Offering massive 360º views, it’s not surprising that nearly every Aucklander and visitor wants to participate in one of the five Sky Tower activities that will bring them to the top. More than just the observation deck, there are options for thrills and culinary excellence.
Best of all, we share discount options that will save you time as well as money.
I have been to the top countless times and been close enough to each of the five Sky Tower activities to get some great shots. I am not brave enough for the most extreme, but other members of my family love it.
Whether you are an adventure seeker, diner, photographer, tourist, or Aucklander, you can’t help but be impressed by the 360º views from the top of the Auckland Sky Tower. It really is a must-see in New Zealand.
In fact, the 360-degree awe-inspiring views from any of the upper levels allow visitors to see up to 82km in every direction on a clear day.
Standing proudly at 328 meters, the Auckland Sky Tower is an icon on our skyline. While on a world scale, that may not sound too tall, the Sky Tower is both the tallest freestanding structure and the tallest man-made structure in the southern hemisphere.
The five Sky Tower activities that will get you to the top
- Observation deck
- SkyJump
- SkyWalk
- Orbit 360º
- The Sugar Club
Technically, there is one more way, but it’s once per year. The Step Up Challenge lets participants climb the 51 flights of stairs straight up the Sky Tower in a fundraising effort for Leukaemia and Blood Cancer New Zealand.
Observation deck – the classic Sky Tower activities option
The classic way to the top is still the most popular, as well as being the right option for most visitors.
To get to the observation deck, simply purchase your ticket, ride the lift up, and enjoy the views from 186 metres above the ground.
A glass-fronted lift (elevator) expands the views before your eyes as travel upwards at 18km/h. As a result, you will reach the top in just 40 seconds.
If you think you have already seen it all by the time you reach the top, you haven’t. Once out of the lift, you will enjoy 360º views. Surrounded on three sides by water, Auckland offers a variety of views in each direction.
Signage lets you know what you are viewing in each direction.
Don’t miss the glass floor
And it’s not just the view outward that’s cool. There are sections of glass floor that let you look straight down over 180 metres to the ground. It’s a bit unnerving for some, but not my daughter or her friend, whose feet you can see in the image below just after they gave the glass a few good jumps.
The glass floors are 38mm thick, as thick as the concrete floors throughout the Sky Tower, and are rated as completely safe. The same glass floors are used in the lifts.
For aesthetic purposes, a superficial protective layer of glass sits on top of the super-safe glass. This protects the main glass from scratches and is easy to repair without risk to the structural integrity.
Of course, that knowledge didn’t seem to stop the drama in 2019 when a crack appeared in this top protective layer, and visitors reported it to the press. See the story at Newshub.
Get discounts and deals on your Sky Tower observation deck entry
Always check for discounts in New Zealand
We always check 100% New Zealand owned bookme for discounts before we visit any venues or participate in activities. They frequently feature different discounts depending on the day and time you choose for your activity.
While deals change, the ones available at the time of writing this page were excellent, with bookme offering discount observation deck entry tickets for adults, children, students, or families.
Check for discounts and book your observation deck admission tickets here.
Adrenaline-pumping Sky Tower activities
If you want more heart-pumping excitement than just jumping on the glass floor, there are two thrill-seeker opportunities that just might pique your interest. SkyJump or SkyWalk will get that blood pumping for sure.
Some of the more famous people to give it a go include Beyonce, Tom Cruise, and the members of the band One Direction.
SkyJump
While there are five ways to access the top of the Auckland Sky Tower, there are only two ways down. The more obvious one is the lift. Adrenaline junkies know the other is SkyJump.
While my friends loved it, SkyJump isn’t for me. However, I did feel like a bit of a coward upon learning that a 100-year-old took the 192-meter leap.
The controlled jump allows you to fall at speeds of 85km/hour (it was slowed for the 100-year-old).
While this speed is fast enough to satisfy any daredevil, it is slower than a traditional bungy jump. Therefore, SkyJump has the advantage of allowing participants to enjoy both the thrill and the view during the 11 seconds it takes to get to the bottom.
Reserve your time to SkyJump here
SkyWalk
The other Adrenaline pumping option takes off from the same spot, but rather than jumping, thrill-seekers “walk” around the Auckland Sky Tower on a 1.2-meter wide rail-less ledge suspended 192 meters above the ground.
Groups of up to six at a time take the walk with a guide. Are you brave enough? If so, don’t be surprised when your guide offers you some heart-pumping challenges just to dial up your fear factor.
