The Sky Tower is Auckland's defining landmark — at 328 metres it is the tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere and has dominated the city skyline since 1997. The tower combines observation decks (at 186m and 220m, with glass floor panels that provide vertigo-inducing views straight down to Federal Street), a revolving restaurant (Orbit 360°, one complete rotation per hour), and the SkyJump, a 192-metre wire-controlled jump from the main deck that reaches speeds of 85 km/h.
The tower was built to be the centrepiece of the SkyCity casino complex, and the blend of casino, hotel, restaurants, and observation platform creates a vertical city inside a single structure. The tower is lit in different colours nightly to mark holidays, sports victories, and charity campaigns, making it Auckland's largest canvas. On clear days the view extends 80 kilometres — the Coromandel Peninsula visible to the east, the Waitakere Ranges to the west.
Verified Facts
The Sky Tower is 328 metres tall, the tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere
It was completed in 1997
The SkyJump is a 192-metre wire-controlled jump
The Orbit 360° restaurant completes a full rotation every hour
Get walking directions
Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD
