New Zealand: The Long White Cloud - The Wise World Traveler: Becoming a Part of All that You Meet - page 305

Figure 20.3. The Sky Tower in Auckland
Auckland, on North Island, is the country's largest city, with a metropolitan population
of over 1.3 million, covering an area of almost 400 square miles. Harbors and marinas
spread across the waterfront. The city boasts that it has more privately owned small ships
than any place on the globe.
The city's landmark and symbol befits an island nation: Sky Tower, a 1,000-foot spear
probing the sky. Opened in 1997, Sky Tower is the tallest building south of the equator. It
serves as a communications tower and tourist attraction. High up are a restaurant and view-
ing decks that sweep sea and land. Viewing distance is about fifty miles. At night, a lit Sky
Tower, Auckland's modern-day lighthouse, is visible far out at sea.