This Content Is Only For Subscribers
AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand is set to launch what it says will be the world’s highest lift-and-descent ride at Auckland’s Sky Tower later this month.
Called SkyRide, the new attraction will take visitors 192 metres up the outside of the Sky Tower before returning them to ground level via a high-speed, controlled descent. Customers will ascend at around six metres per second – faster than the tower’s internal lifts – reaching the observation deck in approximately 90 seconds.
The experience is powered by a new multi-mode ride system developed in-house by AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand’s design team in partnership with specialist engineers.
The technology will also enhance the existing SkyJump experience. In addition to the new SkyRide attraction, SkyJump will now be available as either a single or tandem experience, with participants descending from 192 metres at speeds of up to 100km/h.
The new offerings complement SkyWalk, the company’s existing attraction that sees visitors walk around the outer edge of the Sky Tower 192 metres above the ground.
AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand co-founder and managing director Henry van Asch says SkyRide represented the company’s continued focus on innovation within the adventure tourism sector.
“SkyRide is a world-first for the height it reaches and continues our mission to redefine what’s possible in vertical adventure experiences,” he says.
The new multi-mode system will undergo certification and inspection by WorkSafe under New Zealand’s Amusement Device Regulations ahead of SkyRide’s official opening on June 26.
AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand expects the attraction to appeal to Auckland residents, domestic travellers and international visitors seeking an urban adventure experience.
