{"id":34941,"date":"2014-09-26T10:12:37","date_gmt":"2014-09-26T00:12:37","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/blog\/?p=34766"},"modified":"2018-05-14T08:08:01","modified_gmt":"2018-05-13T22:08:01","slug":"hanging-around-the-auckland-sky-jump","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.lastminute.com.au\/vc\/blog\/hanging-around-the-auckland-sky-jump\/","title":{"rendered":"Hanging around: the Auckland Sky Jump"},"content":{"rendered":"

It\u2019s Friday afternoon and I\u2019ve already had SO much fun during the week driving around some of the North Island of New Zealand<\/a>. I always planned to finish the week with a bungy jump\u2026 and well, why not?<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

When in Rome<\/a> and all that! The jump is a ten minute walk from our hotel, the VR Queen Street Hotel and Suites<\/a> and I\u2019m hopping off the edge of Auckland\u2019s highest tower at 10.30. Wish me luck!<\/p>\n

The sensible traveller would ensure a light breakfast, just in case those butterflies got the better of them at the top. With this in mind, I order a full English breakfast, coffee and I even bring my own Tim Tam. After all, this may be my last meal. (jokes!)<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"My<\/a>

My last meal…<\/p><\/div>\n

I was initially considering jumping off the Auckland Bridge but the Sky Tower can be seen from most of Auckland and it\u2019s lured me in. In fact, seeing the tower every night for a week also builds a bit of nervous excitement and because it\u2019s so prominent on the skyline, it\u2019s great pub bragging rights. Not to mention, it\u2019s the highest bungy jump in NZ<\/a>.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Sky<\/a>

Sky Tower<\/p><\/div>\n

I arrive at the base of the tower and realise she\u2019s a lofty old girl, 328m including the Antenna spire. I check in and meet some of the squad who\u2019ll be looking after me. I take a seat in the waiting area and watch videos of other jumpers. Psyched.
\nShortly after check in, I\u2019m helped into a harness and escorted to a glass bottomed lift to follow in the footsteps of celebs before me. **Cough**<\/strong> Beyonce and Ellie Goulding. There\u2019s an attendant and an older couple in the lift (who were getting off at the observation deck, one floor below the jump level). At first the lift won\u2019t leave the ground, the attendant apologises and explains the lifts are having teething problems. I jokingly say it\u2019s not going to be a problem because I\u2019m going to jump off when I get to the top\u2026<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Auckland<\/a>

Auckland Sky Jump<\/p><\/div>\n

When the lift opens you can go left to the Sugar Club bar or right to the Sky Jump. Under normal circumstances the bar would definitely be a goer. However, as I\u2019m dressed like superman and with the way the harness is arranged (could have resulted in an indecent exposure offense), I take a right. The waiting area is a glass box room with panoramic views across Auckland. I meet the team and I\u2019m asked to wait while the safety checks are completed. At this point, the senior chap explains it will take a little longer because they have a new starter.
\nPrior to that \u2018new starter\u2019 comment, I was feeling great. I started thinking; I remember being a learner driver, I remember the first time I used a washing machine (recently), I still have the shirts I turned pink with my red shorts\u2026and there\u2019s a rookie checking my bungy rope?! Then I think: everyone has to learn, my socks match, I\u2019ve had a good breakfast and a decent innings. These guys are super professional and incredibly thorough. I\u2019m definitely in safe hands.
\nThis is going to be awesome. Jump off, take some GoPro footage (they kit you out), check my hair is completely destroyed, let loved ones know \u2018I made it\u2019. My Mum\u2019s last words were \u201cOh Christopher, you\u2019ve always been reckless. Just enjoy it and let me know you\u2019re still alive\u201d.
\nI get the call, it\u2019s time to get hooked up.
\nI walk out, get some photos taken, and there\u2019s more safety checks. This is it. I\u2019m guided to the end of the platform and told to hold the two vertical bars to my left and right.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"This<\/a>

This is it<\/p><\/div>\n

At this stage my feet are half way off, I\u2019m told to lean forward and listen to the countdown.
\n3
\n2
\n1
\nJUMP!!<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"Argh!!!!\"<\/a>

Argh!!!!<\/p><\/div>\n

\"A<\/a>

A long way down<\/p><\/div>\n

Check out the video<\/a> for the moving version!
\nIt\u2019s pretty fast. You reach 85km per hour and there\u2019s a large dartboard target at the bottom that gets close very quickly.<\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n

\"High-fives<\/a>

High-fives all round!<\/p><\/div>\n

That\u2019s it. Job done! I\u2019ve already ticked skydiving off the bucket list but this was a totally unique experience! Skydiving takes a full day and is very dependent on weather conditions.
\nThe Sky Jump is incredibly convenient, with amazing views and didn\u2019t destroy my hair for my lunch date. A winner all round I\u2019d say!
\nHave you done the Sky Jump? Tell us about it in the comments.<\/strong><\/p>\n

 <\/p>\n