Auckland Tours






































































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We curate the best ways to experience
We partner with the best
All the best options, in one place
Book with complete peace of mind

Quick overview

  • Ticket options: Choose from combo experiences that pair admission to the Sky Tower observation decks with popular Auckland attractions, including harbour cruises, hop-on hop-off bus tours, and sky dining experiences.

  • Access levels: Standard entry tickets typically cover the main observation level and upper Sky Deck, both indoors, with floor-to-ceiling windows, some glass-floor panels, and 360° views over the harbour and volcanic cones.

  • Unique experiences: Stand over reinforced glass-floor sections, circle the decks to spot islands and stadiums, then enhance your visit with combo experiences that include an Auckland harbour cruise, a city sightseeing bus tour, or sky dining above the skyline.

  • Queues & access: Online tickets usually bypass the on-site ticket-purchase line; all visitors still pass ticket scanning/security and queue for high-speed lifts up and down, with the heaviest crowding around sunset, weekends, and special events.

  • When to book: Late-afternoon and sunset visits, weekends, and peak summer months (December–February) see the strongest demand; book several days ahead for combos or specific dates, while same-day standard tickets are easier off-peak.

  • Good to know: Plan 1–2 hours for the decks; tickets are generally single-entry for a chosen day or slot; re-entry and cancellation policies differ by ticket, and visibility depends heavily on weather and cloud cover.

  • Best upgrade: Pick the combo with the Auckland harbour sightseeing cruise to pair 360° skyline views from above with a relaxed water-level city panorama in one coordinated booking.

See full ticket comparison and inclusions ↓

Levels at the Auckland Sky Tower

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Carousel image for Quick facts
Carousel image for Main Observation Level (~186 m)
Carousel image for Sky Deck (~220 m)
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Carousel image for SkyWalk & SkyJump Platform (~192 m)
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Overview

Sky Tower is built around a stack of distinct high-altitude experiences. You’ll ride high-speed glass elevators up to indoor observation decks, then choose whether to go higher to the Sky Deck, dine as the city rotates, or step outside for SkyWalk or SkyJump.

Quick facts

  • Total height: 328 meters (1,076 feet), making it New Zealand’s tallest freestanding structure.
  • Public levels: Three main public observation levels, Main Observation Deck, The Lookout, and Sky Deck, plus dining and lounge levels.
  • Elevator access: Three glass-fronted elevators reach the observation levels in about 40 seconds and can carry up to 225 people every 15 minutes.
  • Visit duration: Most visitors spend around 1 to 2 hours exploring the observation decks, dining spaces, and optional experiences like SkyWalk or SkyJump.

Main Observation Level (~186 m)

Located around 186 meters above ground, the Main Observation Level is accessed by high-speed glass-fronted elevators. The enclosed 360° viewing circuit offers panoramic views of Auckland’s CBD, Waitematā Harbour, surrounding islands, and volcanic landscapes, along with glass-floor panels and interactive displays.

Sky Deck (~220 m)

The Sky Deck, located about 220 meters above ground, offers a quieter viewing experience with wider panoramic horizons. From here, visitors can spot Auckland’s volcanic cones, harbour inlets, distant suburbs, and far-reaching coastal views on clear days.

Orbit 360° Dining Level

Orbit 360° is the Sky Tower’s rotating restaurant, offering panoramic city views alongside contemporary dining. Reservations are strongly recommended, and arriving early gives you time to clear entry checks and enjoy the views before your meal begins.

SkyWalk & SkyJump Platform (~192 m)

The SkyWalk and SkyJump experiences begin from the outdoor platform around 192 meters above ground. Visitors should arrive early for safety briefings, harness fitting, and check-in procedures before stepping onto the open-air ledge or taking the adrenaline-filled SkyJump from the tower.

Which Auckland Sky Tower ticket is best for you

Ticket typeEntrance usedLines skippedSecurityFloors includedAccess modeGuideWhy pick thisCancellation policyPrice fromRecommended experience

Combo: Auckland Sky Tower Tickets & Explorer Bus 24 Hour Pass

Sky Tower: Main entrance; Bus: Any HOHO stop

No

Mandatory screening

Levels 50–53, 60 + bus pass

Elevator + bus

No

Pair Sky Tower entry with a 24-hour Explorer Bus pass for easy access to Auckland’s top attractions, waterfront areas, and city views.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

From NZ$112

Book tickets

Combo: Auckland Skytower Tickets & Auckland Harbour Scenic Sightseeing Cruise

Sky Tower: Main entrance; Cruise: Queens Wharf

No

Mandatory screening

Levels 50–53, 60 + harbour cruise

Elevator + boat

No

Combine Sky Tower entry with a 1–1.5 hour Waitematā Harbour cruise for relaxed waterfront views and a different angle of Auckland’s skyline.

