SkyCity SkyWalk product reviews

If you want to experience something really special and totally unique that you can tell your friends and family about I would have no hesitation in recommending the SkyWalk as an event that anyone, of almost any age, should consider when in Auckland.

My reasons for saying this are many, but mainly the total professionalism shown by the operators, the absolute buzz that you will experience and the continued adrenalin rush that you will experience.

I found the Sky Walk especially outstanding. The walk is highly informative, totally inspiring and unforgettable. I can't remember how high we were when we walked what seemed the longest walk of my life, but visions of amazing scenery are still embedded in my memory. This whole event is unforgettable.

I believe anyone can complete the SkyWalk. The staff are totally positive and give loads of support and encouragement at every step of the walk to really enhance your confidence, because at first the sensation is quite overwhelming.

Once I had completed this walk I felt a great sense of achievement and relief, but I was walking with a new step in my stride.

My final few words are, for locals, tourists, in fact anyone who wants to spend approx 1-3 hours (depending on whether you do one or both of the two attractions) completing an unforgettable experience in the capable hands of experienced operators, this could be just the ticket.

Being utterly unhappy with heights greater than, well, the distance from my head to the ground... it seemed the height of insanity for me to willingly wander 120 metres around the circumference 192m above the ground, near the top of the SkyTower. A seemingly-thin metal grill walkway a mere 1.2m wide doesn't seem all that safe... until you actually get out there with one of their excellent staff.

Firstly, at the base of the tower, you are dressed in a safety suit and harness, which is checked over before you even get on the elevator to head up to the walkway. I found this very reassuring, and let's face it, when you are putting your life in the hands of a total stranger, you want all the reassurance you can get. After you have been checked out, and weighed, you head off to the elevator for your rapid trip upwards.

Once you are up top, you are led out to the start of the walkaround. This is a platform to one side of the SkyWalk which has an amazing view of... most of Auckland's waterfront and beyond. Your harness is then tighented to full setting and you are hooked up to not one, but two secure lines attached to a runner rig that travels along the overhead secure rail. A static line attaches to your front (which is great to hold on to until your legs stop wobbling), and then a tension rig, similar to a high-load seatbelt, attached to your back.

Once you are all strapped up, clipped in and ready to go, you are run through a safety talk, then off you go. It takes about half an hour to complete the walk around. During that time you are treated to a detailed history lesson about the sights of Auckland and surrounding geographical features, such as the two harbours, the islands within sight, the prominent volcanic cones that Auckland is built upon, and many of the more important parks and buildings nearby.

Also during the trip you'll have some photos taken as momentos, should you wish to purchase them upon your return to terra firma. Afterwards, you are taken back down, and if you are truely brave, you can then change into the really heavy duty, far more fashionably-acceptable flightsuit and let gravity have it's way with you... in a controlled way... on the SkyJump.

Overall, a really great way to see Auckland in a way you never thought you would... but the price is a little bit off-putting for the casual Kiwi. Tourists can probably afford it, but locals, well... Shall we just say that I didn't see many Kiwis doing it during the three days I spent 'casing the joint' prior to my turn.