SkyJump & SkyWalk

The SkyJump. You look at people doing it from 192m below and wonder, how does that feel? Having relished my skydiving and bunjee experiences there was one more adrenaline rush I wanted to try out. So dressed in my fancy blue suit and armed with the camera that will record my fear, I set out to conquer the views of Auckland from above.

Looking good

The activity started back in 2007 when some clever people decided it would be fun to literally jump off the Southern Hemisphere’s tallest infrastructure – the Sky Tower. Safety being the number one concern (you would certainly hope so) and clearly so thanks the heavy machinery (see below), fun is what it’s all about.

Yet another harness check is welcome before I’m told it’s time to go. As I stare below me the scary feeling sets in, and I’m thinking: OK, I have no choice now!

No turning back now!

1,2,3 go and I step off, falling faster than the apple on Newton’s head. As the speed reaches a constant (85km per hour) you can start chilling and enjoying the ride. It may last just a few seconds but the rollercoaster of emotions brought by SkyJump is well worth it. The view is breathtaking, and you should have a go at jumping Matrix style and feel like you’re in a movie!

Watch me jump!

After my jump followed my walk. A quick change of suits from blue to orange and an introduction to my team and we’re back in the lift again for another adventure. Harnessed both at the front and back, we all feel like a bunch of convicts and that helps to break the ice between us. Stepping out onto the platform, it’s windy, and an unnerving feeling creeps in.

Holding on tight!

Ethan, our guide, insists it’s his first day (I’m not buying it) and sets out to challenge us to some aerial tricks. Hands off, walk and look up, and dangle yourself out into the open with your heels of the platform form just a few of them. Needless to say despite my best efforts, I decline in trying and decide to watch my team mates perform. And hats off to them!

Nice trick!

There’s something about walking around at 192m above ground into the open air. But for my part I prefer jumping on all counts. A strange sort of vertigo.

SkyWalk is a great way to sightsee the whole of Auckland – at a bird’s eye view. On a clear day you can see really far, admire the beauty of the Hauraki Gulf Islands and gaze into the Waitemata Harbour. See the Waitakere Ranges and Coromandel Peninsula in the distance. Combining the sights and the fun makes SkyWalk a great attraction, just make sure you’re comfortable with heights!

The team

Thanks to all the team at SkyJump and SkyWalk for an amazing time!

GO EXPLORE!

Steph