When the time finally comes to book that overseas holiday, New Zealand has been historically overlooked for more prominent destinations on the map, but anyone who has visited will agree that it’s not one to be missed. New Zealand is a country that balances a fascinating cultural history with an exciting modern outlook, and the cityis at the helm of its ongoing progress. If you’re ready to hedge your bets and win big, Auckland is the place to be – and the below pointers will get you over the line and booked in no time.
The casino, the venue and the games
SkyCity is a major gambling and entertainment company with bases in five locations across New Zealand and Australia, including Auckland, Hamilton, Queenstown, Wharf Casino and Adelaide. Not only is SkyCity Auckland one of the biggest casino chains in the country, but it also has one of the biggest online casinos in NZ – a great convenience for those who want access to an amazing variety of games, like the bingo section at Skycity, without leaving the comfort of home.
SkyCity casinos attract several hundred high-stakes gamblers, often from East Asia, who may gamble hundreds of thousands of dollars in one visit. Still, the venue caters to seasoned players and first-timers alike with games powered by the latest cutting-edge technology, from classic slots and roulette to modern variations on poker and blackjack. Located at the base of the Sky Tower, the casino is a great place to kick off your Auckland adventure.
For visitors exploring beyond the entertainment complex, booking with Auckland city car rental makes it easy to discover more of what the city has to offer.
Why visit Sky Tower Auckland?
The Sky Tower has been declared the city’s number ˚one attraction for travellers – and for several good reasons. Standing at 328 metres tall, the tower is the second tallest freestanding structure in the Southern Hemisphere with 360-degree views of Auckland’s sparkling harbours, ancient volcanoes and other remarkable natural features, making it a fabulous viewing platform for intrepid travellers. The reasons to visit the Sky Tower are as infinite as its view of Auckland, particularly with each of the following points factored in.
Dinner and a show
The Sky Tower offers a variety of unique dining experiences, including the Orbit 360° dining restaurant – a culinary experience that makes a full rotation every hour, giving patrons a full visual experience. Just when you think the meal can’t get any more exciting, there’s the SkyBar – the highest bar in New Zealand, boasting 360° views from sunrise to sunset.
Adrenaline-fueled activities
Though not for the faint of heart, there are several high-octane experiences on offer for daring visitors. Top of the list is the SkyWalk, a thrilling walk along a platform 192 metres high that challenges you to defy gravity, and, for those who are ready to take things to a new level, the SkyJump – a bungee jump from the same observation deck. Of course, for those who prefer to enjoy the view without the risk, there are three observation decks as high as 60 levels up.
This iconic landmark on Auckland’s skyline also plays host to a variety of events, including the annual stair climb challenges like the Step Up Sky Tower Challenge and the Tower de Force competition.
Interactive installations
If you’re not up to the thrills of defying gravity for real, there are alternatives that offer all the excitement without the risk. For example, the Sky Tower offers virtual reality experiences like the SkySlide – an installation that gives you the feeling of sliding down the outside of the SkyTower in a glass tube. There are also a variety of activities on offer around school holiday periods, perfect for keeping the whole family entertained.
Expanding the Auckland adventure
The SkyCity casino and Sky Tower are key attractions not to be missed, but once you’ve seen it all, Auckland has plenty more to offer. From the rugged beaches and mountainous terrain to the endless range of historical artefacts that live within the confines of the Auckland War Memorial Museum and the Art Gallery Toi o Tamaki, there’s no shortage of ways to take your Auckland experience to new heights. The Awhitu Peninsula is one spot not to be missed, with amazing ocean views, gourmet meals, a luxury spa and plenty of adventurous activities like blokarting, archery and clay bird shooting. If you manage to exhaust the entertainment options in the city, there are several islands and locations within close range offering unique experiences – from whale and dolphin safaris on the Hauraki Gulf to world-class wineries on Waiheke Island and the dormant volcanic cone that is Rangitoto Island.
This is just one particular place that ticks so many boxes, and New Zealand itself has even more to offer, so if you haven’t already, now is a good time to be looking into ticket prices and planning your trip to the land of the long white cloud.
