Auckland Sky Tower

The basics

There are a variety of ways to experience the Sky Tower, whether you want to enjoy breathtaking 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.

Book the Auckland Explorer: Hop-on Hop-off Tour to see the tower and other attractions like SkyCity Auckland, the Auckland Domain, and Auckland museums at your own pace. It’s also possible to admire the tower from afar during a scenic harbor cruise or soar overhead on a helicopter or seaplane flight.

Things to know before you go

• 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.

How to get there

The Auckland Sky Tower is located at the corner 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.

When to get there

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.

Auckland Sky Tower for adventure lovers

Get your heart rate up on the thrilling SkyWalk and SkyJump—the most daring ways to experience an Auckland Sky Tower tour. 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.

Ways to explore

Exploring the Sky Tower is—literally and figuratively—a multi-level experience. Standard admission tickets grant access to all three observation levels: the Main Observation Deck on Level 51, The Lookout on Level 53, and the Sky Deck on Level 60.

Adventurous travelers can also strap on a harness and tackle the open-air SkyWalk or brave the daring SkyJump, a cable-assisted urban base jump. For foodies, the Orbit revolving restaurant combines panoramic views with award-winning cuisine, or you can sip cocktails at the SkyBar, New Zealand’s highest bar.

Accessibility

The tower is accessible to wheelchairs and strollers, and accessible restrooms are available. The SkyJump and SkyWalk are not accessible.

Age limits

None for the tower itself. Minimum age for the SkyJump and SkyWalk is 10 years; children 14 and under require adult accompaniment.

What to pack

Camera, binoculars, ID (required for the bar)

What to wear

Flat, lace-up footwear; comfortable, weather-appropriate clothing for the SkyWalk and SkyJump

Not allowed

Large bags or suitcases, outside food and drink, alcohol consumption if taking part in the SkyWalk and SkyJump (breathalyzer tests are a legal requirement)

Amenities

Restaurant, bar, snack kiosks, gift shop, paid parking and valet service, restrooms with changing tables, Wi-Fi

Address

Auckland Sky Tower is located at the corner of Victoria and Federal Streets in the heart of downtown Auckland. It is accessible by both car and public transportation, and is easy to reach on foot from anywhere in the Central Business District.

Driving

If you’re driving from Auckland Airport, it’s about a 45-minute drive north along the Southwestern Motorway—take the exit at Nelson Street and follow the signs to SkyCity. There’s plenty of paid parking at the adjoining SkyCity.

Public transportation

City bus lines 22N, 22R, 24B, and 24R stop at Vogel Lane, a short walk from the tower, and lines 82, 101, 802, 923, and NX2 stop at SkyCity Auckland, along Wellesley Lane. The central Britomart bus and train station is a 10-minute walk.

Best times to visit

For the most magical views, visit at sunset and stay after dark to see the lights. To avoid the crowds, get there in the morning when the tower opens.

Best days to visit

Visit on a weekday—Mondays and Tuesdays are usually quietest—rather than on weekends to avoid the biggest crowds.

Best months to visit

The tower is open year-round, so skip the busy summer months of December and January and aim for the shoulder-season months of March, April, October, or November instead.

Special events

The Sky Tower hosts special restaurant menus and themed events throughout the year to celebrate Christmas, Halloween, and other holidays. The tower also takes center stage during the New Year’s Eve and Chinese New Year fireworks and often lights up in honor of public events.