Skyline Queenstown Project – A Precision Solution in a High-Profile Environment

When you’re working at one of New Zealand’s most iconic tourist destinations, there’s no room for compromise. Our recent project at Skyline Queenstown is a great example of how thoughtful engineering, practical testing, and real-world experience come together to deliver a solution that works — without detracting from the environment it sits in.

The Challenge

The brief was straightforward on the surface, but technically demanding:

• Prevent items (particularly mobile phones) from falling from the viewing platform
• Maintain the premium visitor experience — no bulky or visually intrusive barriers
• Ensure performance in an exposed, high-wind alpine environment
• Deliver a system that is robust, discreet, and fit-for-purpose

This wasn’t just about installing a net — it was about designing a system that people wouldn’t notice, but could rely on.

The Solution

We designed and installed a custom-engineered net shelf system, tailored specifically for the site:

• A 700mm wide net shelf, angled back toward the structure to control impact and rebound
• High-tenacity polypropylene (HTPP) knotless netting, selected for strength, durability, and minimal visual impact
• A black cable and fixing system, carefully chosen to blend into the surrounding structure
• Precision-installed catenary cables and tensioning systems to manage deflection and performance

The result is a system that is barely noticeable to visitors — but highly effective in practice.

Real-World Testing (Not Just Theory)

One of the key differentiators on this project was our approach to testing.

Rather than relying purely on design assumptions, we carried out extensive physical drop testing at our test rig that was built at our yard in Auckland, specifically to replicate site conditions, comparing how different objects behaved on impact:

• Mobile phones (the primary risk item)
• Bottles and other loose objects
• Various tension scenarios

This allowed us to fine-tune the system, particularly around impact absorption and rebound control — ensuring items are safely contained rather than bouncing back into public areas.

The Outcome

The finished system delivers exactly what was required:

✔ Discreet, low-visibility installation
✔ Effective containment of dropped objects
✔ Designed for harsh environmental conditions
✔ Minimal impact on the visitor experience

Most importantly, it provides peace of mind — for both the client and the thousands of visitors who use the platform every day.

Why This Matters

This project highlights something we see time and again:

The best safety systems are the ones you don’t notice — but can absolutely rely on.

At Safety Nets NZ, we don’t just install systems — we engineer solutions that are tested, refined, and built to perform in the real world.

Thinking About a Similar Challenge?

If you’ve got a project where safety, aesthetics, and performance all need to align — whether it’s a public space, commercial site, or specialist application — we’re happy to talk through options.

Because as this project shows, the right solution is rarely off-the-shelf — but it is achievable.