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Rotorua is one of New Zealand\u2019s bigger riding attractions. Soon, the area\u2019s riders \u2013 and visitors \u2013 will have to get by without its main gondola. Skyline Rotorua, which accesses many of the tracks used by Crankworx Rotorua, announced it is closing to bikes in March 2027.<\/p>\n
Skyline shared the announcement<\/a> at the end of March, saying \u201cWe have decided that Skyline Rotorua\u2019s mountain biking operations will conclude next year, on 25 March 2027.\u201d<\/p>\n Skyline isn\u2019t the only mountain biking area in Rotorua, but it is the main gondola-accessed one. It\u2019s uplift to the Mt Ngongotah\u0101 trails was also the first gondola-serviced network in New Zealand. So mountain biking in Rotorua is far from done.<\/p>\n Skyline didn\u2019t say too much about why it is suddenly closing its mountain biking operations. The park seems popular and hosts a major international event every year, Crankworx Rotorua.<\/p>\n There\u2019s also no clarity from Skyline about what will replace the current mountain bike operations.<\/p>\n \u201cAs we look at the next chapter for our site, we\u2019ve made a deliberate choice to focus on new and innovative visitor experiences,\u201d The announcement reads. \u201cKeeping Skyline Rotorua\u2019s broad appeal relevant, and world-class is something we strive for \u2013 the recently completed rebuild of our Luge tracks is one sign of that commitment, and there is more to come\u201d<\/p>\n As that indicates, the mountain bike trails aren\u2019t the only attraction at Skyline Rotorua. The gondola also helps serve a luge track, sky swing and zipline.<\/p>\n Crankworx has put Rotorua at the core of its World Tour series of events for years now. The New Zealand stop even held the coveted position of the Grand Finale for a time. The closure of the mountain bike trails isn\u2019t exactly a good sign for the future of Crankworx in Rotorua, but the announcement does leave the door slightly ajar.<\/p>\n \u201cKey features of the MTB park, including the Pump, Slopestyle and Dual Slalom tracks, will remain part of the landscape in the immediate future, leaving the door open for possible events in the future. We will share more as plans develop.\u201d<\/p>\n In the FAQ section, Skyline clarifies, slightly, that \u201cThis announcement relates specifically to Skyline\u2019s operations and does not determine the future of Crankworx events in Rotorua or elsewhere.\u201d<\/p>\n Who knows. With this announcement coming so close before April Fools, it\u2019s tempting to joke that Pickleball courts will be moving in where the trails once were.<\/p>\n Until then, enjoy the trails while you can!<\/p>\n <\/p>\n<\/div>\n\u201cA deliberate choice to focus on new and innovative visitor experiences.\u201d<\/h2>\n
What does this mean for Crankworx?<\/h2>\n
What\u2019s next?<\/h2>\n