Things to do with kids in Skyline Rotorua

Travelling with children means you’re always looking for something to keep them entertained. While you can find heaps of unique Rotorua attractions for families advertised online, it can be hard to reach popular spots in the city centre while avoiding the cries of “Can we go home yet?” and distracting little hands and eyes from their devices. Kids want to have fun without the wait – and as an adult, you want to enjoy your time, too.

So, where is one central, easy-to-reach place to go to find fun things to do in Rotorua with kids? The answer’s tucked at the top of Fairy Springs: Skyline Rotorua.

Like many Kiwis, you’ve likely heard of Skyline’s major attractions like the Luge and the Gondola. But between mountain biking, swinging from the sky, exploring a jellybean boutique, and more, there are plenty more lesser-known, family-friendly activities to keep your kids excited over the New Zealand school holidays!

Exciting things to do at Skyline Rotorua with kids

Take the Gondola up Mt Ngongotaha

Start your adventure with an exciting 7-minute trip up the Skyline Gondola. Hop on one of the eight-seater cabins and soak in the beautiful 360° scenic views across a 900m cableway system (once you’re safely seated, it’s a great place for a cute family selfie with a background to admire!). Once you’re at the top and out the iconic gondola, it’s time to take on Skyline’s other unique attractions and activities.

Age requirements: None! Just remind kids (and big kids!) to stay safety seated and enjoy the views.

Race down the Luge tracks

The Luge is part go-kart, part toboggan, and entirely gravity-fueled fun for every age! Zoom down five amazing tracks dotted with surprising twists, photo snap spots, and dinosaurs! Children aged seven years and older can explore the slopes solo, giving your younger ones some amazing independent memories in the driver’s seat.

Age requirements: Children aged 2-6 and between 85-109cm must be accompanied by an adult.

“Skyline adventures is one of the things that brings me back to Rotorua time and time again. I am a huge addict! If you don’t know what that is, think mountain, Mario carts and downhill winding pathways through forest! It’s literally the best fun.”
– Karen Ni Eadbhard (Travel Mad Mum Blog)

Glide across the mountain with HyFly Zipline

If you and your young ragtag team have a new taste for adrenaline after racing down the hill, the amazing HyFly Zipline lets you fly down it instead! Enjoy soaring over 400m over the ground, in open air, at thrilling speeds of up to 60 kilometres an hour. With parallel ziplines, you can even ‘race’ head-to-head with family and friends.

Age requirements: Children must be over 27kg and 122cm.

Scream out on the Skyswing

If you’re looking for even more heart-racing fun in the air, the Skyswing has you covered. This massive swing gives you exactly what you’d anticipate from the name, drawing you up 50 metres above the Skyline Rotorua base, and pausing to let you spend a moment enjoying the beautiful views before you finally swing in to make the drop! Boasting three seats, the Skyswing is perfect for parents and kids to ride and enjoy the huge, swooping fall together.

Age requirements: Children must be over 5 years old and 110cm. Children aged 5-7 must be accompanied by an adult.

Traverse the Mountain Bike Park

Older kids will love the freedom of exploring the Skyline Mountain Bike Park. With 11 much-loved trails ranging from standard mountain bikes grades 3 to 6, this an the ideal activity for your older kids or those with more riding experience. If your kids are ready to take on the challenge, they are welcome to bring along their own bike or rent a bike from Mountain Bike Rotorua.

Age requirements: Children under 12 must have their guardian’s consent to ride in the park. Children under 5 must be closely accompanied by an adult. Youth Riders (15 or under) must have parental consent to purchase a pass.

Easy-going activities at Skyline Rotorua for kids

Eat to your fullest at Stratosfare Restaurant

When you’re having fun, it’s easy to use up all your energy. Relax with lunch or dinner at the Stratosfare Restaurant buffet! Enjoy quality Kiwi service and freshly prepared food, highlighting local seafood, meat, and produce. Of course, you can’t forget the sweet treat counter – either before or after your main meal! – which features an impressive array of delectable treats for any picky kid.

