Auckland SkyCity unveils Sky Deck Skyscopes and Convention Centre Expansion

Leading Auckland tourist attraction, the Sky Tower located at SkyCity, has added an extra feature to its Sky Deck highest observation level.

The Sky Deck's new SkyScopes view finders are aimed at boosting the customer experience with 18 of the viewing devices positioned around the deck, fixated on key Auckland landmarks. Each SkyScope has accompanying information on the landmark the viewfinder is focused on. The narrative on each landmark with each SkyScope means guests leave the Sky Tower will a renewed or new found knowledge of the Auckland cityscape

SkyCity Auckland's General Manager Simon Jamieson explains "to add an extra feature to the already impressive Sky Tower enhances the experience for our domestic and international visitors.

"The new SkyScopes are proving to be a popular feature and we are already having great feedback from our customers."

The project is providing new and returning customers with an additional activity inside the Sky Tower to enhance their experience and give them a new found appreciation for the Auckland's key landmarks.

The landmarks that the SkyScopes view are Albert Park, Auckland War Memorial Museum, One Tree Hill, Auckland Town Hall, Mt Eden, Eden Park, Western Springs, Waitakere Ranges, Victoria Park Markets, Westhaven Marina, Chelsea Sugar Factory, Auckland Harbour Bridge, Viaduct Harbour,

Voyager New Zealand Maritime Museum, Rangitoto, North Head, Waiheke Island and Kelly Tarltons Underwater World.

The Sky Deck is the Sky Tower's highest observation level that is accessible to the public. It is situated on level 60 of the Sky Tower at 220 metres above street level offering 360 degree views through virtually seamless glass.

SkyCity Entertainment's proposal for the re-development of Federal Street, which it is eager to see the completed for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, have been backed by an open meeting of Auckland City Councilâs Development Committee.

SkyCity's plan has two major parts to it: the redevelopment of Federal Street creating an enhanced inner city destination with a diversity of great bars and restaurants, and the expansion of the SkyCity Convention Centre across Federal Street.

SkyCity Chief Executive Nigel Morrison explains "this project will see the combination of Council and private funding, itâs hugely positive for the city. Having it completed in time for the Rugby World Cup will ensure significant economic spinoff for the inner city businesses, hotels, bars and restaurants.

"We want to create something that is quite international. Millions of visitors come to the SkyCity every year, but the reality is that Federal Street is currently a street for buses, taxis and entrances into car parks. This proposal will rejuvenate this central area which is pivotal to the majority of the cityâs entertainment areas. It will be great for reviving Aucklandâs inner city."

Morrison says SkyCity plans to invest over $20 million into the development that will greatly improve Aucklandâs standing in the convention space while enhancing the internationalisation of Auckland as a city, in the minds of visitors.

As he adds "we know Auckland has missed out on conferences in the past because it doesnât have a venue that caters for over 1,000 people. These two projects, we believe, with Councilâs cooperation around the resource consent process, could be completed in time for the 2011 Rugby World Cup, capitalising on the expected international and inter-regional visitation to Auckland."