Skyline Rotorua Goes Solar
Skyline Rotorua Launches New Solar Energy Project
Skyline Rotorua has taken its sustainability efforts to new heights, using Rotorua’s sunshine to help power its operations. The iconic tourism attraction has flicked the switch on a new solar installation, adding clean energy to its growing list of initiatives aimed at reducing its environmental impact.
The ground-mounted solar array at the gondola base features 288 high-performance solar panels that will generate enough clean energy to power its base terminal and administration building for six months every year.
Skyline Rotorua General Manager, Andrew Jensen, says the organisation has always been committed to operating with a light footprint on the land.
“This solar installation is the next chapter in that story. It’s about using our abundant Rotorua sunshine to power the experiences our visitors love, while caring for this special place we call home.”
The move will save 27.1 tonnes of CO2-equivalent emissions each year – or about 13 one-way flights from Auckland to Los Angeles. The installation uses sustainable timber construction rather than steel, reducing the project’s carbon footprint and supporting local industry.
The elevated ground-mount design has a dual purpose, generating renewable energy above, while also providing covered parking for manuhiri.
“We wanted an installation that makes sense for our operation and our guests,” Andrew says.
“The covered parking improves the visitor experience while the solar panels above are doing good work for our environment.”
Skyline Rotorua partnered with Rangiora-based Sunergy Solar to bring the project to life, while local contractors were chosen to construct the system.
The solar installation is one initiative in Skyline Rotorua’s comprehensive sustainability framework, built around three pillars: caring for people and community, operating with a light footprint, and running a value-driven, responsible business.
Other initiatives including working with EcoStock to divert more than 40,000kg of food waste from landfill to biogas, phasing out LPG kitchen equipment and transitioning maintenance equipment to electrical alternatives, and purchasing Meridian’s Certified Renewable Energy, which matches Skyline Rotorua’s electricity use with an equivalent amount from verified hydro or wind sources.
Single-use plastics have been eliminated from food and beverage operations and luge carts are recycled and remoulded into track curbing.
“We’re not waiting for perfect conditions, or perfect technology,” Andrew says. “We’re taking action now because that’s what being kaitiaki of our place means.
Every tonne of carbon saved, every kilowatt of clean energy generated, every kilogram of waste diverted all adds up.”
Andrew says manuhiri will be able to see the solar installation as they ride up the gondola.
“We want visitors to see that sustainability isn’t just something we talk about – it’s something you can see and experience.
“When families visit Skyline Rotorua, they’re supporting a business that’s actively working toward a better future.”
He says this installation marks the beginning of Skyline Rotorua’s renewable energy journey, with learnings informing future projects across the site.
“We’ve already identified other areas on our site where solar could work well and this first phase proves the concept and will help us understand what’s involved operationally. We’re excited about the potential to generate even more of our own clean energy.”
Skyline is a certified Carbon Conscious Organisation with Ekos NZ and is working towards decarbonising its operations globally. Skyline Rotorua, through its membership, also works closely with the Rotorua Sustainable Charter, reinforcing our commitment to Rotorua’s sustainable future, supporting community goals, and demonstrating environmental leadership within local tourism.
The company is committed to sharing its learnings with the broader tourism industry to help accelerate renewable energy adoption across the sector.