Skyline Queenstown
Skyline Queenstown
4.5
About
Take a ride in Queenstown’s iconic Gondola and immerse yourself in spectacular panoramic views of Queenstown and the surrounding mountains. But there’s more! When you get to the top, discover a host of family-friendly activities on offer. Get your fix of downhill fun with the Skyline Luge, settle in for a relaxing evening with the best of New Zealand and international cuisine at Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar, or journey into the hidden world of the night sky with Skyline’s guided Stargazing experience. Located an easy five minute walk from the centre of town, a visit to Skyline Queenstown is a must do!
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More than 3 hours
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See what other travelers are saying
- Steve LHucknall, United Kingdom550 contributionsFantastic views and lots to doThe view on a sunny day is fantastic with the whole area and lake set out before you. There are lots of things to do, for the brave there is paragliding, and bungee jumping, and the less brave like me the Luge which you can control the speed quite well on. The options with th3 meal are very expensive and although I believe the restaurant is very good it is not cheap. We ate in the Cafe and the food was reasonable price and very nice, and you can sit out and really enjoy the views. It’s a great way to spend time in QueenstownVisited February 2020Written February 9, 2020
- Claudia10229Dallas, Texas430 contributionsExcellent time with many activities at the top.We walked from our hotel to the Skyrail. It was a bit confusing on what package to buy since there were so many options with cost savings. We also noticed the savings are not available up top so think before you buy but if you want to add an activity you can always do that later at the top. We selected the gondola ride up and back and 2 luge rides for me and 3 for my husband. The ride up was fun and we took quite a few pictures. Getting off was easy. Once you arrive to the Skyline Terminal you have option to go outside and take wonderful pictures of Queenstown, the lake, the gondolas coming up, watching bungee jumpers and the luge. There is a restaurant and variety of shops. We did go into 1 souvenir store at the end of our day and the prices were quite reasonable and not super high for a touristy store. But go at the end of your day so you don't walk around carrying your new items. Orginally we weren't sure what the luge really was and if we would have fun but it was great. You walk down a ramp to another set of chair lifts which take you higher up the mountain. We had a very short line when we arrive to the luge area and for the first ride you have to take the beginner trail. Good opportunity to learn how to use the luge, how to turn the corners and what speed you like. The second luge ride was on the other track and it was faster. We had a great time. My husband had 1 extra luge so I was able to position myself in a spot and take a photo of him coming down. Past the luge area was access to biking trails and hiking trails. We walked a short 30 minute Loop Track and it went through forests. Well marked, bit of a hill but not bad and smooth path. Nice to see so many huge trees. Be sure to pick up a map when you buy the tickets and look at the map to plan your day. We thought we would only spend 1 hour going up and then back down, but we ended up spending about 4 hours. Taking pictures of the views was only 1 part of the entire experience. Even watching bungee jumpers was interesting. Many areas to walk but it is all on a hill, wear good shoes, hats and sunscreen.Visited February 2020Written March 21, 2020
- J TSydney, Australia95 contributionsWell worth the (high) cost!2 of us did the Gondola / luge combo. We got there about 10.30am and lined up for 20 mins. The gondola ride which is very steep but calm has great views, is $122 for two with 2 luge rides each included. You can add as many luge rides in your entry ticket as you like - works out at $2 per person per luge ride after you pay for the initial Entry + Gondola fee. The staff were efficient but friendly and we didn't have to share our gondola pod or chairlift (later on) with anybody else. We took the open chairlift to the luge start and queued for our 2 fun luge rides - the slower track was enough for us! Other people could have gone all day I'm sure lol! Up at the summit, there's a take away cafe, a buffet restaurant (no a la carte choices available) and a Stratosfare bar which serves bar snaks. There are tables outside to sit and chill and eat your own food if you like. It was getting very busy by midday but we got a table in the bar by the window. Spent a lovely hour there people and luge watching. We had Chardonnay $15.50 a glass and a fabulous Cheese platter $18, (4 cheeses, grapes and crackers) and crumbed chicken tenderloins (about $16). Highly recommended for adrenaline junkies and for us normal peoples too! 5 out of 5Visited February 2020Traveled as a coupleWritten February 20, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
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Sammy&Stuey
North Yorkshire, UK35 contributions
Mar 2020
We bought the gondola and 2 luge ride combo for $61 each and it didn't disappoint. The ride up was great with wonderful views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu. The luge ride was thrilling and certainly once is never enough. Great friendly staff who make sure you know what your doing with the carts when on the tracks. We then had a drink and a bite to eat in the cafe. Reasonably priced and good amount of hot and cold food/drinks. Loads of seating areas around the cafe, inside and out. We then had a good wander around, did a couple of walks on the designated tracks. There are good mountain bike tracks to be found here as you can bring your bike up on the side of the Gondolas. I would say considering whats on offer at Skyline you certainly need all day to appreciate whats on offer to you. We went in March and it was a bit cloudy at 9am but an hour or so later it was sunny and we were in T-shirts! Will deffo be going again when in the South Island
Written April 8, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
The Emersons
Adelaide, Australia49 contributions
Feb 2020 • Family
We took the Gondola up the hillside and I survived despite being terrified of heights! The view is spectacular once I looked!!
