Rainbow’s End Stratosfear and Fearfall will push even extreme adrenaline junkies to the edge of their limit at New Zealand’s largest theme park. But the amusement park is more than just high-energy excitement as it has something for everyone.
It’s fun for the whole family, with a target focus on those seeking an adrenaline rush. The rest of us can join the fun at a lower level or just purchase spectator passes and live vicariously through the brave.
Rainbow’s End may be physically small compared to many of the huge parks we have been to around the world, but they sure pack in a lot of excitement.
Located in South Auckland, you can see Rainbow’s End Stratosphere, Fearfall, and the Corkscrew Coaster from the motorway. If you are headed there, be sure to :
Check for a discount on superpass or Kidz Kingdom entry.
Adrenaline Extreme: Rainbow’s End Stratosfear and more
Rainbow’s End calls them ‘thrill rides’; our teens considered them to be ‘The Best Rides Ever’. I just see them as the “terrifying quintuple.” Regardless of what you call them, if you are brave (I would say fearless), then these are for you.
- Rainbow’s End Stratosfear
There are two options for how you take this ride, each with its own queue. For the super brave, the spinning wheel will go all the way over the top. However, a less extreme option has it travelling to only 45 degrees in either direction. - Ivader
A spinning disk running along a track, what could be scary about that? The screams tell a different story. - Fearfall
First, an 18-story slow steady climb, then a hold in that yellow section you see in the photo above before it drops, reaching speeds up to 80 km/h. I shot the drop like that on purpose to get the effect of the speed. - Power Surge
My girls loved it! Spinning and turning, it was a wild ride. - Corkscrew Coaster
As the name implies, this rollercoaster has two full twists or corkscrews, plus lots of climbs, twists and drops.
Our Rainbow’s End Stratosfear story
Fear grips me and hangs on as I hold my breath, waiting to discover if the Stratosfear pendulum will go spinning back to earth or if this is the moment it goes over the top. The newest ride at Rainbow’s End Theme Park hangs in limbo for just a moment before reversing direction one final time. I exhale. Next time is it.
Laughter turns to screams as, this time, the spinning disc makes it all the way around.
Finally, it ends, and my smiling teens bound out, “Can we go again?”
For me, watching this one is frightening enough. As I looked up at dangling feet and imagined the disorientation of the upside-down riders, I am thankful I am not brave enough for the “more extreme” version of this ride.
If you’re ready to ride the Rainbow’s End Starosfear, be sure to
check for a discount on superpass entry.
Other exciting rides
Perhaps a bit less extreme, there are other exciting rides at Rainbow’s End.
- Log Flume
A gentle ride, finishing off with a big drop and usually a splash. - Gold Rush
A rollercoaster-type ride through an “abandon mine” - Dodgems
The classic bumper cars are quite a bit of fun. - Scorpion Karts
That’s me on the scorpion kart image above, but it’s not Jeff. As it turns out, I am a bit slow. My husband is way ahead, where most people would be. I am lagging so much the guy who started behind us has caught up.
Fun rides
Dare I admit, my personal favourite is in this section. While my girls went on the Rainbow’s End Stratosphere over and over, I was happier on the bumper boats.
The park classifies these as “fun rides”, and personally, I think it’s aptly named.
- Bumper Boats
- Family Karts
- Rainbow Playlab
- Sideshow Alley
- Specrta
Kids fun
Inside Kidz Kingdom you will find 11 attractions and rides just for those under 8. We didn’t spend any time here, but we could hear the sounds of happy laughter.
Retired rides
Sometimes, making room for cool new rides like Rainbow’s End Stratosphere means retiring classic rides. The Pirate Ship was one we loved that has been permanently closed. Honestly, I can’t remember how it is that our family and one other were the only ones on that half of the ride. There were others on the opposite side for balance.
Need to know before you go
Can’t stop thinking about Rainbow’s End Stratosfear or Fearfall?
First, you need tickets. Bookme often has them at discounted prices depending on the day you choose.
The park’s hours and open days change based on school holidays, days of the week, and seasons.
Note that if you are not riding, you can purchase a spectator pass, but there is no free entry option.
For more fun things to do in Auckland, read our article on free things to do in Auckland.
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Will you ride the Rainbow’s End Stratosfear?
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Disclaimer: As guests of Rainbows End, I have been granted written permission to publish my photos of the park in this article.
Alissa Apel
My kids and husband love to ride. I’m more that stands back to take photos.
Alan Bates
It looks like a fun time. I won’t ride the rides but I’ll hold the drinks and stuff of people who do.
Lydia C. Lee
Fun! And always make for great shots!
Robert Hooke
Hey, great share…..
Rainbow’s End Theme Park is really amazing especially this new ride. I really want to visit this place with my family or friends. It looks great. There isn’t any doubt about it that amusement parks are best place to relax and have fun.
