Auckland's Sky Tower, Not for the Faint Hearted

By Maman Wilson

I have traveled widely and like a good many people the world beckons, the grass is always greener elsewhere. I am as guilty as the next one, see the world first and forget your own backyard. Auckland is amongst some of the top cities of the world for its lifestyle choices, its beauty and its harbor. I live in it but I have not seen it!

So today, I started on correcting that anomaly, all the while planning my next overseas trip! A trip up the Sky tower was the order of the day. The tallest building in the southern hemisphere it stands tall at 328metres, between the Sears tower at 442m and the Eiffel tower at 300m both of which I thought were amazing. Viewing from the Sky Tower even more so because the places I could see, I knew from living here.

The day started by taking the train into the city, a very full train. Trains in Auckland are facing increasing patronage, which is great to see, as you will know I love trains. The downside is that seats are rare on busy days so it is appreciated when a younger person offers you their seat, it does not happen a lot these days unfortunately.

Getting off at the new Britomart centre, a very modern complex for the suburban trains to come into, the crowds all heading for their personal destinations. The subdued lighting in the centre adds a kind of ambiance to the experience.

Joy of joys, in the bus transport centre at the front of the Britomart building there is a free bus waiting to embark passengers for trips to several popular locations within the city circle, including the sky tower. It was unfortunate the bus driver idly smoking outside the bus door before the next trip, ignored the fact that the wind was funneling the smoke into his bus. New Zealand law is quite emphatic on people smoking in public places, so it was an unpleasant ride in the smoke filled bus until it dissipated as people got off and others entered.

A ride around the city past Albert Park and the university, places I rarely go, was interesting. The bus stopped conveniently outside the Sky tower. You go downstairs to the ticket office for the ticket, then through the turnstile to the lift. The attending staff all very pleasant and helpful. The inevitable photographer taking his pictures, of course. I hate those guys!

I was grateful there was an attendant working the lift, and that I was the only passenger at the time. My inherent fear of small spaces remains but is fading. The time to get to the observation level deck took a mere 40 seconds traveling at 18kms an hour.

The views were stunning; it is possible to see up to 80 kms (51miles) on a fine day in every direction. You know all the landmarks when you live in a place, but to see them from a tourist point of view is certainly special. I did like the viewing boxes that focused on the various landmarks with a brief description and history. It was nice to wander around and look through all of them. Standing on the thickened glass was certainly a novel experience, looking straight down at the miniature cars and buildings below.

The next trip up was to the Sky deck, an even higher viewing platform. More of the same stunning views out to the harbor bridge, over the city and harbor. I was so glad to have chosen a fine day amongst some of the atrocious weather we have had lately.

It was reassuring to know that the tower has been designed to withstand 200km winds and can sway up to a meter at the revolving restaurant height.

Time for a special cup of coffee and a croissant in the café just down a flight of stairs from the Sky deck. Beautifully laid out with relaxing chairs and views to drink in! The Sky tower also has Aucklands only revolving restaurant but with out someone to go with I am giving it a miss.

Time to go, but I have thoroughly enjoyed my first tourist trip in my own city! Oh and pick up those ghastly photos!

Maman is a sixty plus liberated woman despite having a husband and four children. She trained as a nurse and remains interested in health issues. Spent many years farming achieving farm management qualifications and a real insight into animal husbandry. The next career change included a Diploma in Real Estate and business management, covering buildings and their construction.

Growing older then included some time in the hospitality industry and business.
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