Skydive in New Zealand – Things to know and 9 best places for skydiving in New Zealand

A skydive in New Zealand isn’t just about the adrenaline rush; it’s an immersive journey through some of Earth’s most incredible and diverse landscapes. As one of the best places in the world to skydive, New Zealand is the perfect destination for this bucketlist experience.

Not only is New Zealand one of the most scenic places to skydive, but also one of the safest places to jump out of an airplane. New Zealand skydive safety measures are extremely high and all the skydiving centers recommended in this article have an impaccable track record.

This article explores best New Zealand skydiving locations and offers insights into the considerations and criteria to help you select the ideal location based on your preferences. All while delving into essential information about skydiving in New Zealand, and answering your most pressing questions.

What to consider when choosing your skydiving in New Zealand

Choosing the best skydive in New Zealand involves several factors, including location, height, and your travel itinerary.

Travel Plans: Consider what destinations will you be visiting and how much time you have at each location. A skydive adventure can take several hours including pick up and briefing so make sure you have enough time for it.

Drop Zone Views: While all New Zealand skydiving locations offer stunning scenery, think about the specific views you’d like during your jump. Do you prefer coastal panoramas, mountain vistas, or a combination of both? Each drop zone offers a unique perspective.

Altitude Options: Most skydiving centers offer jumps at different altitudes. The higher the altitude, the longer the freefall, but also the higher the price tag. A 15000 feet skydive will give you about 60 seconds of freefall and with a 18000 feet skydive you’ll be freefalling for about 75 seconds.

Price: New Zealand skydive prices are comparable across most locations but the lower altitudes are much cheaper and Taupo Skydiving tends to have slightly lower prices.

Weather Considerations: New Zealand’s weather can be unpredictable. Be flexible with your skydiving plans as weather conditions can affect your jump. Most skydiving centers have rescheduling options in case of inclement weather.

Booking Flexibility: Consider the flexibility of booking and refunds. You’ll want to get your money back if the weather doesn’t play ball or if your travel plans change.

Photography and Video: If you want to capture your skydiving adventure, inquire about photo and video packages offered by the skydiving center. You can usually choose between a handcam operated by your tandem instructor or opt for a professional photographer and videographer who accompanyes you on your jump. Keep in mind these packages can be quite pricey.

Experience Level: Consider your level of skydiving experience. New Zealand offers jumps suitable for beginners and experienced jumpers alike. If you’re a novice, you’ll want to do a tandem jump with an experienced instructor. If you’re licensed already or want to do a multi-day course to get licensed, there are several skydive centers catering to this.

Ultimately, choose a skydiving experience that aligns with your personal preferences, comfort level, budget and travel plans.

9 Best Places to Skydive in New Zealand

New Zealand is one of the best places to skydive in the world and with its stunning and diverse landscapes, this country offers a bucket list skydive experience.

There are plenty of options for you to choose from but below I’ve curated the nine best places to skydive in New Zealand, sorted from the highest jumps down. I’ll be giving you information on the views you can expect, freefall times, and additional details that will help you decide which spot resonates best with your NZ skydiving aspirations.

Skydiving Franz Josef Glacier

Altitude: 13000, 16500, or 18000 ft

Freefall: 40 to 75 seconds

View: Southern Alps, West Coast

Restrictions:
People over 220 lbs (100 kg) may incur surcharges
Min 13 y.o. age limit, up to 16 y.o. max 13000ft

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Franz Josef offers an unparalleled skydiving experience with altitudes of 13,000, 16,500, or a breathtaking 18,000 feet—the highest skydive on New Zealand South Island.

When you skydive in Franz Josef, the views are nothing short of extraordinary. You’ll soar above the majestic Southern Alps, taking in the grandeur of glaciers and New Zealand’s highest mountains, the rugged beauty of the West Coast with it’s lush rainforest, and the vast expanse of the Tasman Sea.

It’s worth noting that nearby Fox Glacier Skydive center, once offered similar vistas, has closed its doors. If you want to skydive above glaciers, then Franz Josef is your go to. And while you’re here, make sure to go on a Franz Josef heli hike where you’ll experience an otherwordly landscape.

