Jason E.
Yelp
My family and I stopped through SkyTower on a whim after we wrapped up the morning at MOTAT. I appreciate how easy it is get around Auckland. I feel like the same trip from one side of the city to the city center in most other major cities would take much longer than 20 minutes.
Anyway, with some extra time, we stopped here. It was super easy to get in and out, thanks to this being associated with a huge casino, which always comes with a huge parking garage. Obviously, you need to ensure it's easy to get around if you want people to come here and gamble. So, thanks, gamblers!
I like visiting tall buildings with observation decks. They're always a showcase for how a city views itself, and what it wants to show you. SkyTower is a solid choice. Not the best (that was Taipei 101, or maybe Tokyo Tower), and not the worst (that was Sydney Tower Eye). Auckland doesn't have the most conducive skyline to gazing from on high, but it's worth a look.
A basic ticket gets you to the 51st floor, with an option to take a second elevator to the 60th floor. In either case you're only about halfway up the tower, as the spire makes up a majority of highest points of the structure. The journey to the 51st floor is made in a partially glass elevator -- those who are not into that should be warned.
What I appreciate, compared to other towers, is once you're in the tower, there's not a huge effort to upsell to other experiences. The point is to enjoy the view. And the windows, which arc out from the tower, allow you to see all the way to the ground. There's even one section of the observation deck that is thick glass floor, which is always fun.
Worth a stop to get a different perspective on the city. Not essential, but fun if it is your thing.