Auckland (The NZ Today)
Auckland’s iconic Sky Tower has added a new adrenaline attraction, with SkyCity and AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand officially launching SkyRide—described as the world’s highest lift-and-descent adventure ride.
The new experience takes thrill-seekers 192 metres above the ground, lifting riders up the outside of the Sky Tower before sending them on a high-speed, controlled descent back to the base. Riders can experience the attraction either solo or in tandem while enjoying sweeping views of Auckland’s skyline before the dramatic drop.
Unlike a traditional bungy jump, SkyRide keeps participants seated in a secure harness throughout the experience. After being raised to the launch point on the exterior of the tower, riders descend at speeds of up to 100km/h, combining spectacular city views with an intense adrenaline rush.
The attraction becomes the third major adventure experience at the Sky Tower, joining the popular SkyJump, launched in 2001, and SkyWalk, introduced in 2007. Together, the three attractions have helped make the Sky Tower one of New Zealand’s premier adventure tourism destinations.
AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand co-founder and Managing Director Henry van Asch said SkyRide continues the company’s tradition of pushing the boundaries of adventure tourism while offering visitors a completely new way to experience one of Auckland’s most recognisable landmarks.
“SkyRide is a world-first for the height it reaches and continues our mission to redefine what’s possible in vertical adventure experiences,” he said.
SkyCity Hospitality General Manager David Alt said the new attraction would provide both local residents and international visitors with a fresh way to experience Auckland from above, while strengthening the city’s reputation as a destination for world-class tourism experiences.
Among the first people to experience SkyRide was television reporter Lucy Bendall, who described the sudden descent as an unforgettable adrenaline rush, saying the experience felt even more exhilarating than SkyJump because riders remain suspended before being released into the rapid descent.
SkyRide is expected to attract thousands of domestic and international visitors each year, further enhancing Auckland’s tourism offering as New Zealand continues to invest in new visitor experiences. The attraction is open to participants aged 10 years and over, with both single and tandem ride options available, subject to safety requirements.
