Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
(
www.skycityauckland.co.nz
;
cnr Federal & Victoria Sts; adult/child $28/11; 8.30am-10.30pm)
The impossible-to-miss Sky Tower looks like a giant hypodermic giving a fix to the
heavens. Spectacular lighting renders it space-age at night and the colours change for
special events. At 328m it is the southern hemisphere's tallest structure. A lift takes you
up to the observation decks in 40 stomach-lurching seconds; look down through the glass
floor panels if you're after an extra kick. Visit at sunset and have a drink in the Sky
Lounge Cafe & Bar.
The Sky Tower is also home to the SkyWalk (
Click here
)
and SkyJump (
Click here
)
.
Civic Theatre
ARCHITECTURE
(
www.civictheatre.co.nz
; cnr Queen & Wellesley Sts)
The 'mighty Civic' (1929) is one of seven
'atmospheric theatres' remaining in the world and a fine survivor from cinema's Golden
Age. The auditorium has lavish Moorish decoration, and the starlit southern-hemisphere
sky in the ceiling (complete with cloud projections) gives the illusion of being under a
night sky. It's mainly used for touring musicals, international concerts and film-festival
screenings.
Even if nothing is scheduled, try and sneak a peek at the foyer, an Indian indulgence
with elephants and monkeys hanging from every conceivable fixture. Buddhas were
planned to decorate the street frontage but were considered too risqué at the time - they
chose neoclassical naked boys instead!
St Patrick's Cathedral
CHURCH
(
www.stpatricks.org.nz
; 43 Wyndham St; 7am-7pm)
Auckland's Catholic cathedral (1907) is
one of the city's loveliest buildings. Polished wood and Belgian stained glass lend
warmth to the interior of the majestic Gothic Revival church. There's a historical display
in the old confessional on the left-hand side.
Britomart, Viaduct
Harbour & Wynyard Quarter
Stretching for only a small grid of blocks above the train station, Britomart is a compact
enclave of historic buildings and new developments that has been transformed into one
of the city's best eating, drinking and shopping precincts. Most of Auckland's top fashion
designers have recently decamped to the Britomart area from further uptown in High St.
