Auckland

Auckland has few surprises with all that you would expect in any world city - there are cafés to sit and admire the crowds passing by, there are parks to walk in and gain a breath of fresh air, there are art galleries to spend a few minutes in… And then there is Sky City and its Sky Tower, this modern needle building dominates the cityscape from miles around and remains the central hub of the city for the tourist with the central bus stand at its base!! Having walked the city today I can honestly recommend this as one destination worth a visit… As you enter the Sky Tower through the lower level escalator you have the option to go on an outside walkabout… for around $100 or fling yourself off the side off it guided by two wires for $220!! 0_0’ I watched a few people have a go and they seemed to love it so much they screamed until their breath gave out ;) Will give it a go when the budget is larger… Alternatively for those with a smaller budget or less eagerness to scare themselves silly there is a lift to the top floor 220m above ground with an excellent viewing platform ($28 adult). I loved the fact that as you ascend you can both look out of the lift AND through a glass plate in the floor!! Fantastic :)
At the top of the tower I find an excellent vantage point to view the city along with a café (not overpriced!!) with a grand stand view of the people flinging themselves off jumping point - also my timing was excellent as two window cleaners where in action at the 180m viewing deck (just another day at the office for them)… Finally while your at the viewing platform have a walk around the lower section as you will find yourself walking over glass sections as you go ;) Great to get the heart rate up.