Do you remember City of Angels?That’s the film where Nicholas Cage plays an angel, and unafraid of heights - sits around on high buildings and bridges with other angels while the traffic rushes beneath their feet? This is how I always pictured a bridge climb. Sitting up on the struts somewhere with my mate at my side, while the cars sped beneath our feet.
When my dad and I were last in Sydney, around three years ago, I was keen to climb the Sydney Harbour Bridge. However he is terrified of heights, and told me that he would rather stick his hand in a blender than strap himself to a wire and go wandering about on the edge of something so tall.
And so I put that particular wish away for another day. Then, about six weeks ago, I heard about the Auckland Harbour Bridge Climb. The idea fascinated me – like any Aucklander I have a very strong relationship with the bridge. I remember my mother and I going across it when we first came to New Zealand in 1980. Back in those days they still had tollbooths on the North Shore side, and my mother would let me pay the man the money every time we crossed to visit friends.
Of course I have also had days when the last place on earth I wanted to be was the bridge. This was usually when I was stuck in a traffic jam on the way back from the nzgirl office, baking in the sun or engaging in a bit of road rage with other drivers. But on the whole the bridge holds wonderful memories for me, and every time I cross it (when it isn’t jammed) I take a look around at my beautiful city and feel proud.
Imagine this feeling multiplied a hundred times. That was how I felt when I stood on the top of the bridge, with a dear friend beside me – the traffic rushing beneath our feet, looking around at my beautiful city and feeling proud.
Auckland Bridge Climb was definitely an experience. You begin your journey by being fitted up with Line 7 suits, clipping yourself into radio belts and attaching yourself on a wire before being driven to the base of the bridge on the city side. It is quite surreal to see your guide punch in the security code and open the door next to the plaque placed when the bridge was opened. It is illegal to walk on the bridge, and the only times people were ever allowed across on foot was on its opening day in the 50s and during marathons.
I am not going to reveal too much of the inner workings of the climb to you. The maze of catwalks takes climbers on, around, up and over the top of the Auckland Harbour Bridge to viewing platforms 65 metres (200 feet) above the water. Interesting engineering features such as the movement of the four clip-on road lanes, and fascinating information about the myths and legend surrounding the landmark added to the experience. Definitely an eye opener, especially for an Auckland commuter such as myself. I know I will never look at the bridge in quite the same way.
However nothing compares to the exhilaration I experienced when I reached the top. There is something fantastic about seeing something so familiar in such an unfamiliar manner. The view is 360° and stunning, definitely the Ultimate High. Perhaps next I should try sitting on a motorway sign…
The climb may be enjoyed by everyone over the age of 10 years and is suitable for all levels of fitness. Auckland Bridge Climb operates seven days a week, year round also offering Night Climbs on Saturday nights. During the school holidays children under sixteen may accompany a paying adult for free. For more details call 0800 000 808.www.aucklandbridgeclimb.co.nz
Want to win a shot at the Ultimate High? Simply tell us in 10 words or less what your Ultimate High was, and you are in the draw to win a double pass to walk the Auckland Harbour Bridge!
Click on the button below to enter.
Competition closes January 31st.
Click here to check out what other hot competitions are on nzgirl right now!
Do you remember City of Angels?That’s the film where Nicholas Cage plays an angel, and unafraid of heights - sits around on high buildings and bridges with other angels while the traffic rushes beneath their feet? This is how I always pictured a bridge climb. Sitting up on the struts somewhere with my mate at my side, while the cars sped beneath our feet. 
And so I put that particular wish away for another day. Then, about six weeks ago, I heard about the Auckland Harbour Bridge Climb. The idea fascinated me – like any Aucklander I have a very strong relationship with the bridge. I remember my mother and I going across it when we first came to New Zealand in 1980. Back in those days they still had tollbooths on the North Shore side, and my mother would let me pay the man the money every time we crossed to visit friends. 
Auckland Bridge Climb was definitely an experience. You begin your journey by being fitted up with Line 7 suits, clipping yourself into radio belts and attaching yourself on a wire before being driven to the base of the bridge on the city side. It is quite surreal to see your guide punch in the security code and open the door next to the plaque placed when the bridge was opened. It is illegal to walk on the bridge, and the only times people were ever allowed across on foot was on its opening day in the 50s and during marathons. 
I am not going to reveal too much of the inner workings of the climb to you. The maze of catwalks takes climbers on, around, up and over the top of the Auckland Harbour Bridge to viewing platforms 65 metres (200 feet) above the water. Interesting engineering features such as the movement of the four clip-on road lanes, and fascinating information about the myths and legend surrounding the landmark added to the experience. Definitely an eye opener, especially for an Auckland commuter such as myself. I know I will never look at the bridge in quite the same way. 
The climb may be enjoyed by everyone over the age of 10 years and is suitable for all levels of fitness. Auckland Bridge Climb operates seven days a week, year round also offering Night Climbs on Saturday nights. During the school holidays children under sixteen may accompany a paying adult for free. For more details call 0800 000 808. 
