The Tiki Trail is the name for the trail that runs from the base of the Gondola to the summit, and to those who enjoy walking or are on a budget is a good way of saving the $25ea cost of the return Gondola Trip.
The trail is relatively steep in places and isn’t the easiest walk I’ve ever done. The trail zig zags up the hill to the summit and for the most part is throughout the forest. The trail is well sign posted from the base to the summit just keep an eye out for the signs at any forks in the track.
At the summit you can undertake a few different activities, luging, bungy, mountain biking or short walks depending on your mood, wallet and sense of adventure.
To return down to the base of the Gondola you can return back via the Tiki Trail or take the Gondola down, the Gondola is $14 for a one way return ticket. Although I did hear of people just walking straight out on to the Gondola by passing the ticket counter as apparently they pretty much never check tickets on the ride down – go with your gut on this one.
Your gut may however cause you to have a mini freak out when you board the Gondola and you start your descent – that shit is steep (the steepest in NZ I believe). For the sake of the public I’m glad I was in the Gondola by myself as I was freaking the hell out!
Once the Gondola had moved off the edge of the hill and started going down it wasn’t so bad since I’m short and couldn’t see over the top of the windows and down the hill unless I actively tried to look, being short for the win!
There are some seriously stunning views from the top of the summit, no matter how you get up there it will be worth it.
I would recommend doing this trail unless you are short on time and only want to get to the summit to do one of the activities then leave.
Where have you been on Gondola’s before? I’ve been on the Rotorua & Queenstown ones only (that I can remember).