Auckland cops a lot of flak in NZ because, well, it’s the best. No really, it is. Sure, it may not be a hipster capital (I’m looking at you, Wellington), but it’s a bustling big city that can compete with other world beauties like Vancouver or Seattle. If you’ve only a got a few days in NZ’s biggest city, then there is One Thing You Must Absolutely Do in Auckland.

But it’s a secret, sooo, this is awkward….

Ok, fine, I’ll tell you.

It’s the Sky Tower. You’ve got to do the Auckland Sky Tower.

At 328 metres, this Godzilla-esque tower is the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand. The stunning views of sprawling, dazzling Auckland are simply breath taking. While the views are a main attraction, Auckland’s Sky Tower isn’t just a pretty face. There’s plenty to explore up here, so take a deep breath (and maybe a shot of whiskey for courage) and let’s go exploring.

So, maybe you’re an adrenaline junkie, or perhaps you’re just plain nuts. Either or, the SkyJump may just be your fix. Crazies the world over have jumped and lived to tell their tales, touting it as an absolute must-do. The SkyJump is more like base jumping rather than the ol’ bungee. It’s simple: you’re attached to a wire and then you fall fast, 85km fast, and you land alive and well in the Sky City plaza. You even get a certificate proclaiming your insanity-er-bravery.

If you’re averse to falling then the SkyWalk is your deal. You can walk the line around the pergola 192 meters up the sky Tower, taking in the 360 degree panoramic views of this beautiful city, its harbour and the surrounding islands. Did I mention there are no handrails?! Whoops! But you’re all roped up, so it’s no biggie. Plus you get to make faces at the elite eating at Peter Gordon’s Sugar Club, which is a bonus in itself.

Now that you’ve survived two adrenaline pumping adventures, you’re ready to make it rain. If you’re feeling lucky, try your hand at popular casino games for money and machines online. Just be sure to keep it real and play at levels you can actually afford.

If you’ve managed to make it out of the Casino with some cash, you won’t be holding onto it much longer once you walk past the Sky Tower’s fabulous restaurants. Where’s the beef? It’s at The Grill by Sean Connolly, a restaurant that celebrates all things bovine and other delicious locally sourced animals. Al Brown, the King Kong of NZ food has made his name at Federal Delicatessen and Depot, serving up incredibly authentic NYC Jewish deli-style food and beautifully cooked NZ cuisine like freshly shucked oysters, whitebait and paua.

Sure, the Sky Tower may seem a bit touristy, but guess what? You’re a tourist. Your experience is what you make of it and the Sky Tower has the goods, so get amongst it.