Auckland Between Art, Views and Nature

Views and Heights at the Sky Tower

The Sky Tower has three observation decks. One admission ticket gives you access to the Main Observation at 186 metres, The Lookout at 192 metres and the Sky Deck at 220 metres above street level. The height figures clearly distinguish the levels: the lowest and highest decks are 34 metres apart. The SkyWalk offers a different experience: it takes you along an exposed outdoor walkway with no handrails, beside a 192-metre drop. This gives you two different experiences at the same structure to choose from: the view from one of the decks or the walk along the outdoor walkway. If you choose your visits according to your interests, you can take these differences into account without treating the decks and the SkyWalk as the same experience.

Art in Different Forms

Auckland Art Gallery Toi o Tāmaki holds more than 17,500 works of art. These include outstanding works by Māori and Pacific artists, as well as international collections of paintings, sculpture and prints dating from the 11th century to the present day. You can explore this broad range by medium, cultural perspective and time period, rather than reducing the gallery to a single era. For children, the family-friendly Creative Learning Centre offers hands-on art-making activities. Alongside engaging with the collection, children can also enjoy a practical introduction to making art.

A single audiovisual work offers a different perspective: Reihana’s large-scale video installation Ihi in the lobby of the Aotea Centre tells the story of the world’s creation from a Māori perspective. Its format as a continuous video work sets it apart from the gallery’s collection.

The Silo Park Art Trail complements these cultural themes in a different form. It is a waterfront path in the Wynyard Quarter featuring artworks whose unique stories are inspired by Māori culture. Unlike the collection, with its wide span of time, the focus here is on the connection between the path and artworks with Māori-inspired stories. You can explore your interest in art through different forms: a collection, a video installation and a waterfront path.

Winter Gardens and Forest in Auckland Domain

The Wintergardens in Auckland Domain comprise two large glasshouses with temperate or tropical plants, as well as an enclosed courtyard with a fishpond and fountain. The gardens therefore bring together different features: plants in the glasshouses, and water and a fountain in the courtyard.

A short forest trail in Auckland Domain also winds through a hilly section of native forest and offers views across Auckland. This trail has a different focus from the Wintergardens: here, the forest, hilly terrain and city views shape the experience, while the Wintergardens feature glasshouses, plants, a pond and a fountain. Comparing the two can help you decide between a short walk through native forest and a garden with glasshouses and a courtyard.

Tour Times and Directions

General collection tours at Auckland Art Gallery take place on weekdays at 1:30 pm and on the first Saturday of the month at 11:00 am and 1:30 pm. Check the times before you arrive. For the Sky Tower, as a guide, it’s a one-minute walk from a bus stop; parking is available on site at SKYCITY. If you use this information to plan your visit, check the visitor arrangements in advance.

Discover More Destinations

Awhitu, Half Moon Bay, Tuakau, Big Omaha, Glen Murray, Great Barrier Island, Devonport, Helensville

For the overview of the wider region: Auckland.