The world’s first uphill zipline is to open at an adventure park in Christchurch, New Zealand, next month.
Named The Rush, it uses new technology from NZ firm Holmes Solutions, which has developed a powered motorised ride system called Switchback. Unlike a traditional zipline, the powered attraction will take riders up and down in a chair above the tree line.
The new technology allows the adventure park to tailor the ride for different preferences, allowing a faster ride for thrill seekers and a slower ride for those that want a scenic experience.
Holmes Solutions says it already has plans for new rides using the technology in the UK and the US.
General manager at Christchurch Adventure Park, Anne Newman, has worked with the Switchback team to test the ride and is excited to see it open to the public. She said: “This is home grown technology developed and tested here in Christchurch. I am super proud to be part of this project and see it now operating.
“What makes this ride different from our ziplines the fact it goes uphill, you sit in a seat so there are fewer weight or height restrictions and makes it very accessible for all ages. It’s also an up and back ride so it doesn’t take as long as a full zip line tour. So, it’s also great for people who maybe are a bit short on time.”