Auckland Skydive

Altitude: 13000, 16000, or 18000 ft

Freefall: 40 to 75 seconds

View: East and West coastlines

Restrictions:
220 lbs (100 kg) weight limit
No age limit, up to 12 y.o. max 16000 ft

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Skydiving in Auckland offers an exhilarating experience with altitudes from 13,000 ft, reaching up to 18,000 feet—the highest in New Zealand. What trully sets the Auckland Skydive apart is the unique perspective it provides, allowing you to witness both the East and West coastlines simultaneously.

As you freefall, the stunning views unfold, revealing the beauty of Waiheke Island, Great Barrier Island, the iconic Mount Ruapehu, and the majestic Mount Taranaki. Auckland is the only place in New Zealand where you can enjoy a skydiving adventure above a bustling city, adding an urban twist to your skydive on North Island, New Zealand.

Bay of Islands Skydiving

Altitude: 9000, 12000, 16500, or 18000 ft

Freefall: 25 to 75 seconds

View: Bay of Islands with inlets, islands and Pacific Ocean

Restrictions:
220 lbs (100 kg) weight limit
No age limit, consent needed under 18

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Bay of Islands skydive offers the country’s warmest and sunniest drop zone. With altitude options ranging from 9,000 to an impressive 18,000 feet (the highest tandem jump available in NZ), skydiving in the Bay of Islands is an adrenaline-packed experience like no other.

As you take the leap, the views are nothing short of spectacular—clear turquoise waters, golden beaches, lush countryside, and a myriad of islands in the sea unfold before you.

Skydive Abel Tasman

Altitude: 10000, 13000, 16500, or 18000 ft

Freefall: 40 to 60 seconds

View: Abel Tasman NP, Kahurangi NP, Nelson Lakes NP

Restrictions:
220 lbs (100 kg) weight limit
No age limit, consent needed under 18

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Abel Tasman skydive offers tandem skydives ranging from 10,000 to an exhilarating 18,000 feet—the highest available in NZ.

Here you’ll get a chance to soar above the pristine beauty of Abel Tasman National Park. As you freefall, the sweeping vistas unveil all that New Zealand is celebrated for: crystalline blue oceans, snow-capped mountains, sun-kissed beaches, winding rivers, and lush national parks.

Taupo Skydiving

Altitude: 12000, 15000, or 16,500 ft

Freefall: 40 to 60 seconds

View: Lake Taupo and Tongariro NP

Restrictions:
220 lbs (100 kg) weight limit
No age limit, consent needed under 18

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Taupo is one of the best-priced skydiving destinations in New Zealand offering skydives with altitude options of 12,000, 15,000, or 16,500 feet. As you jump you will be treated to breathtaking views of Lake Taupo and the iconic Tongariro National Park.

Witness the majesty of snow-capped volcanoes, including Mount Ruapehu and the legendary Mount Ngauruhoe, famously known as Mount Doom. When you skydive in Taupo you also get to marvel at the geothermal landscapes below, making this skydiving adventure truly unique.

Since there is no skydiving in Rotorua, they also offer pickups from there.

Skydive Mt. Cook

Altitude: 13000 or 15000 ft

Freefall: 40 to 60 seconds

View: Southern Alps, Mt Cook NP, Mackenzie Basin

Restrictions:
220 lbs (100 kg) weight limit
No age limit, consent needed under 18

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A skydive in Mt. Cook offers quintessential South Island vistas, boasting panoramic views of snow-capped peaks, glaciers, pristine lakes, and the magnificent Aoraki/Mt Cook National Park.

From the iconic Mt. Cook itself to the sprawling Tasman Glacier and the shimmering Lakes Ohau, Pukaki, and Tekapo, this South Island skydiving adventure offers the absolute best views you can imagine.

Skydiving in Mt. Cook is also an excellent way to break up your road trip from Christchurch to Queenstown, adding an adrenaline-pumping highlight to your journey. Keep in mind that the weather in this region can be unpredictable, so it’s wise to allow flexibility in your schedule.

Skydive in Queenstown

Altitude: 9,000, 12,000, or 15,000 ft

Freefall: 25 to 60 seconds

View: Southern Lakes and Wakatipu Basin

Restrictions:
254 lbs (115 kg) weight limit
88 lbs (40 kg) weight minimum
Min 6 y.o., consent needed under 18

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Queenstown is breathtaking already fron the ground and Skydiving in Queenstown offers some of the most incredible views you’ll ever witness.

