:: History

Skyline History

1961
As early as the 1920’s there were ideas of putting a roadway to Bob’s Peak.  It was not until 1961 that Mr Ian Hamilton (the owner of a small bus company) had the strength of his convictions and had a very steep road (1.5 miles with an average grade of 1 in 7 and in places 1 in 4.5) constructed so he could bring visitors up to this vantage point by bus.  During 1961, Mr Hylton Hensman, a local business man and a friend, bought a half-share in the project.  They foresaw the potential in providing an upgraded road and a suitable building for tourists at the top of Bob’s Peak.

1963
Mr Hamilton was tragically killed in a car accident and his shares were bought by Mr John Dumble.  Skyline Tours was formed by Mr Hensman, Mr Dumble, and Mr Cliff M. Broad.  In November 1963 construction of a Chalet on Bob’s Peak was started.

 1964
The Chalet on Bob’s Peak was officially opened by the mayor of Queenstown, Mr George Cochrane, in January 1964.  It catered to the public with light refreshments and meals.  The building was constructed with Oregon pine.  Glass for the windows came from France, and the view encompassed 300 degrees.  Skyline Tours used two mini buses (Volkswagen) to ferry clientele to this vantage point or, alternatively, people could walk up, receiving a certificate for doing so.  Often it was necessary to hire further buses from other companies (on occasion up to six buses at one time) as the business grew.

1965
Queenstown Borough Council gave permission to use the land for a cableway to the chalet. 

1966
Skyline Enterprises was formed as a public company with the purpose of building an aerial gondola from Queenstown up to the chalet.  The existing company, “Skyline Tours,” was absorbed.  Quotes for cableways were obtained from several overseas companies and it was decided to install a gondola type by Pomagalski of France in conjunction with C.W.F. Hamilton and Co., Christchurch.  Construction of the cableway was started in August.  

1967
Extensions to the Chalet for more seating and extensions to the restaurant were completed in March.  A liquor licence (very rare in those days) was granted.  The first Gondola travelled up on November 3, 1967.  The cableway was open to the public by the Deputy Manager of the Tourist and Publicity Department on November 17.

1971
Skyline Enterprises bought “Mountain View Lodge” offering a range of accommodation including motel units, caravan sites, self-contained flats and fully furnished cabins.

1974/75
Skyline builds “Blue Peaks Lodge” offering luxury accommodation overlooking Queenstown.

1987
The world famous multi-coloured bubble cars are replaced with the new “Doppelmayr” lift from Austria.  The restaurant and base terminal were refurbished.

1994
The growth of Skyline Enterprises to date is substantial.  From a modest-sized operation taking clientele to the top of Bob’s Peak by bus, to a $30 million business incorporating other attractions in Rotorua, Christchurch and Dunedin. 

In 1994 the Bob’s Peak complex underwent a $6 million upgrade.  The project can be described as an ambitious design which was an amazing engineering feat.  A new wall of 30 tonnes of plate glass was installed.  This new, curved wall expanded the already amazing vista to take in views of Coronet Peak and the valley towards Arrowtown.  Opened on October 27^th by Murray McCully, Associate Tourism Minister. 

The traditional viewing deck was expanded and a circular bar area placed to maximize the outlook.  Construction took place during the winter “off season” with the gondola continuing to operate so visitors so visitors could still take advantage of the experience.  The building, when complete, was one of the largest conference centres in the South Island, with seating capability for 350 buffet guests, 300 brassiere guests, two retail areas and provided employment for 120 people. 

1995
New Zealand Tourism Award Winner for Best Visitor Attraction

1998
New Luge Track opens

1999
New Zealand Tourism Award finalist for best visitor attraction

2000
Hosted Olympic torch relay for Sydney Olympics
Nov 2000 – Celebrated 1 million luge rides at Skyline Luge – Queenstown

2001
Tourism award finalist for best adventure tourism product

2002
Hosted Commonwealth Game’s Queen’s Jubilee Relay

2004

Kiwi Magic closes after 17 years.
Kiwi Haka opens for business

The New Millennium and Into the Future . . .
From humble beginnings Skyline has been constantly evolving.  For over 40 years now it has pioneered new beginnings, while providing Queenstown with a top quality visitor experience.

As a company Skyline has gone from strength to strength, creating a hugely successful niche business, within the relatively new market of tourism in New Zealand. 

However, as with the surrounding boom of tourism and property development in Queenstown (Queenstown is New Zealand’s Number One Tourist Destination) it has no time to rest.

Skyline welcomed its 10 millionth visitor late in 2005 and continues to invest and progress into further tourism ventures both domestically and internationally, especially concentrating on developing its successful luge business. 

Always striving to provide the best visitor experience possible, Skyline will continue to grow and evolve as quickly as its surroundings.

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