These tickets can't be cancelled or rescheduled.

From NZ$101

Book tickets

What to expect at Auckland Sky Tower

Carousel image for Arrive through the SkyCity complex
Carousel image for Ride up to the main observation deck
Carousel image for Explore the viewing levels and glass floors
Carousel image for Add sunset, dining, or adrenaline upgrades
Carousel image for Wrap up your visit back at ground level
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Arrive through the SkyCity complex

Scan your pre-booked tickets or purchase entry in the main lobby before taking the high-speed elevators to the observation levels.

Ride up to the main observation deck

Take the glass-fronted high-speed elevators to the Main Observation Level at around 186 meters, with the rapid ascent offering dramatic skyline views along the way.

Explore the viewing levels and glass floors

Walk across multiple observation levels for sweeping 360° views of Auckland, and step onto reinforced glass-floor panels for a unique look straight down to the streets below.

Add sunset, dining, or adrenaline upgrades

Enhance your visit with sunset viewing, rotating restaurant dining, or thrill experiences like SkyWalk and SkyJump, all available to book on-site, subject to availability.

Wrap up your visit back at ground level

Take the elevators back down into the SkyCity complex, where you can continue exploring nearby restaurants, entertainment venues, casinos, and central Auckland shopping streets.

Things to know before booking your Auckland Sky Tower tickets

Booking window

Sky Tower combo tickets are usually available several weeks in advance, especially during summer holidays, weekends, and sunset hours. Harbour cruise and sightseeing bus combinations can sell out earlier than standard observation access slots, so booking 2–4 weeks ahead is recommended during peak travel periods.

Entry & routing

All visitors enter through the main Sky Tower lobby inside the SkyCity Auckland complex. After ticket scanning, high-speed elevators take guests directly to the observation levels. Combo experiences, such as cruises or hop-on hop-off tours, may have separate boarding points and timings listed on the ticket voucher.

Access levels

Most Sky Tower tickets include access to the main indoor observation decks, including the Main Observation Level and Sky Deck. Some combo packages may also include dining experiences, harbour cruises, or Auckland sightseeing tours, depending on the ticket selected.

Ways to explore

Combo tickets let you pair Sky Tower entry with other Auckland experiences, such as harbour sightseeing cruises, city bus tours, or sky dining. These are ideal if you want broader city views beyond the tower itself.

Special access & upgrades

Additional experiences like Orbit 360° dining, SkyWalk, and SkyJump are generally booked separately or upgraded on-site, subject to availability. Sunset visits are especially popular for skyline photography and evening city views.

Constraints & practicalities

Sky Tower’s indoor observation decks usually remain open in light rain and windy conditions, though visibility may vary depending on the weather. Outdoor adventure experiences like SkyWalk and SkyJump can be delayed or suspended during strong winds or severe weather.

Highlights at Auckland Sky Tower

Carousel image for Overview: layered views above Auckland
Carousel image for Main observation deck
Carousel image for Glass-floor panels over the street
Carousel image for Sky Deck upper viewpoint
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Overview: layered views above Auckland

Auckland Sky Tower offers sweeping views across the city, harbour, and volcanic landscapes, with experiences ranging from indoor observation decks to outdoor adventure platforms high above the skyline.

Main observation deck

The main observation deck features panoramic 360° views across Auckland, along with reinforced glass-floor panels that look directly down onto the streets below.

Glass-floor panels over the street

Step onto reinforced glass-floor panels for a straight-down view of the streets far below, adding an extra thrill to the observation deck experience.

Sky Deck upper viewpoint

The Sky Deck offers one of the tower’s highest viewing points, with far-reaching views across Auckland’s islands, harbours, and surrounding suburbs.

Orbit 360° rotating restaurant

Orbit 360° is a rotating restaurant that combines panoramic Auckland views with elevated dining high above the city skyline.

Views from the top at Auckland Sky Tower

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Rangitoto Island

From the Sky Deck, you can spot Rangitoto Island rising from the harbour, known for its distinctive volcanic cone and lava-formed landscape.

