The Sky Tower is the fastest way to make sense of Auckland. From the top you see why the city is called the City of Sails: the Waitematā Harbour and its ferries on one side, the Manukau Harbour on the other, the Harbour Bridge arching to the North Shore, Rangitoto rising out of the gulf and the green volcanic cones dotted across the suburbs. The tower stands 328 metres tall on Victoria and Federal streets, and a fast lift carries you to the Main Observation Deck on Level 51 at 186 metres. One floor up, The Lookout on Level 53 sits at 194 metres, and the Sky Deck on Level 60, at 220 metres, is New Zealand’s highest viewing deck, included for a small extra charge with the Admission plus Sky Deck ticket. Below the decks are the revolving Orbit restaurant on Level 52 and the adults-only SkyBar on Level 50. This page links to the official SkyCity page, since the tower is not sold on Tiqets.
How to visit: the tower is in the SkyCity precinct in the centre of the CBD, a short walk uphill from the Viaduct Harbour and the Downtown Ferry Terminal. Tickets are sold by SkyCity, and single-entry tickets are valid for six months from purchase, so you can wait for a clear day. In October and November the tower opens at 9:30am and closes at 8pm from Monday to Thursday and at 9:30pm from Friday to Sunday, with longer hours over December and January and last entry well before closing. Children must be accompanied by an adult, and under-twos go free.
What to expect: the observation levels are enclosed, so the visit works in any weather, though cloud can hide the view. From the decks you can pick out the islands, the bridges and the maunga, the volcanic cones that shape the city. SkyCity notes that the tower can close because of adverse weather or private events, so check on the day if the forecast is wild. SkyWalk and SkyJump, the outdoor walk and the controlled base jump from around 192 metres, are separate experiences booked on their own.
Making the most of it: go in the late afternoon to see the harbour by daylight and then the city lights after sunset, or book a table at Orbit, where the floor turns slowly while you eat. Wētā Workshop Unleashed and the All Blacks Experience are in the same block on Federal Street, and Wētā sells a combined ticket with the tower.
What to expect
The experience
A lift ride to enclosed observation decks at 186 and 194 metres, with an optional upgrade to the Sky Deck at 220 metres.
Best time
A clear late afternoon, so you see the harbour and islands by daylight and then the city lights after dark.
How long
About an hour on the decks, longer if you eat at the revolving Orbit restaurant.
Tips
Buy the ticket early in your stay and use it on the clearest day, since tickets stay valid for six months.
Quick picks
- Best for
- First-time visitors who want to see the harbour, the islands and the volcanic cones laid out in one view.
- Families
- Children enjoy spotting ferries, Rangitoto and the Harbour Bridge, and family tickets keep the cost down.
- Couples
- Book dinner at Orbit on Level 52 and watch the city lights come on as the floor turns.
- Pair with
- Wētā Workshop Unleashed or the All Blacks Experience on Federal Street, in the same SkyCity block.
- Time needed
- One to two hours.
Good questions
How tall is the Sky Tower?+
The Sky Tower is 328 metres tall. The main observation deck is at 186 metres and the Sky Deck, New Zealand’s highest viewing deck, is at 220 metres.
Is the Sky Deck included in a standard ticket?+
No, the Sky Deck on Level 60 is included only with the Admission plus Sky Deck ticket. The upgrade costs a small extra charge on top of standard entry.
What are the Sky Tower opening hours in November?+
In October and November the tower opens at 9:30am and closes at 8pm from Monday to Thursday and 9:30pm from Friday to Sunday. Last entry is earlier, and the tower can close for weather or private events.
Can I visit the Sky Tower on a cloudy day?+
You can, and tickets are valid for six months, so many visitors wait for a clearer day. Low cloud can hide the view completely, so check the sky before you go up.
Is there a restaurant in the Sky Tower?+
Yes, Orbit 360° Dining on Level 52 is a revolving restaurant, and bookings are essential. SkyBar on Level 50 is for over-18s with photo ID.