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The Rotorua Luge: Awesome Fun

New Zealand

Rotorua is well known throughout the world as an action-packed destination. The great thing is is that there are many different attractions in Rotorua to keep the whole family entertained. From natural wonders like Wai-O-Tapu and Hell’s Gate to adrenaline kicking action.

However, the challenge can be picking the best things to do in Rotorua. We opted for the Skyline Gondola and Rotorua Luge, conveniently located on Mount Ngongotaha. It’s only about 50 minutes for Papamoa and Mount Maunganui.

This is a great way to spend a few hours of the day, either an opportunity to relax and enjoy the views or get the heart pumping with an epic luge ride.

As you make your way through the entrance you are greeted with a range of options (rides e.t.c) to purchase. We opted for 8 luge rides and the gondola.

Rotorua Skyline Gondola

The Rotorua Skyline gondola is a must if you want to reach the top. The ride is a magical way to start the trip up. As you climb, Lake Rotorua and the stunning panoramic views take hold.

Below you can, if you are lucky, watch the mountain bikers racing down the tracks. Here they pulled off their moves, jumps and tricks.

All up the ride is around 10 minutes so make sure your camera is ready to go.

Once you reach the top we made a beeline for the luge. Most of the time it’s pretty busy so grab a helmet and queue up.

Dad and Lukas starting at the top of their luge run, happy faces

Dad and Lukas starting at the top of their luge run, happy faces

Luge Tracks

There are two luge entrances, makes the queues move a little quicker. It doesn’t matter which entrance you pick as the track entrances marge pretty quickly. 

Once in our luge, the instructor gives you a quick demo, checks that you can work the brakes and then it’s time to enjoy the ride.

Skyline Luge has 5 new tracks! So there is something for everyone…. 

Tiki Tour Luge Track – (Previously called Scenic Track)

This track is the easier one of the five and stretches out around 1.7kms. you’ll cruise through Skyline’s own Redwood forest and past their famous dinosaurs.

There are even viewing bays on this track so you can put over and take photographs of the panoramic views. 

Gravity Luge Track – (Previously called Intermediate Track)

Certainly a lot quicker than the Gravity Luge Track, here you’ll feel the need for speed. Again the views of Rotorua from here are stunning.

The track itself is 1.5kms and has a range of chicanes as well as a tunnel. 

Legend Luge Track 

This is one of the 3 new tracks, it’ll get the adrenaline pumping! This track comes with three corkscrews and a tunnel that is lit up.

The ride lasts for 1.3kms and the speeds you can get up to, if you choose, are insane.

Twister Luge Track 

Another new track and this one is open to all ages. It’s 1.4km and branches off the new legends track.

This track has a corkscrew and a tunnel to keep all those who ride it entertained. The final part of the track merges with the Tiki tour track.

Ultra Luge Track 

The last of the new tracks, this 1.3km track starts on the Legend Luge and then spits off into a variety of spirals and turns before merging back to the Legend.

Make sure to read McLaren Falls A Treasure for Families

If you feel like it, you can really put the foot down, just remember though, these things ain’t built for comfort.

Flying over a couple of ridges you do get a little hang time (air) certainly sends a few shock waves up your back.

Once your ride is over it’s a nice chairlift trip back to the top to start all over again.

Lukas loved every minute, while he was a little nervous on his first run, his confidence grew.

On his last run, he was flying down the hill with the biggest smile.

Note: Kids under 110cm (aged 2-6) can do tandem rides with an adult.

Riding the chairlift back to the top for the next run

Riding the chairlift back to the top for the next run

Night Luge

Want to luge ride after dark? Well, you can as colourful disco lights light the way. 

Nothing beats riding under the stars.

The Tiki Tour, Twister, Legend and Ultra Luge Tracks use multicoloured lights while the Gravity Luge Track uses white lights.

However if you miss Rotorua but are heading to Queenstown, check out Caroline’s (from CK Travels) Ultimate Guide. The Skyline Gondola and Luging are just one of the many activities on offer in Queenstown too.

Eating

There are a couple of great areas to sit and relax, you can even bring your own food.

However, there is the Market kitchen cafe, which is reasonably priced.

The Stratosfare Restaurant, this place offers lunch and dinner buffets.

This place also offers some pretty special view of Rotorua city and its surrounding areas.

Top of the luge ride

Top of the luge ride with Lake Rotorua in the background.

Other Rides

Zoom Zipline

If you feel like pushing that heart rate even higher there are a few other adrenalin options to choose.

You could try the Zoom Zipline, 400m long where you can reach speeds of 80km.

Once your ride is finished you can either take the stairs back to the chairlift or take the ‘Quickjump’ here you free fall for 13m.

The good news is is that you are in a harness.

Skyswing

Another great attraction is the Skyswing, this immediately gets a ‘hell no’ from me.

You are hoisted 50m above Skyline Rotorua, then it’s up to you when you go as you have the release in your hand.

After reaching speeds of around 150kms they’ll slow you down and finally give you a spin to finish.

Mountain Biking

If Mountain biking his your family thing, then this just looks exciting. There is a range of tracks to meet everyone’s needs.

You can hire bikes or bring your own. Just purchase your Skyline Gondola ride and then use the gondola specifically for those with their mountain bike (pretty easy to spot).

Stargazer

Finally, if you like looking at the stars in the night sky then experience the Stargazer.

This goes for around 60 minutes (after dark). There is lots to see; milky way, southern cross, planets.

In fact, they even have a list of planets with the best times of the year to see them.

Scenic view of Rotorua from outside the restaurant at the top of the luge

Scenic view of Rotorua from outside the restaurant at the top of the luge

Prices

They have a massive range of options on their website for the luge in Rotorua.

They also have specials as well.

Final Thoughts

There are many amazing experiences to choose from in this city from the Redwood trees to embracing our Maori culture at places like Te Puia.

As we mentioned earlier, just picking family based activities in Rotorua can be a challenge.

However, Lukas loved riding the luge in Rotorua, it challenged him especially the ‘speed’ that these luges can reach.

But we definitely would recommend this for anyone especially families looking the a great day out. 

Frequency Asked Questions

Is the luge open in the rain? 

It depends on how much rain is falling, a little bit of rain doesn’t matter and can even make it more exciting.

How much is the luge in Rotorua?

click onto luge prices to get up to date deals and specials that you can buy directly online

How long does it take to do the Luge Rotorua?

Depending on the track you pick and the speeds you go at. A ride could take as little as a couple of minutes or longer if you use the bays to take photos.

Do you need to book Luge at Rotorua?

No – bookings are not required to ride the luge

Is there a weight limit for the Luge in Rotorua?

No – there are no weight restrictions 

Can you wear Jandals on the Luge?

Footwear must be worn

Disclosure: This post might contain affiliate links. This means I might receive a small commission if you click and purchase something. Clicking on these links will not cost you anything, however it helps me to keep my website running. For more information click on our disclosure policy.

Meet the family

Meet the family

We are a family of 4 living in New Zealand. I’m a teacher (great profession for traveling) and my wife Connie is a section administrator. We are also proud parents of two travel-loving boys.

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Scott - 4 Degrees of Destination

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Hi, I've been fortunate enough to have travelled for over 25 years. My parents gave me the travel bug when I was 10 years old by taking my sister and I to the USA and Mexico for two months. I've travelled by myself, with mates, with my wife and now as a family of four. My goal is to inspire our families to get out and see the world.

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