How does the concept of hurtling towards the mountains, lakes, and alpines from an insane height of 19000 feet sound to you? Insane, correct? But it’s enjoyable to be insane sometimes. And that is precisely why you must try skydiving in New Zealand – the country renowned as the ‘adventure capital of the world’.
A must do on your New Zealand trip, skydiving is an extreme adventure in which you soar towards the ground at a velocity of over 140 mph. New Zealand, recognized for vast glacial and volcanic mountain ranges is the ideal place to give it a go. Prepare yourself to embark on the leap of a lifetime with this guide to skydiving in New Zealand, which takes you through the various types of skydiving, suggestions for skydiving in NZ, and top 11 locations to try skydiving in New Zealand!
Optimal Time To Visit New Zealand
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Skydiving is rather popular all around the globe nowadays. The most crucial detail that you should be aware of before embarking on your vacation is the ideal time for skydiving in New Zealand. The ideal time for visiting New Zealand is either during the winter season or the summer season. December and January are the prime months for skydiving in New Zealand.
Varieties Of Skydiving In New Zealand
Before we delve deeper into New Zealand’s finest skydiving destinations and other particulars, let’s explore three distinct varieties of skydiving that you can experience in New Zealand.
1. Tandem Skydiving
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Appropriate for beginners, Tandem skydiving necessitates you to don the instructor as if they were a backpack. You are securely fastened to the instructor, while they steer you throughout the entire session – from leaping off the plane to deploying the parachute by pulling the ripcord. The entire session lasts approximately half a day.
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2. Static Line Skydiving
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Appropriate for beginners, Static Line Skydiving entails using a static line to remain connected to the aircraft. This line is responsible for deploying the main parachute as you approach the ground. The skydiver will experience a brief period of free fall before the main parachute opens and becomes effective.
If you wish to do a solo jump on your first day of skydiving, Static Line Skydiving is the recommended choice. It requires 4-5 hours of ground training and the entire session lasts for a full day.
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3. Accelerated Freefall Skydiving
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Recommended for experienced individuals only, Accelerated Freefall involves jumping from the plane with two instructors. They will hold onto the harness and provide stability through hand signals while in mid-air. After a 50-second freefall, when you reach 5500 feet, you must pull the ripcord. An instructor on the ground will monitor you and ensure a safe landing through the radio mounted on your helmet.
This is a truly thrilling adventure!
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Top 11 Locations For Skydiving In New Zealand
Here is a compilation of the finest destinations and reputable skydiving organizers in New Zealand. Keep scrolling down and continue reading!
1. Abel Tasman – Look No Further
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Renowned for its stunning beaches, granite cliffs, and picturesque islands, Abel Tasman National Park located in Central Motueka is the ideal spot for skydiving in New Zealand. While you soar through the air, enjoy the breathtaking sight of the turquoise ocean and expansive mountain ranges of the park.
Pricing: $ 249 NZD per person onwards
Service provider: Skydive Abel Tasman
Address: Hangar One, 16 College Street Motueka Airport, Motueka, New Zealand
For more details, click here
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2. Auckland – Ready, Set, Go!
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Opt for Auckland to participate in skydiving in New Zealand and experience the excitement of a freefall from heights exceeding 16000 feet. When you plunge towards the ground at speeds surpassing 200 kmph, the encounter is unforgettable, remarkable, and totally unforeseen. The magnificent display of soft white clouds adorning the vast ocean is a delight to the spirit.
Cost: $295 NZD per person onwards
Service provider: Skydive Auckland
Location: Parakai Airfield, Auckland, New Zealand
For more information, click here
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3. Bay of Islands – Wait, There Are 144 Islands In Front Of You!
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Skydiving in the Bay of Islands – one of the premier locations for skydiving in New Zealand – is an esteemed desire for thrill-seekers worldwide. Here, you can experience Tandem Skydiving from an altitude of 16500 feet, the highest recorded jump in Northlands. Meanwhile, relish the breathtaking panorama of 144 islands scattered across the bay.
Cost: $299 NZD per person onwards
Service provider: Skydive Bay of Islands
Location: 182 Wiroa Road, Kerikeri 0475, New Zealand
For more information, click here
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4. Fox Glacier – Hey! It’s The Background!
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Recognized as the most thrilling place to parachute in New Zealand, Fox Glacier is entirely adorned with the enchanting view of Westland National Park, Southern Alps Glacier – the highest snow fields, blue sea, and expansive rainforest in the vicinity. The journey from securing the harness to taking the plunge to experiencing the descent – skydiving in this region of the country is captivating.
Feest: $ 249 NZD per person onwards
Service provider: Skydive Fox Glacier
Location: 1 Cook Flat Road, Fox Glacier, New Zealand
For more details click here
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5. Franz Josef – Altimeter Indicates 19000 Feet, I Say Can You!
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At 19000 feet, Franz Josef is the highest skydiving spot in New Zealand. It is also considered one of the most picturesque skydives worldwide! Here, you ascend high above the Franz Josef Glacier while relishing every aspect of the surreal vista composed of the sea, river, and New Zealand’s tallest mountain peaks.
