CityBuddy
Skyline Rotorua
Best time to visit
Visit one hour before sunset. That way you will catch the golden light over Lake Rotorua, and then experience the spectacular nighttime light display.
Budget tips
An adult gondola ticket starts at 49 NZD, with discounts available for students and seniors. It is more cost-effective to get a combo ticket with luge rides, which includes a return gondola ride.
Recommended for
Adrenaline junkies, Families with children, Sunset and photography lovers, Couples looking for romance
Plan your visit
3-4 hours
About
Quick facts: By gondola you ascend 487 meters above Rotorua, and from the top there is a view of three lakes and a volcanic landscape that steams at every step. This is also home to the steepest gondola system in the southern hemisphere, making the ride itself an adventure.
Highlights: At night, the entire complex turns into a sea of a thousand lights illuminating the slope of Mount Ngongotaha, while down in the distance geothermal steam clouds from the Whakarewarewa Valley can be seen. That is why many visitors say that the sunset gondola ride with a glass of local wine is what they remember for a lifetime.
Insider tips
- For the best photos, sit on the left side of the gondola in the direction of travel; it offers the most beautiful view of the lake.
- The 'Scenic' luge track is the longest and easiest, ideal for first-timers, while 'Advanced' is for those who want more adrenaline.
- The restaurant at the top offers an excellent buffet, but for a special experience, book a dinner by the window with a sunset view.
- On weekdays before 11 AM there are the fewest crowds, especially outside the school season.
Where to Stay in Rotorua
Selected by City Buddy based on guest reviews and proximity to top attractions
Search all hotels in RotoruaPowered by agoda
