Six Ways to Get High in Auckland This New Year

With 2010 just a few winks away, resolutions are being made and firmed up. For both visitors and locals, here’s a list of things that will help start the New Year in Auckland with a bang and do things you never have before:

SkyJump at the Sky Tower in Auckland

1) SkyWalk – Suspended high up at 192 metres is the 1.2-metre wide ledge that encircles the widest part of Sky Tower, corner Victoria and Federal Streets in Auckland City Central. Just step out on the ledge and walk the perimeter of the Sky Tower wearing a safety harness and rope — sans rails or balcony to hold onto! While you go around 360 degrees, get your photo taken, have spectacular views of Auckland city and harbour, learn some Auckland history and landmarks basics, and hear the amazing story of the Sky Tower’s construction. All while hanging at the edge! Rates are at $135 for adults, $115 for students (with I.D.), and $100 for children 10-15 years of age. Book online at www.skywalk.co.nz or call 0800 SKYWALK.

2) SkyJump – An equal thrill that will get your adrenaline truly pumping is Sky Jumping from the Sky Tower, which recently installed new technology allowing even the lightest jumper will fall at the same speed as the heaviest jumper would. That’s about 85 km/hour with a drop time of around 11 seconds! An awesome way to get rid of any fear of heights. Rates are at $195 per adult, $175 per student (with I.D.), and $145 per child 10-15 years old. For booking, visit www.skyjump.co.nz or call 0800 SKYJUMP.

3) Look ‘n Leap – Why not do both SkyWalk and SkyJump at the Sky Tower? You get a discounted rate of $260 per person. You can call either 0800 SKYWALK or 0800 SKYJUMP for booking or visit either of their Websites.

4) Auckland Bridge Bungy Jump – Only in Auckland can you find the first harbour bridge bungy jump in the world, and it is run by bungy original AJ Hackett Bungy. It’s a state-of-the-art personal challenge right under the bridge at Pier 2, where jumpers make a 40-metre leap over the Waitemata Harbour, kiwi style. There are several bungy jump options, among which is the favourite “water touch.” Fee is $120 per person, inclusive of a T-shirt. Minimum age requirement is 10 years; body weight should be at least 35kg, but no more than 150kg; and the minimum height requirement is 120cm. The site is closed on holidays, though, so better wait till 4 January at the earliest. Best to call +64 9 361 2000 or 0800 462 5462 (within New Zealand) or Email aucklandbungy@bungy.co.nz for booking.

5) Auckland Bridge Climb – If you’re more of a Spiderman than a Superman, climbing the Auckland Bridge at the Westhaven Reserve, Westhaven Marina (5 minutes from downtown Auckland) might be just for you. AJ Hackett Bungy offers this one and only Bridge Climb in New Zealand, with your very own tour guide at that. The climb lasts 1 1/2 hours, making you wonder what to do most of the time: look at your feet or check the spectacular view. Minimum age required is 7 years old; minimum weight of 35kg and a maximum of 150kg; minimum height of 120cm. Expectant women past their first trimester are not allowed to take part in this activity, though. The climb costs $120 per person. For booking and more information, call +64 9 361 2000 or 0800 GO CLIMB (Within New Zealand) or Email enquiries@aucklandbridgeclimb.co.nz.

If neither climbing or bungy jumping are for you or if you haven’t fully decided to give it go yet, then try being a Bungy Viewing Spectator. You can watch friends or family jump from a retro-styled ‘Bungy pod’, which is the closest you can get to the action. Included in the experience is an exclusive, guided 10-minute bridge walk. Fee is $35 per person.

6) Balloon Safari – “Would you like to fly in my beautiful balloon,” the song goes. Well, in New Zealand, you can do just that and almost touch the sky with a Balloon Safari that starts after dawn when the wind is said to be gentle. New Zealand’s oldest balloon company offers a variety of balloons, with the largest nearly 110 feet tall and can carry up to eight passengers at one time. Flight time is approximately one hour, but it is advised to allow around four hours for total excursion from pick to landing. Current rate is $330 per person, inclusive of the traditional celebration of bubbly and snacks served at the end of the flight. No special clothing is required since the temperature on air is no colder than on the ground. It is, nonetheless, recommended to wear flat shoes and a cap. For booking or more information, call +64 09 4158289 or Email davidbarrow@balloonsafaris.co.nz

Go greet 2010 with a rush and make a resolve to do all or at least one of these high adventures.

Photo credit: craigsydnzou never