Gallery image for Hauraki Gulf islands
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Gallery image for Mount Eden (Maungawhau)

Plan your visit to Auckland Sky Tower

  • Opening hours: Usually open daily from 9:30am, with closing between 8pm and 10pm depending on season and day.
  • Last entry: Final admission is typically 45 minutes before closing.
  • Timed entry: Some sunset and combo tickets may include timed entry slots.
  • Typical duration: Allow 1–2 hours for the observation decks.
  • Weather impact: Indoor decks stay open in most weather, but SkyWalk and SkyJump can close during strong winds.
  • For quieter visits: Weekday mornings are usually less crowded.
  • For photography: Visit on clear days for the best long-distance views.
  • For sunset: Arrive 30–60 minutes before sunset for changing skyline views.
  • By season: Summer is busiest, while autumn and winter often have crisper visibility.
  • Address: Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand | Find on maps
  • Area: Central Auckland.

Getting there

  • Walk: The tower is about a 7–10 minute walk from central Auckland and the waterfront area.
  • Train: From Britomart Transport Centre, it takes around 10–12 minutes to walk to Sky Tower.
  • Bus: Several city bus routes stop nearby, with most stops just a 3–5 minute walk away.
  • Car/taxi: Visitors arriving by car or taxi can use the SkyCity parking complex directly beneath the tower.
  • Main entrance: Visitor entry is through the Sky Tower lobby inside the SkyCity Auckland complex.
  • Busy periods: Lobby queues are usually longest around sunset, weekends, and public holidays.
  • Adventure check-in: SkyWalk and SkyJump guests have a separate check-in area for safety briefings and gear fitting.
  • Restrooms: Washrooms are available in the main lobby and on selected observation levels.
  • Viewing areas: Indoor 360° observation decks feature panoramic viewing spaces, glass-floor panels, and interactive displays.
  • Dining: The tower includes cafés, bars, and the Orbit 360° rotating restaurant.
  • Gift shop: A souvenir store near the exit sells Sky Tower merchandise, postcards, and Auckland-themed gifts.
  • Accessibility: Elevators provide step-free access to the public observation levels.
  • Step-free access: Elevators and ramps provide wheelchair-friendly access throughout the public visitor areas.
  • Lift access: High-speed elevators can accommodate wheelchairs, mobility scooters, and strollers.
  • Accessible facilities: Accessible restrooms are available within the SkyCity complex and tower levels.
  • Adventure experiences: SkyWalk and SkyJump have separate physical and safety requirements, and may not be suitable for all visitors.
  • Dining options include Orbit 360° rotating restaurant, The Sugar Club, SkyBar, and Sky Café.
  • Reservations are recommended, especially for dinner and sunset time slots.
  • Many restaurants include elevated harbour and skyline views, making dining part of the overall Sky Tower experience.
  • The Sky Tower gift shop near the exit sells souvenirs, postcards, apparel, and New Zealand-themed gifts.
  • Visitors can also browse nearby retail and convenience stores within the wider SkyCity Auckland complex.
  • All visitors may undergo bag checks and security screening before entry.
  • Re-entry is generally not permitted once you leave the observation areas.
  • Photography is allowed on the decks, though tripods and large equipment may be restricted during busy periods.
  • Smoking and vaping are not permitted inside the tower or observation areas.
  • Children must be supervised at all times, especially near glass-floor sections.
  • Outside food and drinks may be restricted on observation levels.
  • SkyWalk and SkyJump participants must meet specific age, weight, and health requirements.
  • Large luggage and oversized items may not be permitted on observation decks or elevators.

Visitor tips & guidelines

  • Start at the Main Observation Deck to ease into the height before heading higher.
  • For the best harbour and bridge views, head to the northwest side of the Main Deck.
  • The Sky Deck’s northeast windows offer the clearest long-distance island views.
  • Leave the Sky Deck a little before sunset, crowds begin descending to avoid elevator queues.
  • On hazy or rainy days, the lower observation levels often provide clearer city views.
  • For better photos, stand close to the window edges to reduce glass reflections.
  • Glass-floor sections can feel intimidating at first—watching others step onto them often helps.
  • Wheelchair and stroller users may find central viewing areas easier to navigate during busy periods.
  • Use the orientation panels first to quickly identify major landmarks across the skyline.

Frequently asked questions about Auckland Sky Tower tickets

No. A standard ticket only covers indoor decks. SkyWalk and SkyJump are separate experiences with their own tickets and restrictions.