My husband and I booked for luge rides and had lunch at the cafe. The cafe had adequate options for food and set us back about $35 for the two of us. The rest of the family chose to have the buffet lunch which set them back about $100 for two. They said they had good options for food and it was all you could eat. Whether it was worth that much for lunch they couldnt really say.
The luge rides were great fun and you need about 5 to really feel like you gave it a crack.
Overall we spent nearly all of the day up there and would recommend the activites for anyone visiting Queenstown.
My husband and I booked for luge rides and had lunch at the cafe. The cafe had adequate options for food and set us back about $35 for the two of us. The rest of the family chose to have the buffet lunch which set them back about $100 for two. They said they had good options for food and it was all you could eat. Whether it was worth that much for lunch they couldnt really say.
The luge rides were great fun and you need about 5 to really feel like you gave it a crack.
Overall we spent nearly all of the day up there and would recommend the activites for anyone visiting Queenstown.
Written March 5, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SueB
Honiton, UK431 contributions
Feb 2020 • Couples
Had a great time going up and down in the gondola. It is quite a steep ascent/descent but the views are stunning particularly on a sunny, clear day. You can add luge trips into your price and those doing this all looked like they were having a ball. It really was suited to all ages. Some people were also taking up their mountain bikes and having a great spin back down before catching the chairlift back up. There are 2 restaurants and a couple of shops selling all the usual tourist paraphernalia.
There are great paths between the gondola drop off, the restaurant, the luge and mountain bike sections where the views are just stunning over the lake, the is also a great viewing platform outside the main cafe/restaurant.
If you just want a trip in the gondola, quick look around and return, then an hour or so is probably enough, if you want to take part in the other activities then a longer visit is perfect. There are also paragliding packages and other fun activities at extra cost. Yes, for an adult it is quite expensive $44 adult, but is a really good experience and is the best place for the brilliant views.
There are great paths between the gondola drop off, the restaurant, the luge and mountain bike sections where the views are just stunning over the lake, the is also a great viewing platform outside the main cafe/restaurant.
If you just want a trip in the gondola, quick look around and return, then an hour or so is probably enough, if you want to take part in the other activities then a longer visit is perfect. There are also paragliding packages and other fun activities at extra cost. Yes, for an adult it is quite expensive $44 adult, but is a really good experience and is the best place for the brilliant views.
Written February 15, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Paul Hill
Wroughton, UK319 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
My wife and I see the gondola when parking up and decided to take the the steep walk up to the ticket office. The queue was long but it was very thoughtful of this place to come and offer sun lotion to everyone waiting.
The gondola was a great ride to the top and we also purchased 2x luge rides each. At a reasonable price for Queenstown. In hind sight I wish we’d brought a few more luge rides l, I was scared off by the queue when booking but when your up there the queues move rather fast, but it was great fun.
The view where spectacular and worth every penny so I’d highly recommend but allow 2-4hrs up there. There’s a very plush restaurant (which is expensive) but there also a cafe that does good food so isn’t worry about finding somewhere to eat.
Have a great time!
The gondola was a great ride to the top and we also purchased 2x luge rides each. At a reasonable price for Queenstown. In hind sight I wish we’d brought a few more luge rides l, I was scared off by the queue when booking but when your up there the queues move rather fast, but it was great fun.
The view where spectacular and worth every penny so I’d highly recommend but allow 2-4hrs up there. There’s a very plush restaurant (which is expensive) but there also a cafe that does good food so isn’t worry about finding somewhere to eat.
Have a great time!
