Sky Tower celebrates 20-year anniversary

Sky Tower lights black and white for Emirates Team New Zealand. Photo / File

The Sky Tower is turning 20 tomorrow and Kiwis can go up for free tomorrow.

SKyCity is also letting New Zealanders choose the colours that will light the top of the tower tomorrow, Friday and Saturday nights between 6pm-9pm.

There will be two touch screens based at the forecourt of the tower where people can queue to select a colour to light up the top of the tower while the other screen will livestream it.

There are eight colours to choose from, orange, red, purple, blue, green, yellow, pink and a rainbow swirl. Each colour will light the tower for a minute.

"From day one the Sky Tower's lights have held a special place in the hearts of Aucklanders, lighting to raise awareness for causes close to our hearts," SkyCity's chief operating officer John Mortensen said.

"This is an opportunity for the public to light for their special anniversary, proposal or baby reveal, in support of their charitable cause or awareness day and to share that moment."

Standing 328m tall, the Sky Tower is the tallest man-made structure in New Zealand and tallest free-standing structure in the Southern Hemisphere. When it was first opened it was among the top 10 tallest buildings in the world.

Since opening on August 3 1997, nearly 15 million guests have travelled through its upper levels to dine, take part in a SkyJump or SkyWalk or enjoy views of up to 82km in any direction.

For those who miss out tomorrow, SkyCity is offering a deal from August 4-31 where it will cost only $20 for admission for one adult and one child.

SkyCity have also shared a TV advertisement from 1997, hyping the opening of the Sky Tower.

Using now questionable editing, background music and special effects, the hilarious video said the opening was an event "not to be missed."

There will be a range of events tomorrow from 10am-4pm including face painting.

SkyCity says for the free admission and $20 dollar deal, proof of New Zealand residence is needed and is advising people to get in early to avoid missing out.

The Sky Tower baby

Aucklanders share a connection with the Sky Tower but probably not as strong as Claudia Tarrant, who also turns 20 tomorrow.

Born in the national woman's hospital in Greenlane, Tarrant's mother - who luckily had a room with a window view - watched the Sky Tower opening ceremony fireworks with her father, siblings and the newborn, from the room.

"It's a story that I tell every now and then," Tarrant said.

"I forget and every year something reminds me."

Tarrant, an editorial assistant at NZME, remembered they shared a birthday when she saw the "Sky Tower walking around work today" as part of their birthday promotion.

Scotty, the Sky Tower mascot, visited NZME's central Auckland offices today.

As part of their celebrations SKYCITY are hosting an event from 6pm-9pm tomorrow where visitors can select the colours they shine on top of the tower for free.

"I would be interested in doing it," Tarrant added.

When asked if she liked sharing the birthday she said it was pretty cool.

"I tend to see fireworks in the city for my birthday," which is more than most can claim.