Today at Skyline Queenstown

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50+ years of FUN, and counting!

From a simple roadway up Bob’s Peak in the early 1960s to the thriving multi-attraction business that it is today, Skyline Enterprises has a fascinating and fast-paced history.

Gondola view

About us

From humble beginnings, Skyline has been constantly evolving. For over 50 years 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. Skyline 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.

Skyline’s story began in 1961

The History of Skyline Queenstown

  • 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.
  • 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. Skyline Tours used two minibuses to ferry clientele to this vantage point or, alternatively, people could walk up, receiving a certificate for doing so.
  • 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. 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 The first Gondola travelled up Bob’s Peak on November 17, 1967.
  • 1987 The world-famous multi-coloured bubble cars are replaced with the new “Doppelmayr” lift from Austria. The restaurant and base terminal was refurbished.
  • 1994 In 1994 the Skyline 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. It was opened on October 27th 1994 by Murray McCully, Associate Tourism Minister.
  • 1995 Skyline wins New Zealand Tourism Award Winner for ‘Best Visitor Attraction’.
  • 1998 New Luge track opens at the Queenstown site, after the success of the Luge in Rotorua.
  • 1999 Skyline wins New Zealand Tourism Award finalist for ‘Best Visitor Attraction’.
  • 2000 Skyline hosts Olympic torch relay for Sydney Olympics. In November 2000, Skyline celebrated 1 million Luge rides at Skyline Luge – Queenstown.

Into the Future . . .

Skyline Queenstown is investing in building a brand new 10-seater Gondola and iconic new base terminal building, as well as undergoing a major expansion of its upper complex, in order to accommodate the anticipated growth in visitor numbers to Queenstown over the next 50 years and improve the overall guest experience.

For more information please visit Project Skyline.

About Skyline Enterprises Ltd

Skyline Gondola Restaurant and Luge, Queenstown was opened in 1967 and subsequently upgraded in November 1987. The sister property Skyline Skyrides, Rotorua was opened in March 1985 and has subsequently received a complete upgrade to its Gondola and building facilities.

Both properties have become iconic NZ attractions, providing visitors with picture-postcard views, fine dining experiences, and thrills on the Skyline Luge.

Image of an early gondola

Our team of Skyliners make the fun possible.

We’re brave, we care and we do everything we can to bring real fun to the world and make people smile. Our values continue to guide us to deliver the world-class guest experience we’re known for, making Skyline a great place to work and visit.

Skyline Video Poster