Written January 6, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
jgold10529
Portland, OR394 contributions
Mar 2020
If you like gondola rides, this will make you happy and gives great views of the city. There is a lot to do up there at the top but each thing can get a bit pricey. The Luge rides at the top are quite fun however, so if you are going to pay for the gondola, add something else on to make it worth it
Written March 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jenny M
Wellington, New Zealand31 contributions
Sep 2020 • Family
We took a gondola ride up 2 days after the snow here at the end of September. It was an amazing experience. The luge was cold to get up to on the chair lift but the luge experience was incredible fun and the views were stunning. We did 4 of our 5 rides. 2-3 would have been enough in the cold. We had drinks afterwards in the bar - it was quite expensive as you expect as these places but again sitting watching the view was worth it. Overall $300 for 3 of us for gondola, 5 luge rides each and drinks after so an expensive outing but loads of fun.
Written October 3, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Jenny,
Thanks for your time to write a review. We are very pleased that you enjoyed the experience at Skyline.
Look forward to welcome you all again.
Kind regards,
Skyline Queenstown
Written October 8, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
gemiow
Isle of Wight, UK233 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
We brought the gondala and 3 rides in the luge package, we had a great afternoon, as first we did the ben lomond track after going up on the gondola, once we finsihed the track we went in the cafe and had tea and cake which we thought was really reasonably priced and the cakes were really good. We did our rides on the luge which was great fun acting like big kids. We brought the photos unfortunately i would say they were not worth the money with the way the quality of them turned out. We then decided to have a drink in the bar before heading down, again was reasonbly priced considering where you are and it had a great atmosphere. A very enjoyable afternoon. The views up here are beautiful too, we got some great snaps
Written February 1, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Dr. Quinton L.
Canberra, Australia632 contributions
Jan 2020 • Family
One of the must visit place in Queenstown
There are plenty of packages you could choose, based on your group members and what they want to do up there. I booked the lift+lunch+luge5 for my kid and I, and just the lift+lunch for the elders. The view up there is fantastic, especially in this beautiful sunny day in Jan. I would highly recommended people to pick up their ticket first or order it online to get the bar code, otherwise you will need to wait for a long queue to buy tickets. The buffet lunch in the restaurant is very good, plenty to choose from, and they are very delicious. Especially the desserts, one of the best from the buffet menu! The luge is very fun, good for kids who already knew how ride a bike. Not hard to learn, my kid took one round and then beat me on racing! Overall, a must visit place in Queenstown!
There are plenty of packages you could choose, based on your group members and what they want to do up there. I booked the lift+lunch+luge5 for my kid and I, and just the lift+lunch for the elders. The view up there is fantastic, especially in this beautiful sunny day in Jan. I would highly recommended people to pick up their ticket first or order it online to get the bar code, otherwise you will need to wait for a long queue to buy tickets. The buffet lunch in the restaurant is very good, plenty to choose from, and they are very delicious. Especially the desserts, one of the best from the buffet menu! The luge is very fun, good for kids who already knew how ride a bike. Not hard to learn, my kid took one round and then beat me on racing! Overall, a must visit place in Queenstown!
Written January 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marie123122
Auckland, New Zealand3 contributions
Jul 2021
Food quality & variety was very poor, we left feeling hungry. This meal cost us $424 for 2x adults & 2x teenagers incl 2x glasses of white wine. We were very disappointed in the meal and felt like we were pushed through the restaurant, had no real service. I had to ask staff if the used plates could be taken away from our table and was told "I suppose so". Venison was overcooked, not much variety of hot meats - most of them had gone & we arrived at 5.45pm! Vege's were cold & dry, burnt carrots & pumpkin that was basically mashed & dry corn on cob. Pasta was overcooked & dry, there was a separate dish of cheese sauce, my kids could not eat this they said it was terrible. Dessert was minimal & not much left. We went to 3 restaurants during the week in the main part of town, the most expensive cost $250 including dessert & drinks & this was cooked by a chef and of a high standard. We will not be back & do not recommend. We have been to Skyline Rotorua in the past and this was of a lot higher standard so we thought this would be the same.
Written July 25, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SkylineQueenstown
Hi Marie, we’re disappointed to hear your recent visit to Skyline Queenstown didn’t meet your expectations. We would love the opportunity to discuss your experience further. If you wish to do that, please send your contact details to SQguestservice@skyline.co.nz and we will get back to you soon. Kind Regards, Skyline Queenstown
Written July 29, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Maria Teresita C
Huntly, New Zealand24 contributions
Oct 2020
I was not really meant to go as I already know the luge (having done it in Rotorua many times already), but I don't regret getting there with my husband. The scenery was a great buy-in! I could stay there for a whole day just admiring the view of the Wakatipu Lake. I recommend that if you go there even if you don't buy the ride for the luge, just go up the luge area and then walk down from there to the building. This was where I get to see the great scenery of Queenstown.
