'Climb Auckland's Harbour Bridge!' the article said and naively mental pictures of spiderman crept into my head filling me with childish glee... I could imagine myself boldly climbing up narrow steps and finally hauling myself to the top to be confronted by the most stunning views of Auckland.
In reality the Auckland Harbour Bridge Climb, run by the thrill-seekers guru AJ Hackett did not live up to my expectations and my Spiderman dreams were left unfullfilled.
It costs $65 to climb the bridge and this was a significant factor in my decision to climb the bridge (it was cheaper than bungy jumping off it for $125). however the bridge climb doesn't hold the same adrenalin thrills. You are dressed in 'stylish' grey overalls and harnessed to a handrail on a relatively wide walkway and led by a guide.
the attraction is very quiet especially on weekdays in autumn though in summer it pays to book ahead. As it was myself and my friend were the only people in our group so we had the guide's undivided attention and could bombard him with all the questions we could think of. Its worth asking any questions you have about the bridge as the guides are very knowledgeable.
The climb was less climbing and more, walking up flights of steps,which makes the activity very accessible but not terribly exciting to thrillseekers. You do however get the stunning views of Auckland city from the very top point of the bridge, by the NZ flags. The city is laid out in front of you and on a clear morning the view is stunning!
However for safety reasons you cannot take your camera onto the bridge which is disappointing, although for $20 the guide will photograph you and your comrades conquering the summit of the bridge, although with the ease of the climb you do have to wonder if this is a cunning marketing ploy on their part.
All in all the trip is well run and guided and extremely safe. The views too are absolutely amazing. However those who see AJ Hackett as synonymous with adrenalin pumping activities, as I did, or wants to fulfill a spiderman ambition (as I did) may be disappointed by the ease of climb and descent
The $65 last two hours and you can be picked up by minibus from central Auckland and driven to the bridge climb centre, which is advisable as its a long walk by a very busy major road, you are provided with all necessary safety equipment and an interesting guide... I can't fault the trip in any way. I was just let down by my own expectations.
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I had no real desire to do this while I was in Sydney. My friends did it some years later and I think they enjoyed it. We were on an exceptionally tight budget though anyway.... x
patriciat 15.09.2005 12:50
No climbing for me thanks, no matter how easy. Should love to see Auckland but would give the bridge climbing a miss. Pat.t
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