Huss Park Attractions, the German ride manufacturer, is celebrating the birth of a new legend at New Zealand’s Rainbow’s End park with the opening of the brand-new Pirate Ship, Pacifica.
The original Pirate Ship delighted visitors for nearly 40 years before being retired in 2017 due to the scarcity of replacement parts. Enthusiasm for the ride remained strong, and following numerous fan requests, Rainbow’s End started efforts in late 2022 to introduce a new Pirate Ship, and work began in 2023.
Constructed to strict standards by Huss Park Attractions, the new ship features upgraded theming and improved guest care options.
Immersive storytelling elements bring the Pirate Ship story to life, including the transformation of the original figurehead, Captain Esmerelda, into a living character, along with a new sea shanty and a children’s book.
A new story for Captain Esmerelda
The Pirate Ship is a popular HUSS Classic Ride. A true family attraction, it features moderate accelerations, and children can enjoy it when they are taller than 1.1 m and are accompanied by an adult. From 1.2 m upwards, they can ride alone.
The new installation at Rainbow’s End, Pacifica, boasts the largest capacity of any ride in the park, accommodating up to 50 passengers per trip. The ship swings 75 degrees to either side, creating an exhilarating experience for riders. It measures 13 metres in length and weighs 25 metric tonnes—equivalent to four African bull elephants.
Those sitting in the back rows experience a thrilling moment of weightlessness, soaring over 20 metres into the air as the ship plunges downward.
Rainbow’s End, which opened in 1982, is New Zealand’s leading theme park, home to more than 20 rides and attractions. The original Pirate Ship, which opened in 1983—the year after the Park's debut—was a favourite among fans.
This new version, featuring more engaging theming, will evoke nostalgia in original visitors and create new memories for the next generation of young Kiwi thrill-seekers.
Captain Esmeralda was the much-loved figurehead of Rainbow’s End’s original Pirate Ship ride. According to the newly crafted Pacifica storytelling, when the old ship was retired, Esmeralda embarked on an epic voyage around the world to find a magnificent new vessel.
Her journey led her to Crabbie the Kraken’s lair, where she discovered the “Pacifica”, a grand new Pirate Ship worthy of her legendary status. She then returned to Rainbow’s End to reunite with Paulie the Parrot and the rest of her loyal crew, ushering in a new era of adventure.
The return of an icon
Susan Mudie, CEO at Rainbow’s End, says: “Pacifica has been nearly three years in the making, and it has been a project filled with passion and excitement.
"The team and I have watched it slowly come to life, and in these past couple of months, especially, you can feel the energy and anticipation building in the air. We feel privileged to be bringing a new ship home.
"We’re looking forward to fans of the original Pirate Ship being swept up in a wave of nostalgia, while younger thrill seekers get the chance to sail the seas in this new and improved version. The Pirate Ship has always been an icon at Rainbow’s End, and with its return, we’re excited for a fun summer ahead and new memories made among Kiwi families, thrill seekers and pirates alike.”
This summer, Huss Park Attractions announced that the second instalment of its new Break Dance 5 attraction opened at the Swedish amusement park Liseberg, under the name Kraftverket.
