Hanging around: the Auckland Sky Jump
It’s Friday afternoon and I’ve already had SO much fun during the week driving around some of the North Island of New Zealand. I always planned to finish the week with a bungy jump… and well, why not?
When in Rome and all that! The jump is a ten minute walk from our hotel, the VR Queen Street Hotel and Suites and I’m hopping off the edge of Auckland’s highest tower at 10.30. Wish me luck!
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!)
My last meal…
I was initially considering jumping off the Auckland Bridge but the Sky Tower can be seen from most of Auckland and it’s lured me in. In fact, seeing the tower every night for a week also builds a bit of nervous excitement and because it’s so prominent on the skyline, it’s great pub bragging rights. Not to mention, it’s the highest bungy jump in NZ.
Sky Tower
I arrive at the base of the tower and realise she’s a lofty old girl, 328m including the Antenna spire. I check in and meet some of the squad who’ll be looking after me. I take a seat in the waiting area and watch videos of other jumpers. Psyched.
Shortly after check in, I’m helped into a harness and escorted to a glass bottomed lift to follow in the footsteps of celebs before me. **Cough** Beyonce and Ellie Goulding. There’s 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’t leave the ground, the attendant apologises and explains the lifts are having teething problems. I jokingly say it’s not going to be a problem because I’m going to jump off when I get to the top…
Auckland Sky Jump
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’m 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’m 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.
Prior to that ‘new starter’ 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…and there’s a rookie checking my bungy rope?! Then I think: everyone has to learn, my socks match, I’ve had a good breakfast and a decent innings. These guys are super professional and incredibly thorough. I’m definitely in safe hands.
This 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 ‘I made it’. My Mum’s last words were “Oh Christopher, you’ve always been reckless. Just enjoy it and let me know you’re still alive”.
I get the call, it’s time to get hooked up.
I walk out, get some photos taken, and there’s more safety checks. This is it. I’m guided to the end of the platform and told to hold the two vertical bars to my left and right.
This is it
At this stage my feet are half way off, I’m told to lean forward and listen to the countdown.
3
2
1
JUMP!!
Argh!!!!
A long way down
Check out the video for the moving version!
It’s pretty fast. You reach 85km per hour and there’s a large dartboard target at the bottom that gets close very quickly.
High-fives all round!
That’s it. Job done! I’ve 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.
The Sky Jump is incredibly convenient, with amazing views and didn’t destroy my hair for my lunch date. A winner all round I’d say!
Have you done the Sky Jump? Tell us about it in the comments.
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