Got questions about rolling with ZORB?
We’ve pulled together answers to the most common questions about ZORB Rotorua, from what to expect during a ride, to what to wear, age and weight limits, weather conditions, and everything in between. Think of this as your go-to guide (and a few myth busters too) for planning the ultimate ZORB adventure. Still can’t find what you’re looking for? Our team is just a live chat away – hit the bottom right corner and ask us anything!
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Who can ride?
The minimum age for participation is 5 years. Even if your child is just a day under 5, they won’t be able to ride. Kids over 5 can ride on their own, but we recommend riding with an adult or other kids because it’s always more fun together!
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Are there restrictions?
The maximum weight per person is 135 kg (297 lb). If you’re under this limit, you’ll fit comfortably inside the ball as there is plenty of room, no one has ever been stuck!
For safety reasons, guests with conditions such as high blood pressure, epilepsy, dislocations, heart conditions, back, neck or head injuries, lack of full body mobility, impairment due to the influence of alcohol or drugs, or any other physical or mental condition may not be able to ride. Pregnant guests cannot ride.
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Can families do ZORB Rotorua?
Yes! ZORB is safe, family-friendly, and perfect for kids (5+), right through to adventurous grandparents, making it an ideal group activity.
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Is ZORB a water-based ride?
Yes ZORB Rotorua is a water ride (we call it H₂OGO), and you will get wet! We add about 40 litres of water to each ball, warm in winter and cool in summer, so it feels like a giant waterslide, not a plunge into icy water. We have hot tubs and saunas at the top and bottom of the hill for you to keep toasty while you wait.
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Will I flip head over heels?
Nope, there is no tumbling involved, but you will slip and slide inside around the bottom of the ZORB during your ride, much like a giant waterslide.
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Will we bump into each other?
The nature of the ride is like a giant waterslide. You will not crash or bump into each other, but you may twist around one another like spaghetti noodles!
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What makes ZORB a must-do in Rotorua?
ZORB is an iconic Kiwi invention, created in Rotorua. Sliding downhill inside a giant inflatable ball is a one-of-a-kind experience and a rite of passage for visitors to Rotorua.
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How do I stop?
Our tracks have been professionally designed to bring you to a gentle stop at the bottom of the hill. We also have our experienced crew waiting to help you exit the ball at the bottom of the hill.
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Is it scary?
We have visitors of all ages, from all over the world rolling in our ZORB balls – the oldest was 85 years old and the youngest riders are 5 years. It is just the right amount of adrenaline to have you cracking up laughing from top to bottom without the extreme scary feeling. Put it this way – if your granny can do it so can you!
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Will I roll off the tracks?
Our tracks have been specially designed to prevent you from rolling off. We also have a fully automated weather station system set up throughout the park where we monitor wind levels. Safety is very important to us.
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Do I have to walk up the hill?
Heavens no! We have special 4WD vehicles to drive you up the hill, no unnecessary cardio required!
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Do I need to book or can I just turn up?
Yes bookings are essential, just pick a time on our website and book in or you can ring our friendly front office team on 0800 646 768 and they can book a time in for you! We are open 364 days and closed Christmas Day.
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How long does it take?
Most visits take 1–2 hours, depending on how many rides you choose and if it’s summer (high season) or winter (low season). Many guests combine ZORB with other Rotorua attractions in the same day.
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I don’t have a car, how can I get to ZORB?
The Rotorua City Ride public bus departs the Rotorua i-Site every 30 mins and passes right by our front gate. We are the stop just after Skyline Rotorua. Tell your driver you want to come to ZORB and they will stop at our gate. See the City Ride timetable here. Alternatively, we are an inexpensive taxi or Uber ride from Rotorua CBD (only 10 mins away).
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What if I change my mind?
If for whatever reason you change your mind and do not want to complete your ride, we will refund your money. Contact us on info@zorb.com if you need help.
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What do I need to bring?
Because all ZORB rides are wet, please bring swimwear and a towel. If you want to ride in shorts and a t-shirt that’s OK as well. If you forget your gear, we are able to hire you shorts, t-shirt and towel for an additional cost of $12.00 per person.
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Do you operate in all weather conditions?
We are an all weather activity, some say it’s better in the rain! The only thing that affects us is high winds (over 45km), we have three wind meters on site that monitors the wind conditions for us.
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Is there food available?
We can top up your caffeine requirements with great onsite barista coffee, hot chocolates and iced coffee/chocolates. Plus we have snack food. If you have a group that needs feeding (20 people or more) we can book you in for a barbeque lunch, wood fired pizzas or build-a-burger packages. Bookings are required 7 days in advance for these options. Contact us for options info@zorb.com.
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Can I take my own GoPro?
Yes, you are more than welcome to bring your own GoPro or waterproof camera inside the ZORB with you. If you don’t have your own, we hire GoPro cameras for $80 and you take home the SD card. Just ask our team at reception.
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Do you have showers?
No, sorry, we don’t have showers onsite. But don’t worry, the water inside each ZORB is fresh for every ride and comes directly from Rotorua’s town supply. We do provide clean changing rooms with heaters, hairdryers, and a warm room at the bottom of the hill so you can get into dry clothes comfortably after your ride.
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How much does a ZORB weigh?
An empty ZORB weighs 95kg! That’s why all our staff all have such big muscles!
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Who invented ZORB?
Our CEO Andrew Akers and his friend Dwayne van der Sluis invented ZORB while they were at University. They originally wanted to walk on water and made inflatable shoes, they soon found out that it was a lot more fun rolling down hills in inflatable balls. Find more about how they invented it here.
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How much does a ZORB cost?
Our ZORB balls are all lovingly handmade in our onsite factory. They are for sale, but we will only sell them to you if you go through our rigorous ZORB site audit process.
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Where else can I experience ZORB?
Rotorua is the only place to do this in New Zealand and is the birthplace for downhill ball rolling. But we do have an awesome sister site in Pigeon Forge, USA, called Outdoor Gravity Park. We have also set up other locations in Japan and Beijing and are always on the look out for other awesome locations. All ZORB balls are made in Rotorua and we export around the world.
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Where do you get a ZORB from?
From our onsite factory, we have three full time staff working tirelessly making ZORB balls. Our ZORB balls are always fresh, of the highest quality, fit for purpose and made specifically for our tracks and conditions.
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What are the best activities in Rotorua besides ZORB?
Popular pairings include Polynesian Spa, Skyline Rotorua, Whakarewarewa Forest (Redwoods Treewalk), and Te Puia — making ZORB a perfect part of a Rotorua itinerary.
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Have you ever thought of towing it behind a boat?
A question that comes up often… if we towed a ZORB behind a boat it wouldn’t roll around like it does here down the hill. You’d have more fun in a sea biscuit!
Still got a burning question we haven’t covered?
Flick us an email on info@zorb.com and our team will get back to you quick-smart (we’re always up for a yarn!)
Ready to roll? Don’t wait – book your ZORB Rotorua adventure now and lock in some epic downhill fun!