Franz Josef Skydive happens to be the most popular and highly recommended skydiving area in the country. Now that’s some serious enjoyment because nobody jumps higher than this!
Feest: $ 319 NZD per person onwards
Service provider: Skydive Franz
Location: 20 Main Road, Franz Josef Glacier 7886, New Zealand
For more details click here
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6. Glenorchy – Nothing Surpasses This Natural Euphoria
Dive into the ‘gateway to paradise’, that’s what individuals affectionately call the small alpine village of Glenorchy! Encircled by forests and imposing mountains, the dropzone in Glenorchy leaves everyone yearning for the opportunity of making a seamless landing over it, capturing every aspect of the view as it comes.
A skydiving session in Glenorchy – the ‘center of the earth’ presents awe-inspiring movie settings as portrayed in Hollywood movies like The Hobbit and Lord of The Rings. You are definitely in for the experience of a lifetime!
Pricing: $ 335 NZD per person onwards
Service provider: Skydive Paradise
Location: Glenorchy Airfield, Glenorchy, New Zealand
For more details click here
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7. Queenstown – Desire To Fly On A Space Bound Rocket Ship? Give This A Shot!
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Known as the birthplace of Tandem Skydiving in New Zealand, Queensland is one of the most sought-after locations to go skydiving in New Zealand. From an altitude of 15000 feet, you get to delight your eyes with the extraordinary views of snow-capped mountains and stunning landscapes, while soaring like a bird. Skydiving in Queenstown is the most exhilarating extreme adventure to partake in while in New Zealand.
Pricing: $ 299 NZD per person onwards
Service provider: Nzone Skydive
Location: Shotover Street, Queenstown, New Zealand
For more details click here
8. Rotorua – How About Some Adrenaline Rushes!
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One of the finest places for skydiving in New Zealand, Rotorua is one remarkable destination where you can embrace the wilderness and remain unfazed despite rapidly descending towards the ground. In the picturesque surroundings of Rotorua that boast infinite trails, natural geysers, and valleys, skydiving is one of the most insane activities to engage in while in New Zealand and Australia. Look no further because the earth is truly a paradise once you gaze down from 15000 feet. The vast expanse of blue, green, and brown awaits you.
Rates: $360 NZD per person and up (available as part of a package with rafting and zydro)
Provider: Rotorua Combos
Location: 1103 Hinemoa Street, Rotorua 3010, New Zealand
For more information, click here
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9. Taupo – An Unforgettable Experience
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Lake Taupo, which is as big as Singapore, is one of the most popular skydiving destinations in New Zealand. Surrounded by the stunning peaks of Ruapehu, Tongariro, and Ngauruhoe, Lake Taupo is a unique location to conquer your fears and fulfill your dreams. Take part in a tandem jump as you soar above the massive lake and majestic mountain peaks.
Rates: $478 NZD per person and up
Provider: Skydive Taupo
Location: Anzac Memorial Drive, Taupo Airport, Taupo, New Zealand
For more information, click here
10. Lake Wanaka – Stunning Beauty
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Lake Wanaka is often regarded as the most thrilling skydiving destination in New Zealand, and for good reason. The breathtaking views of the Aspiring National Park rainforest, Lake Wanaka, Mt. Cook, and the endless stretches of forest make this place a true paradise for skydiving enthusiasts.
Rates: $339 NZD per person and up
Provider: Skydive Wanaka
Location: Lake Wanaka, South Island, New Zealand
For more information, click here
11. Tauranga: Experience the Thrill
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Prepare yourself for a breathtaking view of places like the Coromandel Peninsula, East Cape, Mt Ruapehu, and the Bay of Plenty as you fly towards Tauranga. Tauranga is one of the top spots for skydiving in New Zealand and is sure to satisfy all adventure enthusiasts. Experience tandem skydiving in Tauranga and capture this achievement for future memories.
Rates: $325 NZD per person and up
Provider: Skydive Tauranga
Location: 2 Kittyhawk Way, Mount Maunganui, Tauranga, 3116, New Zealand
Tips for Skydiving in New Zealand
As thrilling as it may seem, it is essential to be cautious when skydiving in New Zealand or any other destination. Pay attention during your training sessions and take note of important factors such as:
- Wear loose attire and sturdy, closed-toe shoes, avoiding flip-flops
- Avoid bringing valuable items with you
- Ensure you have durable goggles
- Double-check your harness
- Monitor your health and consult a doctor if you have any heart-related issues
- Take deep breaths to relax your body and mind
- Adhere to weight limits to ensure a safe experience – 225 pounds for tandems and 220 pounds for accelerated free fall
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Watch This Exciting Skydiving Video! 15,000 Feet Above Lake Taupo!
Further Reading: 15 Enjoyable Activities in New Zealand
Want to experience the thrill of conquering your stratosfear, troposfear, and exosfear in the atmosphere? If so, pack your bags and embark on a fun-filled vacation in New Zealand. Don’t forget to include skydiving in New Zealand on your must-do list!
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