THE ADVENTURE COLLECTIVE® · Independent discovery and booking for outdoor travel
Roll down Mount Ngongotaha in a giant inflatable sphere where gravity and a zig‑zag track combine for a one‑of‑a‑kind thrill — the original ZORB experience born in Rotorua. Read on for what to expect, safety limits, and practical tips.
Roll down Mount Ngongotaha in a giant inflatable sphere where gravity and a zig‑zag track combine for a one‑of‑a‑kind thrill — the original ZORB experience born in Rotorua. Read on for what to expect, safety limits, and practical tips.
The hillside breathes under your feet — a steep, grassy slope on the lower flanks of Mount Ngongotaha that seems to lean forward and dare you on. Inside a clear, double-layered inflatable sphere you tuck your legs, choose a position and, after a quick sprint, the ball takes over: momentum, gravity and a manic corridor of meandered track pull you down in laughter and brief, dizzying weightlessness.
Verified experiences and guided adventures in the surrounding area.
Operated by ZORB Rotorua · Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
The hillside breathes under your feet — a steep, grassy slope on the lower flanks of Mount Ngongotaha that seems to lean forward and dare you on. Inside a clear, double-layered inflatable sphere you tuck your legs, choose a position and, after a quick sprint, the ball takes over: momentum, gravity and a manic corridor of meandered track pull you down in laughter and brief, dizzying weightlessness.
This is the original ZORB site, where brothers Andrew and David Akers developed ball rolling in 1997. Rotorua’s volcanic landscape gives the run its character — compact pumice soils and grassy terraces on Ngongotaha’s western slopes yield fast, smooth lines for the Straight Track and a teasing, longer zig‑zag Sidewinder that became world‑famous. The activity sits at the edge of Rotorua’s geothermal and Māori cultural heartland; the nearby town and lake have long been central to local iwi and to visitors drawn by thermal parks and outdoors culture.
Expect a short, high‑adrenaline descent with safety briefing, harnessing or free-rolling options depending on track choice, and staff assistance throughout. The full booking window is about an hour to allow for changing, a risk-waiver, and a couple of runs. Practicalities: wear swimwear and bring a towel, obey weight and health limits (max 135 kg; minimum age 5), and be prepared to sign a waiver. Arrive early in busy season, use sunscreen and closed shoes for the approach, and leave time to enjoy on-site amenities like hot tubs and a sauna if you want to stretch out after the ride.
easy.
1 hour.
Suitable for most people in basic physical condition; you should be able to walk short grassy slopes and follow safety instructions.
Bookings are about 60 minutes total to cover briefing, changing, waiver signing and one or more short runs.
Minimum age is usually 5 years; maximum weight per person is 135 kg (297 lbs). Pregnant riders are not allowed.
No — the ride is contained within an inflatable ball; swim ability is not required, but swimwear is recommended.
Rides may be delayed or modified in extreme weather for safety, but mild rain typically does not cancel sessions; check with the operator.
ZORB was invented at this Rotorua site in 1997 by the Akers brothers; the business helped popularize recreational zorbing worldwide.
Operators manage the site to limit erosion on Ngongotaha’s slopes and ask visitors to stick to paths, avoid littering, and follow staff guidance to protect the hillside.
ZORB Rotorua operates guided outdoor trips and adventures with an emphasis on safety, stewardship, and memorable experiences.
The hillside breathes under your feet — a steep, grassy slope on the lower flanks of Mount Ngongotaha that seems to lean forward and dare you on. Inside a clear, double-layered inflatable sphere you tuck your legs, choose a position and, after a quick sprint, the ball takes over: momentum, gravity and a manic corridor of meandered track pull you down in laughter and brief, dizzying weightlessness.
The hillside breathes under your feet — a steep, grassy slope on the lower flanks of Mount Ngongotaha that seems to lean forward and dare you on. Inside a clear, double-layered inflatable sphere you tuck your legs, choose a position and, after a quick sprint, the ball takes over: momentum, gravity and a manic corridor of meandered track pull you down in laughter and brief, dizzying weightlessness.
This is the original ZORB site, where brothers Andrew and David Akers developed ball rolling in 1997. Rotorua’s volcanic landscape gives the run its character — compact pumice soils and grassy terraces on Ngongotaha’s western slopes yield fast, smooth lines for the Straight Track and a teasing, longer zig‑zag Sidewinder that became world‑famous. The activity sits at the edge of Rotorua’s geothermal and Māori cultural heartland; the nearby town and lake have long been central to local iwi and to visitors drawn by thermal parks and outdoors culture.
Expect a short, high‑adrenaline descent with safety briefing, harnessing or free-rolling options depending on track choice, and staff assistance throughout. The full booking window is about an hour to allow for changing, a risk-waiver, and a couple of runs. Practicalities: wear swimwear and bring a towel, obey weight and health limits (max 135 kg; minimum age 5), and be prepared to sign a waiver. Arrive early in busy season, use sunscreen and closed shoes for the approach, and leave time to enjoy on-site amenities like hot tubs and a sauna if you want to stretch out after the ride.