“We really enjoyed the buffet! The beef in particular was incredible, and I also loved the dessert selection. The view can’t be beat.”
– Leilani O.

Taste-test unique sweets at the Jelly Belly Concept Store

Massive jellybean dispensers, sugar-sweet works of art, rows and rows of iconic confectionery— the Jelly Belly Concept Store brings every kid’s dessert dreams to life. With around 100 delicious jellybean flavours to choose from, children will love making their own Pick’n Mix variety box to take back home.

Meet the animals on the nature trails

Skyline’s outdoor walking trails give you a chance to connect with nature on foot. Enjoy short strolls in the fresh air, with informative, interactive panels and, for the interest of your budding entomologists, featuring little ‘motels’ for the local Wētā population to relax and hang out. As you’re trekking along the hill, you might even spot our adorable alpaca family or our four fallow deer!

Seize the sandpit with the mini diggers

Our coin-operated Volvo mini diggers are as fun to play with for kids as they are for adults! Build a sand castle, demolish it, and build it all over again. With two mini diggers on each side of the sandpit, this is a great, family-friendly activity.

Skyline family combos

Skyline’s Half-Day Adventure Pass is your ticket to an awesome experience! This amazing package includes the Gondola, Skyswing, Zipline, 5 Luge rides, and a Luge photo. Check out our Pricing and Packages for more information.

Skyline Rotorua: Your guide to kids’ activity ideas by age

For kids 5 and under:

• Our sandpit mini digger is fun for kids of all ages, but it’s especially cool for the little ones who can get the chance to be in control!
• Walk the scenic tracks and teach your children about nature through the informative panels. You might encounter our friendly alpacas or deer as well!
• The Luge is easily one of the best things to do in Rotorua with young kids! Children aged 2-6 and between 85-109cm can accompany their parent or guardian for a safe yet thrilling experience.

For kids aged 6-10:

• Kids above 109cm can take on the Luge by themselves. With five different tracks and tons of twists and turns, they’re sure to stay entertained.
• The Skyswing offers great fun for the whole family. Your kid can hold onto the release in hand… until they make the drop!
• Have a candy-loving kid? With dozens of tasty jellybean dispensers, the Jelly Belly store offers children the chance to create their own Pick’n Mix box filled with their favourite flavours.

For kids aged 11 and over:

• Experienced bikers can take on 11 exciting mountain biking trails at Skyline— and with our affordable Uplift Passes, the fun never stops!
• Kids above 122cm can soar through the skies on the HyFly Zipline. Parallel lines mean they can even race against family and friends.
• The Half Day Adventure Pass is perfect for kids who want to take on everything Skyline has to offer— get access to the Skyswing, Zipline, and 5 Luge rides in one affordable package.

Planning your visit to Rotorua

Getting to Rotorua from other New Zealand cities

Less than a three-hour drive from major North Island cities like Auckland, Hamilton, Tauranga, and Napier, the Rotorua area is a great place for a long weekend getaway. Only have time for a day trip? Visiting Skyline is the best way to maximise your time.

• Auckland to Rotorua: Take SH1 and SH5 (1h 37m).
• Hamilton to Rotorua: Take SH1 and SH5 (2h 55m).
• Tauranga to Rotorua: Take SH36 and SH5 (1h 12m).
• Napier to Rotorua: Take SH5 (2h 59m).

What to bring with you

At the very least, we want you to stay safe, hydrated, and alert, so you can have the most enjoyable and relaxing time possible (for the standards of an adrenaline adventure, that is).

Here’s a quick packing list for before leaving home:

• Water bottle
• Snacks
• Sunblock
• Sunhat
• First-aid kit
• Camera

Find the best things to do in Rotorua with kids at Skyline

Head to Skyline to experience all the engaging Rotorua family activities on offer – and we think you might just make memories that last a lifetime.

Start planning your family’s visit by exploring our website for more information about our globally-adored attractions, pricing, parking options, and everything else you and your kids need to have the best day out in Rotorua ever. We can’t wait to see you.