The closure of the mountain bike trails at Skyline Rotorua marks a turning point for Rotorua, raising questions about the future of one of its most iconic tourism experiences.
For over a decade, the popular park has attracted riders from across Aotearoa and the world, but that chapter is scheduled to close next summer as new developments are already underway on site.
Crankworx Rotorua event director and Mountain Bike Rotorua co-owner, Takurua Mutu, views the closure as a “natural evolution for the place”.
“The park had a really awesome run,” lasting 12 or 13 years, and that while it is “the end of that chapter, [it is] the beginning of a new one in all honesty”.
Mutu is optimistic about the future direction, which he expects will involve stronger collaboration with mana whenua.
“We’re really excited to do that because we know that these next stages will involve the land owners. You know? So, our mana whenua groups of Tuuhourangi, Ngaati Whakaue, Ngaati Pikiao. So they’re all getting involved to hopefully be a part of the next phase of our city.”
However, the decision has raised concerns among community leaders.
Rotorua Lakes Māori ward councillor, Trevor Maxwell shared his disappointment
“It’s sad to hear about the trails closing down, and a few others have been hurting I believe”.
Despite the loss, Maxwell stressed the need to keep promoting Rotorua as a leading global tourism destination.
“We want people to come… Rotorua especially,” he says, adding the region must continue striving for recognition on the global stage.”
Maxwell added that the region must continue striving for recognition on the global stage.
“It is alive and well and it’s for us to do all we can to help promote things like that, and perhaps enter these [tourism] award ceremonies and take out these supreme awards. Things like that.”
With the new developments planned, questions are being raised about how the future plans will reflect the history, identity, and aspirations of mana whenua for Mt. Ngongotahā. While the tracks may be closed, the cultural and tourism legacy of the maunga still endures.