As you freefall from the aircraft, you’ll be treated to panoramic vistas of Queenstown, the stunning Lake Wakatipu, with its crystal-clear waters reflecting the surrounding mountains. Marvel at the rugged Southern Alps, snow-capped peaks, and the remarkable Remarkables Mountain Range.

Skydive Wanaka

Altitude: 9,000, 12,000, or 15,000 ft

Freefall: 25 to 60 seconds

View: Mt. Aspiring NP, Southern Lakes

Restrictions:
254 lbs (115 kg) weight limit
88 lbs (40 kg) weight minimum
Min 6 y.o., consent needed under 18

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Skydiving in Wanaka will have you soar above the majestic Mount Aspiring National Park and you can choose to jump from altitudes of 9,000, 12,000, or 15,000 feet.

Your eyes will feast upon the grandeur of the Southern Alps mountain range, including the iconic peaks of Mount Cook and Mount Aspiring. While the serene beauty of several pristine lakes and the meandering Clutha River unviels.

Tauranga Skydive

Altitude: 12,000 or 15,000 ft

Freefall: 30 to 60 seconds

View: Bay of Plenty, Coromandel Peninsula

Restrictions:
220 lbs (100 kg) weight limit
66 lbs (30 kg) weight minimum
Min 7 y.o., consent needed under 18

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A skydive in Tauranga offers a coastal skydiving experience that’s nothing short of spectacular with altitude options of 12,000 or 15,000 feet.

As you leap from the plane, the panorama unfolds with Mount Maunganui, blue seas and golden beaches beneath you. Catch a glimpse of White Island, the iconic Mount Ruapehu, the picturesque Coromandel Peninsula, and as far as the glistening Rotorua Lake and even the distant silhouette of Mount Taranaki.

Indoor or Wind Tunnel Skydiving

Indoor skydiving is a fantastic alternative to traditional outdoor skydiving, offering a unique and exhilarating experience thats accessibile, safe, and weather independent. Indoor skydiving is suitable for all ages and abilities.

Indoor skydiving recreates the feeling of freefall in a vertical wind tunnel where powerful fans generate upward wind flow, lifting you off the ground. You’ll receive a briefing from experienced instructors on body positioning, hand signals, and safety procedures.

Proper body positioning is crucial for stability and control in the wind and you can move your arms, legs, and torso to control your position and orientation.

While indoor skydiving lacks the natural beauty and breathtaking views of outdoor jumps, it offers a controlled and safe environment for experiencing the sensation of freefall, without the need for altitude (so it’s perfect for you if you’re afraid of heights).

In New Zealand, indoor skydiving facilities are located in Queenstown and Rotorua.

At Freefall Xtreme in Rotorua you’ll get to soar for an exhilarating 90 seconds. You’ll be accompanied by two operators: one inside the wind tunnel ensuring your stability and another providin hand signals and video recording your adventure.

Experience the thrill of indoor skydiving in Rotorua. At Freefall Xtreme you’ll get to soar for an exhilarating 90 seconds. You’ll be accompanied by two operators: one inside the wind tunnel ensuring your stability and another providin hand signals and video recording your adventure.

At iFLY in Queenstown you’ll get two exhilarating 60-second flights, equivalent to experiencing three skydiving free-falls from 12,000 ftp. After a thorough safety briefing and a step-by-step tutorial you’ll enter the airflow chamber where you’ll receive expert guidance on mastering body control.

Frequently Asked Questions about Skydiving in New Zealand

How much does it cost to skydive in New Zealand?

Skydiving prices in New Zealand can vary depending on the location and type of jump. On average, you can expect to spend anywhere from $200 to $400 NZD for a tandem jump. Keep in mind that the price often includes stunning views, an adrenaline rush, and bragging rights for years to come – a priceless experience!

What is the highest skydive in New Zealand?

The highest skydive in New Zealand is 18.000 feet at Franz Josef Glacier, Bay of Islands and in Auckland. Jumping from a staggering 18,000 feet, you’ll experience an extended freefall of 75 seconds that feels like an eternity. Can you feel the adrenalne rush yet?

Where is the best place to skydive in New Zealand?

