SkyJump is Auckland’s most direct answer to the question of how to get a thrill out of a skyscraper. You step off a platform on the Sky Tower’s main pod, about 192 metres above the ground, and drop towards a target on the plaza below. You are not in free fall for long. A cable system controls the descent and slows you smoothly before the ground, so the fall is fast, loud and over in a matter of seconds, but it is also designed to be safe and repeatable for ordinary visitors without any skill or experience. Unlike a bungy, there is no rebound, so there is no stomach-lurching bounce at the bottom, which makes it a good choice for people who like the idea of a jump but dislike being yanked back upwards. You wear a jumpsuit and harness, the crew check every connection, and a photographer records the moment from several angles. The setting is the real attraction, because you step out over the glass and steel of the CBD with the harbour and the Hauraki Gulf behind you. Like SkyWalk, the jump is weather dependent. Strong wind can close the platform, and you may be asked to wait or reschedule. The rewards are the sudden view as you step off, the sensation of speed and a fine story afterwards. Many people who would never consider a bungy find this a manageable way to try something bold, because the crew are experienced, the routine is the same every time and the whole thing is over before nerves have time to build. Watching other jumpers drop past the tower is half the entertainment.
How to visit
The jump is run from the Sky Tower in the SkyCity precinct, in the middle of the CBD and a short walk from the Viaduct Harbour. Plan on about an hour from check-in to the end of the jump, longer if there is a queue, and turn up a little early. Age, weight and health limits apply, so check the terms when you book and tell the operator about any condition that might matter, such as back problems or pregnancy.
What to expect
After a safety briefing and kitting up, the group goes up in the lift to the platform. Each person steps up in turn, is clipped in and counts down with a crew member. The descent is quick, around ten to twenty seconds from step to landing depending on how you count, and the cable system slows you in the last stretch so that you arrive on your feet or close to it. Wear closed shoes, secure your hair and leave bags in a locker.
Making it work
A still day is best, and early or late slots tend to be calmer than the middle of the day. Spectators can watch from the street and from some of the surrounding cafes, so friends who prefer to stay on the ground can still be part of it. Combine the jump with the observation decks for a quieter look at the same view, or with a ferry ride on the harbour the next morning to recover.
If you want a slower way to experience the height, SkyWalk is the same tower at a gentler pace, and the Harbour Bridge Bungy gives you the elastic version over the water.
What to expect
The experience
A cable-controlled jump from the Sky Tower’s main pod, about 192 metres above the street.
Best time
A calm, clear day; strong wind can close the platform or delay your slot.
How long
About an hour from check-in to the end of the jump.
Tips
Wear closed shoes, leave bags in a locker and check the age, weight and health limits before you book.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Adrenaline fans who want a short, intense jump without the bounce of a bungy.
- Families
- Older teenagers who meet the age limit may enjoy it; younger children and anxious watchers can cheer from the plaza.
- Couples
- A shared dare with a fine view, followed by a long lunch in the precinct.
- Pair with
- The Sky Tower observation decks or a walk down to the Viaduct Harbour.
- Time needed
- About an hour, plus travel and a buffer for queues.
Good questions
How high is the SkyJump?+
The platform is on the Sky Tower’s main pod, about 192 metres above the street, and you drop towards a target on the plaza.
Is it a bungy jump?+
No. A cable system controls the descent and slows you before you land, so there is no rebound at the bottom.
How long does the fall last?+
Only a few seconds. The whole visit, including the briefing and kitting up, takes about an hour.
What if the wind is too strong?+
The platform can close in strong wind. Check the change and refund terms when you book and leave a spare day if you can.
Are there restrictions?+
Yes. Age, weight and health limits apply, so read the terms and tell the operator about any medical condition.
