Rotorua: Zorb Ball Ride Down Mount Ngongotaha

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Free cancellationExcellent quality

1/6

Duration1h

GroupUp to 10

LanguagesEN

Mobile ticketAccepted

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

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).

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.

Good to know

Easy physical levelWheelchair accessibleStroller friendlyPets welcomePublic transport nearbyNot for heart conditionsNot for back problems

Operated by ZORB Rotorua

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.