Well, that’s like asking which flavor of ice cream is the best – it’s all a matter of taste! All locations offer a unique skydiving experience and incredible views. It’s like a buffet of breathtaking backdrops; just pick your scenery and take the leap!

What is the best season to skydive in New Zealand?

New Zealand’s skies are open for business year-round and the best time to skydive not dependant on the season. If you prefer a warm breeze and clear skies, go for the summer months. If you want a white blanket of snow, try winter. But remember, freefall temperatures are always “refreshing” regardless of the season.

Is skydiving in New Zealand safe?

Skydiving in New Zealand is as safe as it gets. New Zealand is known for its strict safety standards and experienced instructors. A tandem jump allows beginners to enjoy this thrilling adventure with the guidance of a professional.

Do I need to make reservations in advance for a skydiving experience?

It is highly recommended to book your skydiving adventure in advance, especially during peak tourist seasons. This ensures that you secure your preferred time and date.

What is the scariest part of skydiving?

The moment the door opens and you step to the edge of that perfectly good airplane is the scary part of skydiving. Just moments before the jump your heart races faster than an espresso machine in anticipation. But don’t worry, it’s a heart-pounding thrill you’ll never forget, and the fear turns into pure exhilaration as you start freefalling!

Are there any health requirements for skydiving in New Zealand?

While skydiving is generally safe, it’s advisable to consult with your doctor if you have any pre-existing medical conditions. Some conditions may require a medical certificate to ensure your safety during the jump. Most skydiving centers will not cater to pregnant women and those with heart issues.

When shouldn’t you skydive?

If your doctor advises against skydiving due to certain medical conditions, it’s best to heed their wisdom. If you have a fear of heights, that might be a hint not to jump (unless you’re up for shock therapy). Also, if you’ve just had a 12-course meal or a big night out, skydiving might not be the best idea.

What should I wear for a skydive in New Zealand?

Wear comfortable clothing suitable for the weather on the day of your jump. You’ll be provided with a protective jumpsuit to wear over your clothes, so dressing in layers is a good idea.

How old do you have to be to skydive in New Zelaand?

Most skydiving centers have age restrictions. The age limit to skydive ranges from a minimum of 5 years old to a minimum of 13 years old depending on the provider. Those under 18 years old might require written parental consent. There might also be altitude limitations for kids. There isn’t a maximum age limit as long as you’re in good health.

Are there weight restrictions for skydiving in New Zealand?

Weight limits can also apply due to safety considerations. The limit ranges for different providers so it’s essential to check with the specific skydiving center for their requirements. In New Zealand most providers will require a minimum of 66 lbs (30 kg) to 88 lbs (40 kg) and a maximum of 220 lbs (100 kg) to 254 lbs (115 kg).

Do I need any prior experience to go skydiving in New Zealand?

No prior experience is necessary for a tandem skydive. Tandem skydiving allows individuals of all experience levels to enjoy the thrill of freefalling, guided by a trained instructor.

How long does a skydive in New Zealand typically last?

The entire experience, from briefing to landing, usually takes a few hours, plus any transfers that might apply. The actual freefall portion of the skydive lasts around 30 to 60 seconds, depending on your chosen altitude, followed by a serene parachute descent that can last 4 to 7 minutes.

Can I bring a camera or GoPro with me on the jump?

Skydiving centers aroud the world often have policies regarding personal cameras or recording equipment during jumps. In New Zealand it is not allowed for beginners to carry camera equipment and it is forbidden on all tandem skydives in the country.

Planning a trip to New Zealand?

New Zealand is heaven on earth for nature and wildlife lovers with stunning views an outdoor activities around every corner. To help you plan your trip I’ve prepared a series of New Zealand travel guides.

New Zealand travel insurance

Good travel insurance is an absolute must when traveling abroad, and we’ve learned that the hard way!

ACC in New Zealand covers you for accidents but if you get sick or lose your luggage you’ll need good insurance to cover it for you.

We always get insured before we leave and Travel Insurance Masters is our go to platform to find the best insurance options for the specific trip.

The TIM platform works as a search engine and suggests the best insurance company and insurance plan for your criteria so you don’t end up paying more for things you don’t need! It also takes into account your age, nationality, destination etc. which can greatly impact the final price.

You can get your quote & provider recommendations here.