The Sky Tower is Auckland’s most recognisable landmark — a 328-metre telecommunications and observation tower in the heart of the CBD that has defined the city’s skyline since it opened in 1997. From its observation decks, visitors have panoramic views across the Waitematā Harbour, the Hauraki Gulf islands, the Waitākere Ranges, and the volcanic cones of the Auckland isthmus on clear days. The tower offers several viewing options — from an indoor enclosed observation level to a glass floor section and an open-air outer walkway — as well as the SkyWalk and SkyJump for those wanting a more active experience at height.
Practical Information
| Location | Corner of Victoria and Federal Streets, Auckland CBD |
| Height | 328 metres total; main observation level at 186 m; Sky Deck at 220 m |
| Opening hours | Open daily — check the Sky Tower website for current hours |
| Admission | Entry fee applies for the observation levels; check Sky Tower for current pricing |
| SkyWalk | Guided walk around the outer rim at 192 m — separate booking and fee required |
| SkyJump | Controlled cable descent at 85 km/h from 192 m — separate booking and fee required |
| Getting there | 5-minute walk from Britomart train station; buses stop on Victoria Street |
About the Sky Tower
The Sky Tower was constructed by Fletcher Construction and designed by architects Craig Craig Moller. Construction took three years, and the tower opened to the public in August 1997. At 328 metres, it remains one of the tallest freestanding structures in the Southern Hemisphere and is the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand. The tower serves a practical purpose as a telecommunications hub — its height makes it effective for broadcasting television and radio signals across the Auckland region — but it is the observation experience that draws around a million visitors per year.
The structure consists of a concrete shaft rising to a pod at 186 metres, from which a steel lattice needle extends to the full 328-metre height. The pod houses the observation levels, a café, and the Observatory restaurant, which rotates once every hour to give a full 360-degree view. The tower is lit at night and its colour changes for significant events — it turns pink for Breast Cancer Awareness Month, rainbow colours for Pride events, and red for Waitangi Day.
Observation Levels
The main observation level at 186 metres is enclosed and includes floor-to-ceiling glass panels and a section of glass floor panels embedded in the ground — standing on the glass floor and looking straight down at the street below is one of the more reliably memorable experiences in the tower. The Sky Deck at 220 metres provides a higher vantage point with views through the lattice structure above the main pod. On clear days, the views extend to the Coromandel Peninsula to the southeast and the Northland coastline to the north.
SkyWalk and SkyJump
For visitors wanting a more active experience, the SkyWalk is a guided walk around the outside of the tower’s outer rim at 192 me4res. Participants are harnessed to a safety wire and walk around the full circumference of the tower’s exterior — an exposed, wind-affected experience at height with unrestricted open-air views. The SkyJump is a controlled cable descent from 192 metres at speeds of up to 85 km/h — not a freefall bungee, but a wire-guided descent to the base plaza. Both experiences are operated by AJ Hackett Bungy and require separate bookings.
Where to Learn More
Sky Tower Auckland — SKYCITY — official Sky Tower visitor information including current admission prices, opening hours, SkyWalk and SkyJump bookings, and event lighting schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
How tall is the Sky Tower?
The Sky Tower is 328 metres tall. The main observation level is at 186 metres and the Sky Deck is at 220 metres. The tower’s full height includes the lattice needle above the pod.
Do I need to book in advance?
Walk-up entry is available for the observation levels, but SkyWalk and SkyJump experiences require advance booking. Booking online is recommended for those experiences as time slots are limited. The observation levels can generally be accessed on the day.
How long should I allow for the Sky Tower?
Allow 45–60 minutes for a visit to the observation levels. The SkyWalk takes around 90 minutes including briefing and the walk itself. The SkyJump is quicker but also requires a briefing period.
Is there a restaurant in the Sky Tower?
Yes — the Observatory restaurant at 186 metres rotates slowly to give full 360-degree views over the course of each hour. There is also a café-bar at the observation level. Reservations for the restaurant are recommended.
Can children visit the Sky Tower?
Yes — the observation levels are suitable for all ages. The SkyWalk and SkyJump have minimum age and weight requirements; check the SKYCITY website for current restrictions.
For more of Auckland’s walking options and landmarks, see the guide to walking tracks in Auckland. The Auckland CBD Discovery Walk connects the Sky Tower area with the Ferry Building, Albert Park, and Britomart on foot.