Rotorua luge 15 millionth milestone
Nearly running out of petrol on State Highway 23 proved fortuitous for a Tauranga family yesterday, when they became the 15 millonth luge riders at Rotorua’s Skyline visitor attraction.
Father Mike Moroney, seven year old Michael Moroney and mum Jackie Roberts have won a trip to Queenstown as a result of hitting the milestone, along with a basket of goodies that includes personalised luge helmets, Volcanic Hills wine, Jelly Beans and more. The family recently moved to Tauranga from Christchurch.
Ms Roberts says the family nearly didn't make it to Rotorua for the school holiday day trip, after belatedly realising they didn't have enough petrol to make it across the Tauranga Direct Rd.
"At Pyes Pa we suddenly realised that we might get a bit stuck so we actually drove back to Greerton to get petrol. If we hadn't done that, we wouldn't have made the milestone!"
Skyline General Manager, Bruce Thomasen, says the company is thrilled to celebrate the significant 15 million luge ride milestone today.
"This is a massive milestone for us as an organisation, but also for all our staff and the wider Rotorua community.
"Not only are we a key physical landmark at the top of Mt Ngongotaha in Rotorua, we are also a significant contributor to the local economy.
"We now host more than 420,000 visitors every year, with a large proportion of those being domestic or international visitors who inevitably end up spending money in restaurants, cafes, shops or other attractions in and around Rotorua.
"We are proud to be a big part of this community and to play our role in its growth and development."
Skyline Rotorua's luge operation was the first in the world when it opened on 9 March in 1985. Skyline Enterprises now has luge operations in Queenstown, Singapore and Canada. Planning is also underway for a new operation in South Korea.
Mr Thomasen says the luge tracks have changed extensively since the operation first opened, but the heart of it remains the same - having fun.
"More than 750,000 luge rides are taken in Rotorua every year - with visitors usually riding more than once."
He says Rotorua also plays a role in the development of the global business, with the luge carts and components still manufactured locally and shipped around the world.
Jackie Roberts says the family unexpectedly surprised and delighted to be the 15 millionth luge riders.
"We have been watching the weather forecast and decided to come to Rotorua today for a family day out. Skyline was our first stop and it's ended up being so much more than we expected."
Ms Roberts says the family have also ridden the Skyline luge in Queenstown and Sentosa (Singapore).
"We really enjoyed this track too and I'm looking forward to several more luge rides today," she says.
Locals and visitors have the opportunity to participate in the milestone celebrations, with two photo competitions running at Skyline until Sunday May 5. Winning entries are in the running for annual Gondola passes and dinner vouchers.
The first competition involves visitors giving their best pukana (haka face) while experiencing the luge, while the other invites visitors to sending their own fun photos of Skyline Rotorua on the attraction’s website page. The photos with the most public votes will win.
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