Jumbled up thoughts of fear and my trying to overcome that with bravery raced through my mind as I waited at the base of the Sky Tower, New Zealand’s tallest building, and home to the AJ Hackett Auckland Sky Jump & Sky Walk.
I’m freaking out. I’m about to jump off a 192 meter high building here in Auckland, New Zealand, and I’m sh*t scared of heights!
Should I do it?
I knew jumping off the tower would make a good story for our readers, but I also knew that my fear of heights was very real and one that I possibly couldn’t overcome.
I mean 192 meters if pretty bloody high.
I paced back and forth, taking deep breaths and trying not to think too much about it.
Eventually, my bravery overcame my fear, and I did it. I did the jump.
Want to know what it was like? Here is what it was like bungee jumping from the highest building in New Zealand, Sky Walk Auckland!
About Auckland Skywalk and Jump
The AJ Hackett Auckland Sky Jump & Sky Walk is a thrilling experience at the top of New Zealand’s most famous structure, the Sky Tower, which is the tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere and the tallest tower in NZ.
It’s most famous for the high skywalk around the outside ring of the tallest building, taking in breathtaking views of the city and beyond.
The Sky Jump is an exhilarating free-fall experience, where you jump from the 53rd floor, attached to a steel cable.
If you have friends and family coming to watch you, they can purchase an elevator pass so they can watch you from the Sky Deck.
The Sky Walk is located on the corner of Federal Street and Victoria Streets in Auckland CBD.
For jumping, check out the official website on SkyJump.co.nz, and for walking, check out SkyWalk.co.nz
Kiwis are GREAT at scaring the lights out of people
New Zealand’s fearsome rugby team the “All Blacks” have been intimidating opponents for years.
And the bungy jump is a New Zealand invention.
All over the country there are options for leaping off some structure or natural settings.
If you want adrenalin, if you want to FREAK YOURSELF OUT, come to New Zealand.
My Experience of the Auckland Sky Tower Jump
I’m terrified of heights. I wish that wasn’t the case and I had conquered my fear previously.
I was determined to experience the moment, face my fear and at least get to the top of the Sky Tower.
Getting organized into groups of six, we dressed into orange overalls and were briefed on the safety aspects of the walk.
“I’ll just start with the SkyWalk around the top,” I told myself. “Then I’ll think about jumping off.”
There was no turning back.
After all, it was just a walk right?
Using only a safety harness while walking on a two metre-wide walkway with no handrails, I walked 360 degrees around the external circumference of the tower suspended 192 meters above the ground…
…with nothing but air on either side of me!
Safety on the Skywalk experience is paramount of course, with wind speed being an obvious hazard.
Anything over 50km per hour is considered strong winds and you aren’t allowed to complete the walk.
The wind was gusting up to 70 km per hour, so we could only go half way around the building on the viewing deck, which was fine with me.
On a good day, you can walk around the entire platform and see epic 360-degree views of the city of Sails.
Whilst on the platform you’ll stop at various points to have your photo taken by the crew, learn some Auckland history, learn about the amazing history of its construction and look over at some of Auckland’s landmarks in the distance such as the sparkling harbour.
You can also have a go at leaning over the ledge.
This is easier said than done, particularly letting go of the rope with your hands, which was a definite ‘mental’ safety net.
Hanging off the edge of the tower allowed me to feel some small victory in conquering my fear.
Jumping off the tower
Not only can you walk around the SkyTower, if your game enough you can REALLY freak yourself out by jumping off the platform.
Reaching speeds of 85km per hour, you rush through the air and fall for about 11 seconds.
Again you’re attached to a harness, which is connected to a steel cable that guides you all the way to the ground, landing on a bullseye target.
It’s not quite a bungy jump, it’s basically base jumping by wire cable – just like a stunt man.
It certainly got my heart racing. I have never experienced anything so terrifying and yet so exciting!
It was a great moment when my feet touched the floor.
While I would say it was an excellent experience, I definitely won’t be doing it again.
That was my one trip on the wild side for my Auckland trip and I think my intestinal fortitude was put to the test.
Who can jump the AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand
If you are not sure if you want to jump off the the famous Auckland Sky Tower, then here are some limitations.
The minimum age to do this experience is 10 years old, and anyone under 14 needs to have a parent consent form signed. The maximum weight is 122kg, and the minimum is 30kg (78-279lbs).
Assuming you meet those parameters, should you do it?
Yes, the views are UNBELIEVABLE.
Yes, the thrill would be UNBEATABLE.
And yes I’m sure the experience would be UNFORGETTABLE.
If you’re all about pure adrenaline and living life on the edge, then don’t dream it, go do it.
However, if you’re like me and genuinely terrified of the idea, rather than simply apprehensive, then probably no.
Whilst it’s good to challenge ourselves at times and step outside the comfort zone, never feel obligated to take on adrenaline-fuelled challenges just to prove something. We’re not all made of adventurous stuff and that’s ok.
Nothing is more important than your wellbeing.
For me, the SkyWalk was brave enough and a small victory.
Tips for Doing the Auckland Sky Jump
- Note all jumps AND walks are subject to weather conditions, so plan ahead by checking the wind forecast.
- Wear loose and comfortable clothing.
- Tell the staff of any physical limitations you have such as mobility issues or heart defects before booking.
- No need to bring cameras, the staff will snap your photos for you.
Final Thoughts
So that was the amazing story of the Auckland Sky Tower jump and as you can tell from my reaction, it was a tale I would only want to do once!
If you’re an adrenaline junkie, it’s certainly up there as one of the most thrilling NZ activities you can do, but by no means for the faint hearted.
Auckland is a gorgeous city and the views from the top of the tower are nothing short of stunning, but the jump, that is breathtaking…quite literally!
Still not sure? Read what other travelers have to say at TripAdvisor
QUESTION: What adrenalin activities have you experienced on your travels around the world? Let us know in the comments.
