Auckland City & Sky Tower

If you’re booked on one of our Small Group Journeys, a visit around Auckland City & the sky tower will form part of your North Island itinerary; for those of you travelling independently we suggest either booking a half day tour with one of the city sightseeing operators or walk to the downtown sights and use a taxi service or bus service for those further away (these can be booked through your hotel or from the Visitor I-site at Sky City or Princess wharf down on the harbour front ) – driving around the city is not much fun, particularly after a long flight!

The Sky Tower, at 328 metres is the tallest man made structure in New Zealand and dominates the Auckland skyline. You can travel up in the glass-fronted lifts to one of the three spectacular viewing platforms, or for more thrills and excitement, SkyWalk round the pergola at 192 metres up or SkyJump off the Tower!

At ground level, continue down Queen Street, one of the main shopping areas, to the harbour front and the historic customs building. Along the harbour front, you’ll find a variety of good restaurants and cafes and by the Customs building, the main terminal departure points for boat cruises to Rangitoto , Tiritiri Matangi and Waiheke Islands . If you haven’t time for one of these trips, then take a short ferry cruise to the Devonport for morning tea and a walk around this pleasant suburb.

Take a walk around the Auckland Domain, one of Auckland’s oldest parks, or visit the Auckland Museum. Established in 1852, the Museum tells a story of New Zealand, its people and its place in the pacific. It is also a War Memorial for Auckland and houses one of New Zealand’s three heritage libraries. This 75 hectare park also features the Winter Gardens, established after World War 1 and consists of two glasshouses containing temperate and tropical plants. Here you’ll also find the Wintergarden Café, where you can enjoy a relaxing refreshment either inside or alfresco on the terrace.