Book your SkyWalk adventure here
Source: Depositphotos
Sky Tower activities: Enjoy a meal with a view
Diners also have two mouthwatering culinary options at the top of the Sky Tower: Orbit 360º and The Sugar Club. SkyCity also offers several unique Auckland dining options outside of the tower.
The restaurants are so well renowned that Princess Ann, Prince William, and President Clinton have all dined here.
Orbit 360º
The always popular Orbit 360º is New Zealand’s only rotating restaurant.
Taking one hour to do the full rotation, it allows diners an opportunity to see it all while enjoying a modern New Zealand menu in a relaxed setting. Note that the changing menu always features local and seasonal produce.
It’s a lovely way to enjoy the views and feast on culinary delights without breaking the bank.
The Sugar Club
The Sugar Club by Peter Gordon is pure luxury surrounded by the same 360-degree views offered by each of the Auckland Sky Tower activities.
A frequently changing Chef’s menu offers scrumptious high-end fusion, featuring daily temptations like Hiramasa Kingfish, Torched NZ Langoustine, or Duck Breast Salad.
It’s a culinary feast for the senses made with sustainably sourced produce. Dinner here makes any occasion special.
Located a floor above Orbit 360º, the Sugar Club also has the distinction of being the highest restaurant in the southern hemisphere.
(Photo Credit: ‘Photography by Manja Wachsmuth)
Summary of Sky Tower activities deals
All also featured above, these are the best deals we can find:
- Observation deck entry tickets
- SkyJump (with observation deck access)
- SkyWalk
Final thoughts
- Sky City complex includes the Auckland Sky Tower as well as hotels, more restaurants, theatres, a casino and more.
- The Sky Tower is often lit up at night in different colours to represent various Auckland and worldwide events or holidays.
- Going up to the top of the Auckland Sky Tower makes most tourists’ list of things to do in Auckland.
Save on your NZ trip with these resources
These are our go-to companies when we travel. We believe this list to be the best in each category. You can’t go wrong using them on your trip too.
- Flights: we use Expedia for the best and cheapest flight options.
- Accommodations: we use Booking.com (hotels), Bookabach (self-contained in NZ), or Hostelworld (budget). See all our personal favourite NZ hotels here.
- Cars (gas or electric): we use RentalCars to search for deals and dealer ratings.
- Motorcycles: we have heard good things about BikesBooking.
- Campervans: Our readers prefer Jucy, and we get consistently great feedback.
- Activity discounts: we check Bookme.com for discounts of up to 70% on activities.
- Private guides: we do have a go-to when we hire a private guide from Viator.
- Travel Insurance: while not required, we always opt for travel insurance and start at InsureMyTrip to compare coverage plans.
Check out our travel resources page for more companies that we use when you travel. And don’t forget to download our free New Zealand packing list when you sign up for our newsletter.
If you enjoyed this article, please share it on social media and pin it:
Which of these Sky Tower activities will get you to the top?
More from Auckland you might also like … starting with these 75 free and nearly free things to do in the city
Star Traci
Wow! I hope one day to visit the tower. I will probably stick with the observation deck. I am not that brave!
🙂
Traci
Kathe W.
never ever would I do either walk or dive. I’d rather explore the city! Great photos! Cheers!
Suze
Kudos to the 100 year old that did the jump! Not sure I’d be that brave but the view from the top must be incredible – thanks for sharing
Rorybore
Wow – what amazing views!! I would definitely do the walk, no problem there. And if the descent is a bit slower than a bungee jump, I might just do that jump too. Although it looks like the best place to be is in that revolving restaurant. I have been to ours here in Ottawa, and it is quite the experience. To look up and see a different view of the city each time. Beautiful shots.
Indah Nuria Savitri
it’s totally awesome but I don’t know whether I will have enough courage :). Dinner with a view will be perfect, though..
Anne
What a view! I don’t think I would do the jump to get down either.
Eli
Wow, that is some view…. Can feel it tickles- just by thinking of taking that jump:-) Awesome pictures:-)
Kelleyn
Nope I couldn’t do it! Going to the top no problem, but I couldn’t jump off!
Darlene
Hi Rhonda. I love your shots from the Auckland Sky Tower. We have a similar structure here called the CN Tower in Toronto. I haven’t been there in years.
Rhonda Albom
The CN Tower is much taller. If you visit Auckland, our Sky Tower will look quite squatty to you. 🙂
Tony McGurk
Stunning views Rhonda. No I do not think I could take the jump. Npe not me. not at all…
Alissa Apel
Oh my gosh it’s pretty! I’d just observe, but wouldn’t be one to jump! Call me a chicken!