Thanks for sharing this post. Keep sharing more….
Cheers!!
Claudya
I am a huge fan of amusement parks and can’t wait to take my girls, but hubby isn’t a big fan and prefers to wait. I keep telling him he might as well get used to the idea because it’s only a matter of time. Love your pics.
Molly
The coffee is totally my thing, the rest, not so much, I tend to seek my thrills elsewhere
mollyxxx
Claire
Lovely pictures. Such a cool place..
I am not brave enough for the first ride though..
Sean
Great Post. The Stratosphere looks very similar to a ride at Dreamworld in Australia as does the ride below it. My favourite park is a toss up betweens Islands of Adventure in Orlando and Kings Dominion in Virginia. Busch Gardens Williamsburg, VA also is among my favourits. I love the scary rides. The faster and taller the better!
Elen
I like my feet planted firmly on the ground in a theme park. Just sayin’. These images are grand.
Sandra Nachlinger
Looks like you all had a great time. I enjoy traditional roller coasters where you aren’t turned upside down or sideways, and bumper cars provide the right amount of thrills. For those other rides, I’d be on the sidelines with you, taking pictures!
Laurel-Rain Snow
There is definitely something very exciting about theme parks, but I mostly enjoy watching these days. I’ll be one of those people sitting on the side with coffee or food….LOL.
Louise
I’ve never heard of Rainbow’s End before. It looks fun. I’ve only ever seen bumper boats in New Zealand- they’re such fun. My favourite theme park is Parc Asterix outside Paris.
Stephen E.
I used to like all the thrill rides but I don’t think my stomach can handle them anymore. Sure looks like you had a fun day.
Sarah
Statosfear was the BEST! I think I went on it 15 times
Stefanie
My heart actually started racing just looking at the pictures, the rides look soooo exciting!
tara tyler
that river ride with a tavern at the end is a perfect day!
sheep! and i enjoyed the jokes one of your commenters left
great photos and info – i will have all i need to know when i visit!
happy a to z-ing!
Diane Coto
Hi there – I used to say I’d try anything once. Age has either made me more afraid or smarter. Don’t think I’d try all these today. 🙂
@dino0726 from
FictionZeal – Impartial, Straighforward Fiction Book Reviews
J Lenni Dorner
Those are some crazy rides! Nope, I’ve never been to that park. I’ve been to a few in my area, and to Disney World.
Theresa
They have that first ride at Cedar Point. I refused to get on it, but my family sure enjoyed it! It makes my tummy turn just looking at it!
Stephanie Rose Bird
Lovely photographs at Rainbow’s End. I was kind of surprised at how much in common it has with theme parks in the USA considering how far away it is. I like the old fashioned rides at some of the seaside areas in southern New Jersey. This past summer I visited Wildwood, which was a real blast from my past.
Comedy Plus
I couldn’t do most of those rides. I’m too old for those kinds of thrills. I’d rather sit with you and have a nice cup of coffee.
Have a fabulous day. 🙂
Suze The Luxury Columnist
I love that first photo, the contrast of the blue and the red. I wouldn’t fancy the Fear Fall, the Log Flume is more my level!
Chrys Fey
Theme parks are awesome! I haven’t been to too many though. My favorite is Universal Studios. I am also afraid of roller coasters and will never go on one.
Christinchen
wow! to be in those rides again! I miss those days, the theme parks I’ve ever been to is Disneyland and Great Americe in California and those were still in the 90s! 🙂
You sure had so much fun!
stevebethere
I absolutely love theme parks and funfairs even at my age still LOL, I enjoyed your fun photos heheh! made me envious I wasn’t there 🙁
Growing up here in London we had Battersea Funfair which I was a regular visitor it sadly shut down a while after a bad accident on the big dipper such a shame.
Have a logflumetastic day 🙂
Sundari Venkatraman
You are truly brave if you have taken all those rides. I like the water sport bit and the little racing car. loved the pictures 🙂
Julie K Pick
I’m also terrified of roller coasters, and other scary rides. The bumper boats would’ve been exactly my speed. Terrific photos, Rhonda!
Hilary
Hi Rhonda – I am not a happy bunny thinking about those rides .. but I know people love love love them with all the hair raising moments … glad you had a couple of peaceful ones … and I love the brolly – great place to have a coffee … sounds a happy amusement park for NZ .. cheers Hilary
Hilary
I’m sure I’d do the gentle ones … the rest I’d rather keep my tummy in tact!!! Cheers H
Tim H
Good ol’ pirate ship. That ride has been around since I’ve been a little kid and is still one of my favourites.
Alex J. Cavanaugh
I’d do some of those, but not a chance would I get on the Statosfear!