The Sky Tower needs no introduction and is the most famous landmark in Auckland by a country mile!

While it's very touristy, and I don't know any locals who regularly go up there, a trip to the Sky Tower is a must-do if you're visiting Auckland city for the first time. When my family first moved here from England about 17 years ago, we went through that classic "relative visits New Zealand for the first time" phase. In the early years, I went up the Sky Tower more times than I can count!

Most people experience the views from the top of the Sky Tower by taking a trip to the observation deck. However, if that sounds too tame for you, you can jump off the Sky Tower (yes, really) or do the SkyWalk, where you’re harnessed in and walk around the outside of the tower. My mum’s a adrenaline junkie and managed to convinced my Nan, who was 74 at the time, to do the SkyWalk with her. I’m scared of heights and can feel my hands sweating while writing this. But they both absolutely loved it.

If you'd prefer to stay inside the tower (I don't blame you), I recommend booking a table at the Orbit restaurant. The restaurant slowly rotates, so over an hour, you'll get a full, 360-degree view of the city while you eat. Try to time your booking just before sunset! It’s a beautiful spot for a special night out, your first Auckland visit, or even just to see the city from a new angle.