
Visiting Auckland for the First Time? Here's What to See and Do
Check out our top tips for making the most of this underrated city—especially for first-timers.
There are a variety of ways to experience the Sky Tower, whether you want to enjoy panoramic views of Waitemata Harbour, Waiheke Island, and Auckland from the Sky Deck; grab a drink at the Sky Lounge Café; dine at the gourmet Sugar Club; or grab a bite at the more casual Orbit Revolving Restaurant.
Visit the tower on a hop-on, hop-off bus tour to see the attraction at your own pace, or see it on an Auckland city highlights tour to also catch other top sights such as Queen Street, the Auckland Domain, and Rangitoto Island. It’s also possible to admire the tower from afar during a scenic harbor cruise or soar overhead on a helicopter or seaplane flight.
Standard Sky Tower admission includes access to the Sky Lounge and the viewing platform.
Free Wi-Fi is available throughout the Sky Tower.
The tower is fully wheelchair accessible.
The Auckland Sky Tower is located at the meeting point of Victoria and Federal streets in central Auckland. The closest bus station is Victoria Street station, but it’s also easy to walk from nearby attractions such as Queen Street, Viaduct Harbour, or Albert Park. Several parking lots are located nearby.
The tower is open year-round but can get crowded in peak season; opt for an early morning visit to avoid crowds. For budding photographers wanting to capture the views, the most flattering lighting usually occurs just before sunset or at night, when Auckland’s city lights spark to life. The tower also forms the centerpiece of city celebrations such as New Year’s Eve and the Chinese New Year, when fireworks are set off from the top and the tower’s facade is illuminated with festive colors.
Get your heart rate up on the thrilling SkyWalk and SkyJump—the most daring ways to experience Auckland Sky Tower. On the SkyWalk, visitors can inch around the top of the tower on a narrow walkway and take in unparalleled views of the city below. For an even bigger adrenaline rush, launch yourself off the top of the tower on the SkyJump—New Zealand’s only base jump—and reach speeds up to 52 mph (85 kph) as you hurtle down to street level.