Tanja
Amazing photos!
Deb Nance
I need to tell my friend about this. She is coming to NZ in December.
Claire
Oh wow, your pictures are stunning. I am scared of heights but I would love to go to dinner here 🙂 Now way I would jump though :):)
Beautiful views..
Jesh StG
Super shots! But my blood does not need an adrenaline rush – and I love my life too much, to risk it for a jump:)
Mary Denman
I think it would be so much fun to jump! I’ve always wanted to go parachuting.
Great shots Rhonda!
Indrani
To attempt something like this is beyond my courage level! Very exciting and thrilling at the same time!
Great pics!
Joyce
You shouldn’t feel like a wimp. You jumped out of a plane one more time than me.
Bumble Bee Mum
I am slightly acrophobic, pretty sure I wouldn’t survive the sky walk without my legs turning to jelly!! I think I would stick to Orbit. The idea of dining in a revolving tower works with me!
Parent Club
Looks a lot like the CN Tower we have here!
Rhonda Albom
I have been to both. The CN Tower is nearly twice as tall.
Ellen
While I’ve never been to the top of the Sky Tower, I’ve always enjoyed watching from down below as people dive off. There isn’t enough money to pay me to do that 🙂
Comedy Plus
I can easily answer this question. I’m not stepping foot into this sky tower. No way and my husband feels the same. We are both afraid of heights.
All the shots are fabulous although they make me a bit queasy.
Have a fabulous day. 🙂
Paul F. Pietrangelo
I’m feeling ill at the moment after reading your blog and viewing the photos. I don’t like heights even though I would enjoy the Orbit for dinner. Having my feet planted on the floor, I’m OK but stepping out or a quick ride down, NEVER. I think I’d lose my stomach. Ha,ha,ha.
Thanks for the challenge Rhonda. See ya.
Cruisin Paul
Patrick Weseman
I would never do that leap. I don’t like heights.
Those who do have a done more courage than me.
Teresa
No way Jose! I am terrified of heights!
L. Diane Wolfe
I would so do that jump!
Karren Haller
I might have taken a leap, 30 years ago, but not now, Somehow I became afraid of heights, go figure.
Only for the brave!!
Alex J. Cavanaugh
I’m taking the elevator both up and down!
Serenia
I cant remember if I ever went up the Sky Tower or not. I do know I have been up the CN Tower in Toronto (Canada). It too has a glass floor, but it does not allow anything like Sky walking or Bungee jumping on a regular basis. The CN tower also offers Photos for families and groups to commemorate the visit. Does Sky Tower do that? It is a great way to remember.
Rhonda Albom
I have been up both, and it was the CN Tower where my girls (then 2 and 4) first jumped on a glass floor. The Sky Walk is pretty cool, and bungy is such a New Zealand tradition. As for the family photos, I have one of me and the girls in the CN (that’s how I remember their ages). And, yes the Sky Tower does it the same way with the green wall and all sorts of cool background images of the tower to pick from. And even better, if you make the jump there is a camera that travels down with you.
Nancy
Oh Lord – I’d die of fright! No WAY would I step off that building!
stevebethere
What beautiful views but the first photo made my stomach roll I am not that brave heheh!
Have a leaptastic day Rhonda 🙂
Hilary
Hi Rhonda – love the shots .. and no I wouldn’t take the quick (however slow it was) way down … though slightly wish I had the guts to do it. My goddaughter recently was working in China for work experience … and they went out to a gorge – the chap who was going to jump was too heavy… so Missy said she’d go!! Next thing her parents know is this bod in mid air!!! She seemed to cope – quite pragmatically … I see her on Thursday and will find out more – about China etc.
Wonderful views – and I remember the Post Office tower in London in the 70s where one could dine and it would rotate – went once … had a corked bottle of wine – and since then just get to the high platforms to view the city … I went up one of the twin towers in the 70s in NYC … I’d love to get to NZ one day … cheers Hilary
Lexa Cain
Very cool! Thanks for sharing all the great pics. I’m a bit afraid of heights, so I wouldn’t go there — but that’s why it’s nice to see it all in pics from those who are braver souls than I! 🙂
Murthy
Exciting photos.Thanks for sharing.
Yolanda Renee
I could not take that jump, or even get that high without major vertigo. Hit me ten years ago out of the blue, so I know better now. Funny too, as I used to climb mountains, fearless – so odd!
Lovely photos, thanks again!