Sky Tower, Auckland

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Last updated at 11:42 06 April 2005


Like being up in the clouds? Then take on Auckland's Sky Tower. At 328 metres, it is the Southern Hemisphere's tallest, delivering breaktaking views 80 kilometres in every direction - unless you catch an Auckland raincloud!

So pick your day and take in the sights of the Hauraki Gulf: Rangitoto, the region's youngest volcano, the islands of Waiheke, Great Barrier and their smaller cousins - verdant dots of contoured land scattered across the Gulf's sparkling waters, enticing you towards empty, white beaches.

Getting hungry? Try the Tower's many restaurants. The Observatory (top deck) offers informal dining and a varied buffet menu. Highlights include fresh local fish and sumptuous desserts.

Eat at lunchtime for a cheaper feast and your meal includes your visit to the observation deck.

If you prefer formal dining, the revolving restaurant, Orbit, should be first choice - but may seriously damage your wallet!

Last, but no means least, if you feel daring, you can jump off the top - harnessed of course. This death-defying jaunt comes at an extra fee and I suggest trying it before you lunch.

From the observation deck, brave souls strolling over the glass floor panels can watch jumpers being hauled to an abrupt and jerky halt, so their statutory 'Scared Were You' photo can be taken before they continue their plummet to the landing spot.

It's a tall order to be a man-made attraction in a country of outstanding natural beauty, but - unless you get rain - the Sky Tower hits its mark.

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