New Zealand – Auckland

I am a sucker for a tower. Viewed from particular angles, these modern-day obelisks take on an alien semblance, with their masts and radio transmitters, reinforced concrete and observation decks. Jackpot struck when visiting Auckland in 2009. There, high above the skyline, prodding indolent clouds with its spire, and taller than any structure in New Zealand’s capital, was Sky Tower…

Sky Tower, Auckland, New Zealand: f/5.6; 1/500sec

Sky Tower, Auckland, New Zealand: f/5.6; 1/500sec

Love at first glance, I made my way from bus stop whence I was deposited, through city streets, tumbling out of buildings and with sights firmly set on that magnificent mast, came headlong upon one of its eight ‘legs’ based, I am to soon learn, on 16 foundation piles drilled deep into the local sandstone.

Time to ascend Sky Tower’s interior, my intention to reach the blue/green reflective glass of those observation decks I spied seated on the bus. 40 seconds later, feet hit glass…

Sky Tower Observation Deck glass flooring: f/2.8; 1/500sec

Sky Tower Observation Deck glass flooring: f/2.8; 1/500sec

Auckland is by all accounts a windy city, clouds perpetually rolling in, storms frequent, and gales thrashing man and building alike. Clever engineers as they were, Sky Tower was designed to remain essentially undamaged during storms with winds gusting to 200 km/hr (125 mph). At such speeds, my guide breathlessly pointed out, the top of the Tower’s concrete shaft sways a full metre. Feet gingerly shuffled off the glass…

Land of the Long White Cloud: New Zealand - Auckland Harbour: f/4; 1/750sec

Land of the Long White Cloud: New Zealand – Auckland Harbour: f/4; 1/750sec

At 328 metres (1,076 ft) tall, Sky Tower symbolises Auckland; this modern city’s icon it has become. From where I stood on that observation deck, miles and miles of New Zealand was laid out before me. On a clear day I was told, 80km is the visibility. That’s alot of Auckland to fit in. May your next visit to the antipodes take in Auckland too.

 

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