Sky Tower: the symbol of Auckland

Auckland's most prominent landmark is the Sky Tower.  It has a similar shape to Seattle's Space Needle, but is almost twice as tall.

This skyscraper was opened on 3rd March 1997 after 3 years of construction.  It truly is a sight to behold, and is visible from almost every nook of the city and surrounding areas.

In its "disc" part, there is a rotating restaurant that is appropriately called Orbit and next to this tall giant is the famous SKYCITY Casino.

Mr. Ken Chaichana of Barfoot & Thompson Real Estate (my host for this New Zealand trip) graciously treated me to one final meal there before I returned to Thailand the next morning.  If you're looking to buy or sell property in the Auckland area, please be sure to look up Mr. Chaichana at a local B&T office.  He'll find you a great deal.

So tall that I can't even fit it all in the picture

Sky Tower as viewed from Queen Street

Sky Tower dominating the Auckland skyline, viewed from Westhaven Marina

Twilight of my last evening in Auckland

Taste perfection:  Hawke's Bay lamb loin (I like my red meat rare) with feta cheese polenta cake, borlotti bean casserole and mint oil

One final chips with aioli to share with my host

Valrhona Jivara chocolate delight with passionfruit centre.  Like most Kiwi sweets I've tasted so far, the fruit flavour isn't as pronounced as I would have liked it.