Sky Tower
A 328-metre concrete tower over Auckland, with a glass floor, a jump off the side and a walk round the rim.
Updated 21 October 2026
The Sky Tower opened in 1997 and at 328 metres was long the tallest free-standing structure in the southern hemisphere, until the Autograph Tower in Jakarta overtook it, built as a reinforced concrete shaft designed to withstand a magnitude 8 earthquake at a distance of twenty kilometres and winds of two hundred kilometres an hour - the engineering was the point, on a site in a country that moves. The main observation level at 186 metres has glass floor panels you can stand on, which is where most visitors either linger or refuse. Above it, SkyWalk takes harnessed groups onto an open external platform a metre and a half wide with no handrail at 192 metres, and SkyJump drops people off the side on a guided cable at about eighty-five kilometres an hour. The tower is lit at night in colours marking causes and events. It is central, expensive, and the view covers both harbours and out to Rangitoto.
History
The tower was built as part of the SkyCity casino precinct, designed by Gordon Moller of Craig Craig Moller and built by Fletcher Construction, with a 12-metre concrete shaft resting on eight legs over 16 piles, and it was completed in 1997. Building it took 15,000 cubic metres of concrete and 2,000 tonnes of reinforcing steel, and the mast of over 170 tonnes was lifted into place by a crane attached to the structure (Wikipedia, Sky Tower (Auckland)).
The main sights
- The 186-metre level - glass floor panels over the drop.
- SkyWalk - a metre-and-a-half external ledge, harnessed, no rail.
- SkyJump - the guided cable descent off the side.
- The two-harbour view - Waitemata, Manukau and Rangitoto.
When to go
Any time; sunset gives the day and night views on one ticket. Book SkyWalk and SkyJump ahead. They are cancelled in high wind.
What to expect
Ticketed and not cheap, with the adventure activities priced separately on top. The observation deck is busy in the evening. It sits within a casino complex, which is not to everyone's taste.
Nearby
Viaduct Harbour and Britomart are downhill; the Auckland Domain is east.
Key facts
Source: Wikidata, item Q722125, read on 18 October 2026.
What to pack for Sky Tower
Chosen from what this place is for. Tap a kit for the full checklist.
- Comfortable walking shoes - Sightseeing means kilometres of pavement and cobbles daily. Find on Amazon
- A slim anti-theft daypack - Zips that close properly; keep it in front in crowds and on transit. Find on Amazon
- A refillable water bottle - Many cities have public fountains; save money and plastic. Find on Amazon
- A light layer + compact umbrella - For museum air-con and a sudden shower. Find on Amazon
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All packing kitsPlan your trip
Where to start if Sky Tower is going on the list.
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Opening times, ticket prices and seasonal closures change - check the official source before you go: official site.
