed to help achieve that."

He said the move reinforced the confidence and potential Skyline could 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 at 450m above sea level, with views over Lake Rotorua and surrounds. The 370m straight line ride comes to an end at the luge chairlift base where riders will then return to the top by chairlift.

The ride 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.