Joanna James
Standing tall at 328 meters, Sky Tower is the tallest high-rise building found in the Southern Hemisphere. If you have time only for one attraction in Auckland, it must be Sky Tower.
Sky Tower forms a part of Sky City casino complex, and it was owned by Harrah's Entertainment when it was built. The designer of the structure was Gordon Moller, and he worked with Fletcher Construction to complete the project from 1994 to 1997. At the time it was built, the tower wasn't supposed to be what it is today. But today the tower is the centre of adrenaline activities and entertainment in Auckland.
The current structure looks very different from its original design. The original design would have delivered an aluminium-clad fixture, and the idea was to give it a futuristic appeal. However, the original design was overruled, and a concrete shaft with a smooth finish was chosen. The subsequent project significantly brought down the cost, but even so, it was one of the largest commercial projects at the time; the total cost was NZ$ 69 million.
The project was completed ahead of the speculated completion date, but the constructors were yet to see the end of their challenges. Several structural factors needed to be addressed. The structure had to be impregnable, and it had to be strong enough to withstand earthquakes and strong winds without the requirement of special maintenance. The constructors had to devise various machinations to make sure that the tower stood perfectly straight and aligned. The tower was supposed to be a sprawling structure that occupied the entire central city block, it was a huge challenge, and it seemed impossible to achieve it. But the constructors came up with several ideas and devised methods to overcome all the obstacles standing in the way.
The tower was supposed to work as a radio and telecommunication facility when the idea was first thought of. It wasn't supposed to be an entertaining centre that receives tourists who want to have a great time. But today, the tower offers many an activity, and above all, the tower offers the best views of the area. Sky Tower still plays its early role; it hosts the world's largest single FM radio transmitter, wireless internet, local television broadcasts and a mobile network. The tower also offers free Wi-Fi to visitors.
Sky Tower has become an Auckland must-see and one of the things to do in Auckland city. Its fame as a tourist attraction is such that in the vicinity, you find accommodation options like Avani Metropolis Auckland Residences. Tower touts a wide range of tourist activities. Bungy jumping and walking along the outer ledges are daring activities aimed at those who are energetic; others, however, take pleasure in viewing the city as a whole. Tourists can also treat themselves to delicious food offered at the three restaurants found at the tower.
The views Sky Tower brings you are absolutely breath-taking, nowhere in Auckland can you see what you see from up the Sky Tower observation deck; the historical locations, volcanoes and the key landmarks in the city can be viewed. Tourists are offered vistas from every direction within an 80-kilometre radius.
At the base of the tower is a casino centre. The place welcomes visitors every day, around the clock; the only exception is Christmas Day.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
