Auckland Sky Tower: Ready to Head Up?

Credit: SkyCity Auckland

If there’s one thing you can’t miss in Auckland’s skyline, it’s the Sky Tower. Since opening in 1997, the Sky Tower has become Auckland's most recognisable landmark. Rising 328 metres above the city, it offers 360° views across the city, the harbour, and beyond to the Waitākere Ranges and Hauraki Gulf.

Whether you’re here for the thrill, the food, or the views that seem to stretch forever, the Auckland Sky Tower has a way of turning even the simplest visit into something memorable. Here’s how to get the most out of it.

Why is the Auckland Sky Tower So Famous?

The Sky Tower is the tallest freestanding building in the entire Southern Hemisphere, surpassing Sydney's Centrepoint Tower and Melbourne's Eureka Tower. This makes it a genuine superlative, not just a local landmark but a world-class structure that puts Auckland on the global map.

Built as part of the SkyCity entertainment complex, the tower was designed to withstand earthquakes up to magnitude 8 and winds of over 200 km/h. Its construction used 15,000 cubic metres of concrete and took 2 years and 9 months to complete.

It’s a feat of engineering that still impresses architects today.

Which Auckland Sky Tower Activities Should You Do?

There’s no one-size-fits-all way to visit the Auckland Sky Tower, and  that’s part of the fun. From calm observation decks to heart-racing outdoor adventures and a sky-high meal, you can tailor your visit to fit your mood..

Most visitors spend about 1-2 hours, but longer if dining or doing adventure activities. 

Observation Decks

The Sky Tower’s observation decks are the heart of the experience. At 186 metres above Auckland, the views stretch up to 80 kilometres in every direction, from the sparkling Waitematā Harbour to the distant outline of Rangitoto Island.

You’ll find several levels to explore, each offering something a little different. 

Step onto the Sky Deck for floor-to-ceiling glass and the clearest panoramic shots of the city. On the Main Observation Level, try standing on the glass panels for a thrill that’s more surprising than scary: you’ll be looking straight down to the streets below.

It’s a favourite spot for travellers and locals alike. Couples come for sunset proposals, families love spotting landmarks, and photographers can spend hours chasing the perfect skyline shot. If you only do one thing at the Sky Tower, make it this.

SkyJump

Credit: SkyCity Auckland

Think you’ve got a head for heights? The SkyJump is your chance to prove it.

This 192-metre base jump is a controlled freefall, where you leap from the tower’s edge and glide down at speeds up to 85 km/h before landing smoothly on the ground below. It’s the ultimate blend of thrill and precision, designed to be both heart-stopping and completely safe.

Each jumper is fully harnessed, guided by trained instructors, and connected to a safety cable system that keeps everything perfectly controlled. You’ll get a certificate, photos, and serious bragging rights (because not everyone can say they’ve jumped off New Zealand’s tallest building).

SkyWalk

Credit:  SkyCity Auckland

If you’re after a rush without the drop, the SkyWalk is pure magic. You’ll suit up, clip in, and walk around a narrow 1.2-metre-wide platform that circles the tower: 192 metres above the city, with no handrails in sight.

It sounds intense, but it’s incredibly freeing. You’ll be guided the whole way by expert staff who’ll encourage you to lean out, stretch your arms wide, and take in Auckland from an angle few people ever see. The views are unbeatable, and the photos? Even better.

It’s the perfect choice for travellers looking for something bold but safe,  and a great alternative if you’d rather not take the full jump.

When’s The Best Time To Visit For The Views?

For pure clarity and colour, aim for mid-morning to mid-afternoon when the sunlight hits Auckland’s harbours at their best.

If you’re after drama, go at sunset. Watch the sky change from gold to deep blue, with the city lights sparkling below. And for photographers? Evening brings incredible skyline shots, especially from the main observation deck.

Local tip: Book a table at Orbit 360° just before sunset. You’ll enjoy both daylight and night views in one visit.

Visiting With Kids? Keep It Simple And Fun

Credit:  SkyCity Auckland

Families love the Sky Tower for its mix of wonder and safety. Children can walk across glass panels to look straight down, count the landmarks they recognise, or watch the SkyJumpers in action.

Prams are allowed, and lifts make it easy to move between decks. If little ones need a break, the Sky Café serves quick bites and ice cream with a view (a win for everyone).

School Holiday Activities

The Sky Tower offers special kids' activities and events during school holidays, adding extra entertainment to your visit. Check their website for current programming and times.

Tickets And Timing: What Should You Book Ahead?

Tickets are available at the entrance, but it’s worth booking online, especially during weekends and school holidays. This saves queue time and sometimes scores a small discount.

If you’re planning to do the SkyWalk or SkyJump, you’ll definitely want to book ahead. These experiences are popular and have limited slots each day.

Hungry Or Thirsty? Easy Options On Site

The Sky Tower caters for every craving. From grab-and-go coffee at the Sky Deck Café to relaxed lunches with a view, right through to fine dining that revolves above the city, there's something for every appetite and occasion.

Orbit 360° Dining

Credit: SkyCity Auckland

Perched 190 metres above Auckland, Orbit 360° is New Zealand's only revolving restaurant, and it completes a full rotation every hour, so your view is constantly evolving.

The menu celebrates the country's finest seasonal produce: think citrus-cured kingfish, Canterbury lamb, market-fresh seafood, and indulgent desserts that taste even better with the skyline glittering below.

The atmosphere strikes that perfect balance: refined enough for a special occasion, relaxed enough to simply enjoy. Book around sunset to watch the city transform from golden hour to a constellation of lights beneath you.

No separate ticket is needed, as you can dine at Orbit 360° without visiting the observation decks.

Sky Café

Need a quick refuel after exploring the observation decks? Sky Café is the ideal pit stop.

Casual and family-friendly, it serves everything from fresh coffee and pastries to light meals and sweet treats, perfect for travellers on the go.

It’s a great choice for visitors with kids or those who want to soak up the atmosphere without committing to a full meal. Even a short break here feels like a mini celebration.

Down-to-Earth Dining in the SkyCity Precinct

If you’d rather keep your feet on the ground, the SkyCity precinct surrounding the tower is packed with options for every taste and budget.

You’ll find casual eateries, lively bars, and international restaurants, all within a few minutes’ walk of the tower entrance. Whether you’re in the mood for a quick pizza, Asian street food, or a late-night drink, you won’t need to go far.

Stay Close, See More At The Chancellor On Hobson

Whether you’re chasing adrenaline, a romantic dinner, or simply the best view in the city, Auckland’s Sky Tower delivers it all. It’s one of those rare attractions that manages to thrill and relax in equal measure.

And when you’re just minutes away at The Chancellor on Hobson, you can make your Sky Tower experience the highlight of your Auckland stay. 

In spacious, contemporary rooms designed for comfort after a day of exploration, you can visit the iconic building multiple times, return to your room to unwind in style, then head back as the city lights begin to shimmer.

Book your stay at The Chancellor on Hobson and wake up to Sky Tower views every morning.