Sky Tower Auckland
Auckland's iconic landmark offering 360° views, thrilling adventures, and a revolving restaurant high above the city.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Day to night magic
Sky Tower Auckland
Best Time
Day to night magic
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Auckland's iconic landmark offering 360° views, thrilling adventures, and a revolving restaurant high above the city.
"The views are absolutely stunning—you get a full panoramic look over the harbour, city, and even out to the islands."
🎯 Sunset Views are Worth It
Catching the sunset offers a magical transition from day to night. Plan your visit accordingly!
💰 Birthday Free Entry
Visit on your birthday for free admission to the observation decks! Proof of ID required.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Panoramic City Views
Observation Decks
Soar to the top for unparalleled 360-degree views of Auckland's harbor, city, and beyond. See it all!
Orbit 360° Dining
Revolving Restaurant
Dine with a view as the restaurant slowly rotates, offering a constantly changing cityscape. A unique culinary experience.
SkyWalk & SkyJump
Exterior Walkway & Jump Platform
For the brave: walk the 1.2m wide ledge around the outside or take the ultimate leap with a SkyJump. Pure adrenaline!
Glass Floor Thrills
Observation Decks
Step onto the glass floors for a dizzying perspective straight down to the streets below. A unique photo op!
Planning Your Visit
Timing is Everything for Views
Ticket Savvy & Sky-High Thrills
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Sunset Views are Worth It
Catching the sunset offers a magical transition from day to night. Plan your visit accordingly!
💰 Birthday Free Entry
Visit on your birthday for free admission to the observation decks! Proof of ID required.
🍽️ Dinner for Views & Value
Dining at Orbit 360° can be a cost-effective way to access the views. Book ahead!
⬆️ Don't Skip the Top Bit
The higher observation level offers little perceivable difference and can feel claustrophobic.
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Sunset Views are Worth It
Catching the sunset offers a magical transition from day to night. Plan your visit accordingly!
💰 Birthday Free Entry
Visit on your birthday for free admission to the observation decks! Proof of ID required.
🍽️ Dinner for Views & Value
Dining at Orbit 360° can be a cost-effective way to access the views. Book ahead!
⬆️ Don't Skip the Top Bit
The higher observation level offers little perceivable difference and can feel claustrophobic.
📸 Souvenir Coins
Grab a unique $3 souvenir coin from the gift shop – a compact and original memento.
👟 Comfortable Shoes Recommended
You'll be doing a lot of standing and walking around the observation decks.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the Sky Tower for its breathtaking panoramic views of Auckland, calling it a must-do experience. The glass floors and the option for thrilling activities like SkyJump and SkyWalk add to its appeal. While some find the ticket prices a bit steep, most agree the unique perspective and photo opportunities make it worthwhile. The revolving restaurant offers a novel dining experience, though food quality is secondary to the views.
"Sky Tower is definitely one of those must-do experiences in Auckland! I’d give it a strong 9/10. The views are absolutely stunning—you get a full panoramic look over the harbour, city, and even out to the islands. The photos you take up there will be some of the best from your trip. The glass floors add a thrill, and if you’re feeling adventurous, the SkyJump or SkyWalk turn it into more than just sightseeing. The only minor downside is that tickets can feel a bit pricey, but honestly, for a once-in-a-lifetime view, it’s worth it. It’s the kind of spot that really makes you feel like you’ve “arrived” in Auckland."
farheen khan
"This was my eighth time to go up in the sky tower. It is an amazing place to visit as a tourist or a local. The entrance is through the glass sliding doors next to the base of the tower and down the escalators. The ride up is to the 51st floor. The Cafe a couple of floors up is the best to sit in and watch the city. The cost is very reasonable too. The views from there are amazing and during the winter very few people are there where it makes it more fun to walk around. It is a must see place in Auckland."
Erastos Evdoxiadis
"Beautiful and well thought of sky over in the middle of the city. I suggest that you visit the store the last day of your trip so that you can appreciate and see the places you have been going around. The observation deck has three levels. One is the main of the territory then there’s a high observation deck and the third one is a restaurant which has nice coffee and an ice cream bar and everything is fantastic. Not over pricing."
Sheraz Tarar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Sky Tower is centrally located in Auckland CBD at Victoria Street West. It's easily accessible by public transport, including buses that stop nearby. If driving, SkyCity offers parking, though some Reddit users suggest looking into casino membership for potential free parking perks. +1
Yes, numerous bus routes service the Auckland CBD, with stops within walking distance of the Sky Tower. Check the AT Metro website for the most up-to-date schedules and routes.
From Auckland Airport (AKL), you can take the SkyBus to the city center, which is a convenient and affordable option. From the SkyBus drop-off, it's a short walk or a quick taxi/rideshare to the Sky Tower.
Yes, SkyCity offers extensive parking facilities. However, some travelers mention that parking can be expensive. Consider signing up for a SkyCity casino membership for potential free parking benefits. +1
Absolutely! The Sky Tower is a prominent landmark in the heart of the CBD, making it easily walkable from most downtown hotels and attractions. It's about a 10-15 minute walk from the waterfront.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Ticket prices for the observation decks vary, but expect them to be around NZD $30-40 for adults. The SkyJump and SkyWalk have separate, higher costs. +1
Yes! You can get free entry on your birthday with valid ID. They also occasionally have free entry days, such as Auckland Anniversary. Dining at the Orbit 360° restaurant can also grant you access to the observation decks.
