Orbit Skytower Revolving Restaurant, Auckland

Whilst travelling in New Zealand, my other ½ decied he wanted to celebrate our first 'anniversary' , in style. We decided on the revolving restaurant in the Sky Tower building (the highest building in the southern hemisphere), without knowing very much about it!

Pros
Cons
opening Hours
Sample Menu
My experience

PROS

 Although I'm not a 'foodie' (ie I eat most things) even I could appreciate that the food was amazing, in terms of choice, quality of ingredients and presentation.
 The price is extremely reasonable - We had one starter (between us) a main course each, one dessert between us (budget/diet!), and a bottle of wine for approximately £50! -( N.B the menu is still A l'a carte even at this price)
 You can complimentary access to the Sky towers main observation level before or after you're meal.
 You get a 360 degree spectacular view of Auckland, we went at night having already visited in the day and it ws beautiful. - The restaurant rotates so slowly however you don't feel dizzy or ill!)
 The kitchen area is on display for part of your meal (I always prefer chefs that don't 'hide' in the kitchen)
 You can also enjoy the casino before or after dinner in the sky city building, just dress smartly (I managed to turn £2.5 dollars into $50 in one go, which paid for our wine!!!)

CONS

 We were worried about the views, because the weather was pretty bad that day, and due to its height we had seen the whole tower surrounded by cloud. However we were extremely lucky as the cloud cleared for us.
 You have to spend a minimum of $25 (£10) per person, however this is hardly extortionate for this special experience!


Opening hours
Brunch Saturday and Sunday 10:00am-12:00 noon

Lunch Monday to Friday 11:30am-2:30pm
Saturday and Sunday 11:30am-3:00pm

Dinner Daily 5:30-9:45pm

Dessert Daily 10:00-10:30pm

Conditions
There is a minimum charge of around £10 per person, and a 15% surcharge on all public holidays (standard in New Zealand)

Bookings
Call (09) 363 6000 or
0800 SKY CITY in NZ

Bookings are essential, although we managed to book 2 days before we wanted to go this was a week day, so book in advance

Below is a starter menu from the website - http://www.skycityauckland.co.nz/skycity​/auckland/restaurants-and-bars/orbit/sample-menu.​cfm

I would definately reccommend the Hawkes Bay Lamb (And I don't generally like lamb but I thought when in Rome!), which was cooked perfectly, and the Filo Tower of Berry Compote (although ALL of the desserts looked mouth watering)

First Flavours

Clevedon Coast oysters served with a shallot and muscatel bittersweet vinegar or natural with lemon. ½ dozen $16.00 1 dozen $28.00

NZ freshwater prawns served with creamy coleslaw, a tart apple and pear dressing and peanut crumbs
$20.00

Steamed green lipped mussels in a yellow curry broth finished with baby spinach and basil $17.00

Smoked duck breast salad with shredded ice-berg lettuce, a cucumber, mint, mango and pickled plum salsa and a sweet teriyaki dressing $18.50

Balsamic braised beetroot with bulgarian feta, spanish onion, seed mustard, parsley crumb and a micro green salad $16.00
Pork and ginger calamari medallions with a miso broth and petit sprout salad $16.50

Smoked salmon with a salad of baby cos lettuce spiced wafers avocado cream with an orange reduction $18.00

Goats cheese filo parcel with almond crusted asparagus, red onion relish and a citrus dressing $18.00

Soups and Pasta

Crayfish soup with roast garlic crème fraîche $18.00

Spaghetti tossed with pesto served with a cherry tomato and lemon compote and a foccacia crumble. Entrée $18.00 Main $25.00

Pinenut and ricotta ravioli with a carrot-curry emulsion and a courgette, coriander and onion fritter. Entrée $18.00 Main $26.00
Bucatini tossed with a garlic cream crisp pancetta and green pea puree. Entrée $16.00 Main $23.00

Mains

Akaroa salmon fillet on saffron braised leeks with a celeriac-potato cake and a roast capsicum coulis $29.50

Bacon wrapped eye fillet with cheese and spinach choux, tarragon velouté and steamed green beans $31.50

Fish of the day waiter to advise $29.00

Hereford Prime Scotch fillet with thyme and garlic roasted potatoes with crisp pancetta, baby basil and either. Prawn velouté $35.00 Tarragon velouté $31.50

Baby chicken oven roasted and served with rice polenta, corn salsa and a riveresco butter $29.50

Hawkes Bay lamb rump served pink with an eggplant salad, charmoula, preserved lemon and mini frittes $29.50

Desserts

Dessert tasting plate for two berry tower, iced soufflé and chocolate tartlet $30.00

Filo tower of berry compôte with lemon cake and a lemoncello sabayon sauce $13.50

Free-form vanilla brûlé with pomegranate syrup and basil $13.50

Hazelnut and fudge chocolate tartlet with green apple sorbet $13.00

Toasted brioche with fig compôte pink grapefruit and honeycomb $13.00

Iced orange soufflé with passionfruit marshmallow and passionfruit syrup $13.00

Selection of handcrafted chocolates $12.00

Hope you get the chance to experience this amazing place