On a Roll: A Major Luge Moment
On a roll: NZ tourism icon reaches major milestone
100 Million Luge Rides – like luging from Cape Reinga to Bluff 50,000 times
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The Luge has been a rite of passage for generations of Kiwis, and now the company behind the iconic attraction is hitting a major milestone – reaching 100 million luge rides across all its properties.
Skyline owns and operates local Luge tracks in Queenstown and Rotorua, along with six international Luge properties.
To put 100 million rides into perspective, with the average length of Skyline’s Luge tracks being 1km, that’s like luging around the world 2,495 times, from the Earth to the moon and back 130 times, or from Cape Reinga to Bluff 50,000 times.
The Luge is an extension of the innovative spirit of Skyline’s founders and since co-founder Hylton Hensman invented the luge in 1985 the ride has attracted thrill-seekers of all ages.
Skyline Enterprises Chief Operating Officer Danny Luke, who is Hensman’s grandson, says the milestone is a testament to the Luge’s universal appeal.
“This achievement reflects the incredible popularity of the luge. It’s more than just an exhilarating ride – it’s a tradition that families and friends return to time and again, sharing the thrill across generations.
“The luge is for kids – big and small. We have people who rode the luge as kids and now they’re bringing their kids, and even their grandkids,” says Luke.
Thrill seeking origins
It all began with a cart ride Hensman took on a stainless-steel track in Canada that gave riders very little freedom as they descended. It inspired him to create a three-wheel cart which meant riders had complete control as they raced downhill.
When the luge first launched in Rotorua, it was an instant hit, attracting 1,400 riders on only its second day. When the first Queenstown Luge opened in 1998 more than 100,000 riders completed the luge track in the first six months.
From that single track in Rotorua, Skyline Luge has expanded to eight locations across five countries, including Canada, Singapore, South Korea, and Malaysia. The company is currently going through the final planning stages for a new site in Swansea, Wales, which will mark its first entrance into the UK market and further cement its status as a global leader in adventure tourism.
The luge continues to grow in popularity, increasing from 7.46 million rides in 2023/2024 to 9.89 million rides in 2024/25.
“Seeing the luge resonate with people worldwide is testament to its enduring magic,” says Luke.
Local and global milestone
Skyline Enterprises CEO Geoff McDonald says reaching the milestone was only possible because of the commitment and hard work of the teams in New Zealand and around the world.
“This milestone belongs to every team member at each of our sites worldwide who work tirelessly to deliver an unforgettable experience for every visitor. The enthusiasm and passion they bring every day is what makes the luge such an iconic attraction.
“This is an incredible achievement, and we’re just getting started.”
Skyline continues to innovate with new Luge tracks, ongoing refinement and changes to existing tracks, safety advancements, including improved cart designs to enhance performance, and new experiences such as Rotorua’s HyFly zipline, and Skyswing.
With continued customer demand and expansion of Skyline sites around the world, the next 100 million rides are projected to take just eight years.
For further information, please contact:
Ireland Hendry-Tennent | Consultant | Boyd Public Relations Ltd | m: 022 430 9913 | e: ireland@boydpr.co.nz
About Skyline Luge
The gravity-fuelled luge was first invented in 1985 by Skyline founder and entrepreneur Hylton Hensman in Rotorua, New Zealand. Inspired by a cart ride in Canada, Hensman developed a unique three-wheel cart that allows riders to control their speed and direction as they race downhill. Since its invention, the luge has evolved into a globally recognized adventure tourism experience.
About Skyline Enterprises
Founded in 1966, Skyline Enterprises is a pioneering New Zealand tourism and property company headquartered in Queenstown. What began with the iconic Skyline Queenstown Gondola has evolved into a diverse international operation spanning three continents. The company owns and operates adventure tourism attractions, food and beverage establishments, and accommodation services across New Zealand, South Korea, Singapore, Malaysia, Canada, and the UK. With over 1,200 employees worldwide, Skyline Enterprises remains committed to delivering world-class experiences while maintaining its proud Kiwi heritage. The company’s luge operations have welcomed visitors from more than 150 countries, establishing Skyline as one of New Zealand’s most successful tourism exports.