Description: On a visit to Auckland, you really can't miss the Sky Tower. It's like a giant hyperdermic needle reaching into the sky and dominates the skyline of the CBD. My conference was actually in the SkyCIty, which adjoins the Sky Tower, so I couldn't really skip going up to the top of the tower. Sky Tower is the tallest tower in the Southern hemisphere and once on the top gives spectacular views of Auckland and the surround. There are lots of daring things you can do if you are feeling brave (or reckless), you could do the Skyjump, a controlled skydive from the top of the tower or you can do the SkyWalk right around the edge of the top of the tower. Now neither of these daredevil activities appealed to me, so I just paid the NZD$16 to go right up to the top viewing deck.
The elevator ride up was a bit stomach churning and there was a girl there to answer our questions. On the main viewing deck you can stand on the glass floor and see right down to street level. There are displays about how the tower was built, including a video, which I found quite interesting. The best thing though was the view, absolutely spectacular! In every direction the view takes your breath away, from looking out over the harbour at the extinct volcano Rangitoto all the way to looking over the city towards Mt. Eden, this really is the perfect vantage point. As you wander around the viewing deck, there are plenty of explanation boards telling you what you are looking at. You can then stop and sip a cup of coffee (and Auckland does good coffee) and just relax and take in the peace and tranquility above the CBD.
If you only have a few days in Auckland, then get yourself up the Sky Tower and have an hour out from racing around the city!
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