We went to the tower and booked a table in the 'Observatory' restaurant, because the Orbit restaurant (which rotates) was fully booked and then walked down to the harbour. It was not very interesting. Auckland is mainly tower blocks and it didn't inspire us.

We arrived at the Sky Tower at 8 pm and went up to the main observation deck where we had 45 mins to look around. Auckland looked quite good at night with the lights on. Sometimes the top of the tower was shrouded in cloud. We then went up two more floors to the Observatory for our meal. This was a buffet meal which was mainly seafood and we could eat as much as we liked. We decided that this was the better choice of restaurants at night because it was difficult to pick out many distinctive features with just lights. It was also extremely good value, the meal cost $59.99 but included the time on the observation deck which costs $25 on its own. The food was excellent and included a complimentary entree, and the waiter was very attentive although it was strange to be called Mam and also you guys! The walkway that we had seen people on was immediately outside our windows. The jump platform was also on this level.