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Skydiving in NZ at a Glance

Best for: Adrenaline lovers, first-timers, and anyone chasing a big “I did it!” moment
Popular altitudes: 9,000 ft, 12,000 ft, 15,000 ft (varies by operator)
Typical freefall time: 25–60 seconds, depending on altitude
Season: Year-round, with clearer views in winter and long daylight in summer
Good to know: Most first-time jumps in NZ are tandem skydives, where you are securely harnessed to a professional instructor.

New Zealand is an unfair place to go skydiving — unfair because the views are ridiculous. Mountains, volcanoes, alpine lakes, coastlines… it’s like the country was designed to be seen from the sky.

If you’re thinking about doing a tandem jump (first-timers: you should), this guide will save you time, money, and a few avoidable mistakes. I’ll cover what to expect, who can jump, what it costs, when to go, and the best drop zones across both islands.

Quick facts before we get into it

• You can skydive year-round in New Zealand, but it’s always weather-dependent and operators will reschedule if conditions aren’t safe.

• Tandem skydives commonly hit around 200 km/h in freefall.

• Prices vary by altitude and location — from budget-friendly lake jumps to premium glacier jumps. For example, Taupō lists 12,000 ft from $329 NZD, while Franz Josef’s 18,000 ft jump is listed from $799 NZD.

1) Is skydiving in New Zealand safe?

Yes — when you choose a reputable operator and follow instructions.

Tandem skydiving is designed for beginners: you’re attached to a highly experienced instructor, and they control the jump, the parachute deployment, and the landing approach. Your job is simple: listen, breathe, enjoy.

If you have medical concerns, don’t guess. Most operators are clear that they are not medical professionals and advise speaking with a doctor if you’re unsure.

My advice: don’t bargain-hunt blindly. Pick a well-reviewed operator, read the restrictions, and be realistic about weather delays.

2) Who can go skydiving in NZ? (Age, weight, and common restrictions)

Most travelers can do a tandem jump, but eligibility is based on harness fit, size, and safety assessment, not bravado.

Examples from real NZ operators:

• Queenstown (NZONE) lists minimum weight 40 kg and minimum height 1.2 m, and notes children are assessed on the day.

• Skydive Auckland notes no age limit, but a 30 kg minimum weight restriction and parental consent for under-18s.

• Taupō’s 16,500 ft option has an age limit of 14+.

Common “no-go” areas tend to include pregnancy and serious heart/back conditions — and again, if in doubt, get medical clearance first.

3) Can you skydive year-round?

Yes — New Zealand skydiving runs throughout the year, but it’s always “weather permitting.” Even in summer, wind or low cloud can ground planes.

The smart move is to schedule your jump early in your trip so you have flexibility if you need to rebook due to weather.

4) What does it cost to skydive in New Zealand?

Price is driven mostly by altitude and location.

Real examples:

• Taupō: 12,000 ft listed at $329 NZD, and 16,500 ft listed at $529 NZD.

• Franz Josef: 18,000 ft listed from $799 NZD.

• Tauranga: 15,000 ft listed at $764 NZD (example product listing).

Photos/video are usually extra, and policies vary by operator.

5) How high can you jump from in NZ?

New Zealand offers some seriously high jumps. You’ll commonly see options around:

• 9,000 ft (great starter option)

• 12,000–15,000 ft (the sweet spot for most people)

• 16,500–18,000 ft (longer freefall, higher price)

For example:

• Taupō lists jumps up to 16,500 ft.

• Skydive New Zealand’s Franz Josef product highlights 18,000 ft.

My opinion: if it’s your first time and you can afford it, go at least 12,000–15,000 ft. It gives you enough freefall to actually process what’s happening (instead of “blink-and-it’s-over”).

6) Best places to skydive in New Zealand

Here are seven excellent options, with the “why” explained:

Auckland (North Island) – Coastline and islands

Auckland jumps are popular for first-day arrivals and give you a big-picture view of the region. Skydive Auckland notes a 30 kg minimum weight and under-18 parental consent.

Taupō (North Island) – Lake + volcano views

Taupō is a classic: lake views plus central North Island landscapes. Taupō Tandem lists 12,000 ft at $329 and 16,500 ft at $529, with the higher jump set at 14+.

Queenstown (South Island) – Mountains, lake, and pure drama

Queenstown is famous for adventure for a reason. NZONE’s published requirements include 40 kg minimum weight and 1.2 m minimum height, plus harness fit checks.

Franz Josef (South Island) – Glaciers and wild West Coast scenery

If you want the “pinch me” landscapes, Franz Josef is hard to beat. Skydive New Zealand lists an 18,000 ft experience from $799 NZD.

Aoraki / Mt Cook region (South Island) – Big alpine views

Skydive New Zealand’s Mt Cook 13,000 ft page states a 100 kg max weight (sometimes up to 105 kg at tandem master discretion).

Tauranga / Bay of Plenty (North Island) – Beaches and Mount Maunganui

Tauranga operators commonly run 12,000–15,000 ft options, and at least one operator sets its minimum age at 7 years old (company policy).

Abel Tasman (South Island) – Golden coastlines and national park views

Skydive Abel Tasman notes parental/guardian consent for under-18s and that children under 12 should be evaluated case-by-case.

7) What should you wear skydiving?

Keep it simple:

• Closed-toe shoes you can move in (trainers/sneakers are perfect)

• Comfortable clothes you can lift your legs in

• A warm layer if it’s cool (it’s colder at altitude)

• Avoid loose items (scarves, dangling jewellery)

Most operators provide overalls if needed.

8) Should you do it?

Yes. If you’re even considering it, you’ll regret skipping it more than you’ll regret doing it.

If you’re nervous: that’s normal. The fear is loud on the ground and strangely quiet in the air. Once you’re out, it becomes pure sensation and pure scenery.

My “best first jump” recommendation

• Pick a place with views you genuinely care about (lake, mountains, glacier, coastline).

• Choose 12,000–15,000 ft if your budget allows.

• Book early in your trip so weather can’t ruin the plan.

Best Places to Skydive in New Zealand