+1
Sky Tower typically opens around 9:00 AM and closes late, often around 10:00 PM or later, depending on the season and day of the week. It's always best to check their official website for the most current hours.
Yes, purchasing Sky Tower tickets online in advance is highly recommended. This often saves you time queuing and sometimes offers better deals.
Many visitors find the difference between the main observation deck and the higher one to be minimal and not worth the additional cost. The main decks offer excellent views.
🎫 🏙️ Onsite Experience
Beyond the incredible panoramic views from the observation decks, you can dine at the Orbit 360° revolving restaurant, experience the thrill of SkyWalk or SkyJump, and enjoy the unique glass floor sections. There's also a cafe and gift shop. +1
Absolutely! The Sky Tower offers some of the best photo opportunities in Auckland. Visiting at sunset provides stunning shots of the city lights.
The SkyWalk involves walking around the 1.2-meter wide ledge on the outside of the Sky Tower, 192 meters above the ground. It's a guided, thrilling experience with incredible views.
SkyJump is a controlled freefall from the Sky Tower, reaching speeds of up to 85 km/h. It's a high-adrenaline activity for those seeking a serious thrill.
While the main attraction is the view, Sky Tower sometimes hosts special events or has themed areas. Recent additions include a cafe with desserts and ice cream.
🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining
Orbit 360° is primarily for the experience of dining with panoramic, rotating views. While the food might not be Michelin-star quality, the views and the novelty make it a memorable experience for many. +1
The main dining option is the Orbit 360° revolving restaurant. There's also a cafe on the observation deck offering coffee, desserts, and ice cream.
Prices at Orbit 360° are generally considered high, reflecting the unique dining experience. The cafe prices are more comparable to other city establishments.
Typically, dining at Orbit 360° includes access to the observation decks, making it a combined experience. Booking dinner can be a cost-effective way to see the views.
Orbit 360° offers contemporary New Zealand cuisine. The focus is on the dining experience with the ever-changing backdrop of the city.
📸 📸 Photography
Sunset is highly recommended for photography, allowing you to capture both daylight and nighttime cityscapes. Weekday mornings can also offer clearer shots with fewer people.
While not explicitly stated, it's generally advisable to check Sky Tower's specific photography policy regarding tripods, especially during peak hours, to avoid obstructing other visitors.
Experiment with different angles! Capture wide shots of the city and harbor, zoom in on landmarks, and don't forget the unique perspective from the glass floors.
Yes, you can often see and photograph participants on the SkyWalk and SkyJump from the observation decks, offering a dynamic element to your photos.
Generally, personal photography is allowed. However, commercial photography or filming may require special permits. Always be mindful of other visitors.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
To make the visit more budget-friendly, look for birthday free entry days or consider if dining at Orbit 360° aligns with your family's plans and budget. The souvenir coin is also a great, inexpensive gift for kids. Remember to check the opening hours to plan around nap times or early bedtimes.
💰 Budget Travelers
Another tip is to combine your Sky Tower visit with other free or low-cost activities in Auckland. For instance, a scenic ferry trip to Devonport offers fantastic city views without the high cost of the tower.
💑 Couples
Alternatively, enjoy a drink at the SkyBar or simply soak in the views from the observation decks. The unique perspective and the city lights create a memorable atmosphere for a date. You could also combine your visit with a stroll along the waterfront or a visit to a nearby rooftop bar for pre- or post-tower drinks.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Experiencing the Thrills: SkyWalk & SkyJump
The SkyJump is the ultimate thrill. It's a controlled freefall from a platform on the 51st floor, reaching speeds of up to 85 km/h as you descend 192 meters to the ground below. This is a serious adrenaline rush, often described as a 'leap of faith' by those who dare to try it. Both activities require pre-booking and have age and weight restrictions.
Many visitors who opt for these activities find them to be the highlight of their Sky Tower visit, offering a unique perspective and bragging rights. While they come with a significant price tag, the memories and the rush are often considered well worth the investment for thrill-seekers.
Dining with a View: Orbit 360°
While the views are undeniably the star attraction, the food at Orbit 360° receives mixed reviews. Many diners acknowledge that they are there for the experience and the scenery rather than solely for the culinary aspect. The menu typically features contemporary New Zealand cuisine, but some find it to be on the pricier side for the quality.
For those looking to save money or combine experiences, booking dinner at Orbit 360° can sometimes be more cost-effective than purchasing separate observation deck tickets. It's a way to enjoy the Sky Tower's heights while indulging in a meal. However, if fine dining is your priority, other restaurants in Auckland might offer a superior gastronomic experience, though without the rotating views.
Capturing the Skyline: Photography Tips
Beyond sunset, consider visiting on a clear weekday morning for potentially fewer crowds and sharper, unobstructed views. When composing your shots, don't just focus on the wide panoramas. Experiment with different focal lengths to capture details of the city, the harbor, and the surrounding islands. The glass floor sections also offer unique, albeit dizzying, photographic opportunities looking straight down.
Remember to be considerate of other visitors when taking photos. While tripods are generally allowed for personal use, it's wise to check Sky Tower's specific policies, especially during busy periods. The souvenir coin available for purchase is also a small, unique item that makes for a great, compact memento.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit