Rotorua: Zorb Ball Ride Down Mount Ngongotaha
Roll Down a Mountain Inside a Giant Inflatable Ball
You roll down two of the world's longest Zorb tracks on Mount Ngongotaha (the zig-zagging Sidewinder and the fast Straight Track) inside a giant inflatable ball. Afterward, soak in the hot tubs and sauna. Bring swimwear and a towel, and be prepared to sign a risk waiver before you ride. Minimum age is 5. Maximum weight 135kg.
Step-by-step itinerary
Zorb ride down Mt Ngongotaha
- Sign risk disclosure document
- Superman dive into inflatable ball
- Roll down Sidewinder zig-zag track
- Roll down double Straight track
What’s included
Your experience includes two Zorb ball rides down Mount Ngongotaha (the Sidewinder and Straight Track), access to hot tubs and a sauna afterward, and free WiFi. You'll need to bring your own swimwear and towel, and you'll sign a risk disclosure document before your ride.
Times
- Every day No fixed time
Before you book
Operated by ZORB Rotorua
Traveler reviews
The experience
You're standing at the top of Mount Ngongotaha in Rotorua, about to climb into something that looks like it belongs in a kid's pool, except you're about to roll down a hillside inside it. The Zorb, that giant inflatable ball, is the real thing, invented right here in 1997 by Andrew and David Akers, and this is still the only place in New Zealand where you can actually do it. Two tracks wait below: the Sidewinder, which zig-zags its way down like a water slide made of pure momentum, and the Straight Track, which is exactly what it sounds like. Smooth, fast, and relentless. You'll slide around inside the ball as it rolls, and yeah, there's no tumbling involved, but the sensation of gravity doing its thing while you're floating in there is something your body won't forget.
The whole setup feels both ridiculous and weirdly safe at the same time. You sign a risk disclosure before you go (they're serious about that), but once you're in, it's less like a thrill ride and more like being inside a slow-motion avalanche that's somehow hilarious. The ball has water in it (or you can do it dry), and as it rolls downhill, you're essentially sliding around on the inside of this massive bubble. People come out laughing so hard they can barely stand. The ride itself is maybe a few minutes of actual rolling, but the adrenaline and the absurdity of what you just did stays with you longer.
After you've rolled down the mountain, you get access to the hot tubs and sauna on-site, which is perfect if you're a bit sore or just want to sit in warm water and process what just happened. Bring your swimwear and a towel. You'll want both. The whole experience is designed to be fun rather than terrifying, and it works. Rotorua's got plenty of geothermal activity around it, so the hot pools feel natural to the place, not like an afterthought. Free WiFi is there too if you need to upload the video you took (and you will).
Is this one for you?Right for anyone curious about doing something genuinely unusual and willing to laugh at themselves. The ride is short but the memory lasts. Not suitable if you have spinal issues, poor cardiovascular health, or weigh over 135kg. Also not for pregnant people or children under 5.
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Top questions
What's the difference between the two Zorb tracks?
The Sidewinder is the world's longest zig-zag track and winds down the hill. The Straight Track is smooth and fast. You ride both.
Is there tumbling inside the ball?
No. You slide around inside as the ball rolls downhill, like a water slide, but there's no flipping or tumbling.
What's included in the price?
Zorb rides on both tracks, use of the hot tubs, sauna access, and free WiFi.
Do I need to bring anything?
Yes, bring swimwear and a towel for the hot tubs and sauna after your rides.
What's the age and weight limit?
Minimum age is 5 years old. Maximum weight is 135kg (297 lbs). Pregnant people and those under 5 cannot ride.
Is this safe for people with health conditions?
Not recommended for people with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or conditions made worse by acceleration and side-to-side motion. You'll sign a risk disclosure before riding.
Can I do the Zorb ride with water inside the ball?
Yes, you can choose to ride with water inside the ball or dry. Both options are available.
Is this the only place in New Zealand to do Zorb?
Yes. Rotorua is the only location in New Zealand where you can ride a Zorb. It's where the activity was invented in 1997.
Rotorua: Zorb Ball Ride Down Mount Ngongotaha
1h · EN
from NZ$ 95 per person
≈ US$ 55 in your currency
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