Written October 16, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Maria,
Thank you so much for your kind review. We are so glad you had such a great time at Skyline.
Look forward to see you and your husband next time.
Kind regards,
Skyline Queenstown
Written December 1, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
erika y
Jakarta, Indonesia
Will the skyline open in last week of April? I open the website, but no tickets is shown for the week.
David M
Shrewsbury, UK71 contributions
Not sure but I think it might be closed then. We did see a sign that it was closing down because they are building a new skyline during 2023. They are replacing all the gondolas. So you may find it closed then.
Warick464
Launceston, Australia101 contributions
What time is the first gondola in mid-September?
MissTinkerbelle
Christchurch, New Zealand171 contributions
The gondola currently opens around 10am on limited days due to restricted numbers- you would need to keep checking their website closer to your visit
Kristy
Takanini, New Zealand
How long are you in the chairlift for from riding the luge to get back up?
Skyline Queenstown
Queenstown, New Zealand8 contributions
Hi,
It takes approximately 2 - 4 mins to go from the Luge bottom station to the Luge top station with the chairlift.
Lemonz
Southampton, UK34 contributions
Do you have to pre book the luge ? And if so is it a set time ?
Thank you :)
riggersrock
Port Ludlow, WA121 contributions
No, when we purchased our tickets upon arrival the luge was an option. It seem overly crowded waiting and there are several options on runs you can get.
How long is the luge ride ?
Josie V
Queenstown, New Zealand63 contributions
It takes you a couple of minutes to complete the luge track
ShaminiG
Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia192 contributions
How long should we allow for gondola and 5 luge rides ?
Jason T
Sydney, Australia26 contributions
Allow at least 90 minutes - the trip up is only 5 minutes or so, and the luge rides are probably 15 minutes each, by the time you take the chair lift to the top, wait your turn, complete the luge and start again. And don’t forget to allow time to just enjoy the view - it’s stunning
용훈 ì •
Seoul, South Korea7 contributions
Hi. Can I buy only luge rides ticket without gondola?
Because I already bought a package voucher (dinner + gondola) and I don't want to pay for the thing twice. If it is possible, could you tell me where I get these luge tickets?
Howard E
Gilford, NH161 contributions
yes
Littleelvismonkey
Eastbourne, UK38 contributions
Hi - any tips on whether it’s better to do the gondola trip during the day or at night (in terms of the view)?
Julie S
Cairns, Australia60 contributions
Morning, the Gondola ride takes only a few minutes. Taking in the scenic views (weather depending), can take at least 20 minutes. As we arrived quite early we were able to be on the Luge run within 5 minutes of arriving. I would allow at least an hour for the Luge, just so you can enjoy the experience.
JenoFMB
Fort Myers Beach, FL50 contributions
We have already purchased our gondola and lunch vouchers. What are the hours for the office to pickup the tickets (on Shotover St)?
JenoFMB
Fort Myers Beach, FL50 contributions
We have already purchased our gondola and lunch vouchers. What are the hours for the office to pickup the tickets (on Shotover St)?
Howard E
Gilford, NH161 contributions
You do pickup the tickets at the Base of the Gondola with your Voucher. They open up at 9:00 AM. Take the upgrade to the Luge - its a blast for all ages. We are 68 and 69 years old, not in the best of health either, there we were going down the luge and feeling like kids again !
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Claim your listingSkyline Queenstown - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go
Frequently Asked Questions about Skyline Queenstown
- We recommend booking Skyline Queenstown tours ahead of time to secure your spot. If you book with Tripadvisor, you can cancel up to 24 hours before your tour starts for a full refund. See all 4 Skyline Queenstown tours on Tripadvisor
- Hotels near Skyline Queenstown:
- (0.55 mi) Queenstown Park Boutique Hotel
- (0.54 mi) The Dairy Private Hotel by Naumi Hotels
- (0.46 mi) Coronet View Apartments
- (0.54 mi) Lomond Lodge Motel & Apartments
- (0.51 mi) Browns Boutique Hotel
- Restaurants near Skyline Queenstown:
- (0.04 mi) Market Kitchen
- (0.39 mi) Stratosfare Restaurant & Bar
- (0.52 mi) Bespoke Kitchen
- (0.59 mi) Jervois Steak House Queenstown
- (0.64 mi) Sal's Authentic New York Pizza - Beach Street
Skyline Queenstown Information
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