Sky Tower

We took the bus into Auckland for a first look at the big city.

One very dramatic landmark that you can see from all around the area is the Sky Tower.

Sky Tower, originally uploaded by Fluffy Bear.

It's a little like Blackpool tower in that it serves no great practical purpose other than providing something good to look at. You can also go up it - so that's what we decided to do.

The lift has a glass floor and glass doors so that you can see out and down. Great fun! We met a nice couple in the lift who were dressed exactly the same. They were obviously a little eccentric as they went on to do this!

Once at the top of the tower you can get 360 degree views all around Auckland.

Nice Views, originally uploaded by Fluffy Bear.

There are also places where the concrete floor has been replaced with glass so that you can keep an eye on everything happening below you.

Kate and the Glass Floor, originally uploaded by Fluffy Bear.

Pausing only for Fiona to sample the Best Hot Chocolate Ever in the Sky Lounge Cafe we took the glass bottomed lift back down again and then headed on over to Vitoria Park market for a bit of a mooch around.

Shopping, originally uploaded by Fluffy Bear.

After a few more stops we paused for some refreshments and the Best Fruit Salad Ever, catching the bus back home again just in time to get caught up in the rush hour traffic!

You can see a few more Auckland & Sky Tower pictures here.