Best Places to Skydive in New Zealand – Top Tandem Jumps
Page updated: 8 th December 2025
Best Places to Skydive in New Zealand – Top Tandem Jumps Nationwide
Looking for the best places to skydive in New Zealand? From crystal-blue lakes and soaring alpine peaks in the South Island to rugged coastlines and volcanic landscapes in the North Island, New Zealand is home to some of the world’s most breathtaking tandem skydiving experiences. Whether you’re a first-time jumper or an adrenaline hunter chasing the ultimate freefall, this guide highlights the best skydiving places in New Zealand, including top drop zones in both the North Island and South Island.
Top Skydiving Places in New Zealand’s North & South Islands
Experience the Best Skydiving in New Zealand
How can you overload your senses in a matter of seconds while freefalling at 140mph? Skydiving! Soar above New Zealand’s breathtaking landscapes and experience one of the biggest adrenaline rushes imaginable.
Tandem skydiving is a must-do adrenaline activity in New Zealand. What sets it apart here are the unforgettable views—you’ll be descending over national parks, snow-capped mountains, alpine lakes, and coastal beaches. It’s an adventure and a scenic flight in one.
New Zealand is often rated one of the best places in the world to skydive, and it’s easy to see why. Here are our picks for the top ten tandem skydiving locations across both the North and South Islands, based on expert reviews and firsthand experiences.
How tandem skydiving works (first-timers)
- Meet your instructor. Quick safety brief.
- Gear up: harness, goggles, final fit checks.
- Fly to altitude: usually 9,000–18,000 ft. Higher options sometimes available.
- Door opens. You and your tandem master exit together.
- Freefall ~25–75 seconds, depending on height. About 200 km/h.
- Parachute opens. The world goes quiet.
- Enjoy the views. Gentle turns if conditions allow.
- Land with legs up on cue for a smooth slide-in.
- Photos and video are available if you want the moment captured.
- Allow 2–3 hours total including check-in and weather holds.
The ultimate bucket list activity… SKYDIVING!
So, where are the best places to skydive? Let’s dive in!
Best Tandem Skydiving Locations in New Zealand’s North Island
Tandem Skydive Auckland
Tandem Skydiving in Auckland: Experience the Ultimate Skydive Adventure
Big-sky views and NZ’s highest regular altitude (up to 18,000 ft)
Skydive Auckland — big-sky views and NZ’s highest regular altitude (up to 18,000 ft)
Jump above Auckland’s twin coastlines with sweeping views to the Hauraki Gulf, Waiheke, Great Barrier and (on clear days) even Ruapehu.
Altitude options go up to 18,000 ft for ~70–75 seconds of freefall, with friendly, high-volume operations and excellent video packages. It’s a polished, first-timer-friendly dropzone with very big scenery for the North Island.
Good for: First jump, long freefall, coast-and-islands scenery.
Skydive Lake Taupo
Tandem Skydiving in Taupo – Experience the Ultimate Adrenaline Rush
lake & volcano panoramas (up to 16,500 ft)
Taupō Tandem Skydiving — lake & volcano panoramas (up to 16,500 ft)
Classic central-North-Island views: Lake Taupō below, Tongariro peaks on the horizon. Choose 9,000 / 12,000 / 15,000 / 16,500 ft. The flight to height doubles as a scenic tour; freefall delivers big lakeside drama, then a calm canopy ride back to the dropzone.
Good for: Lake views, central location, reliable conditions.
Book Your Taupo Tandem Skydive Now for the Ultimate Thrill:
More information & Booking:
Skydive Tauranga – Scenic Tandem Skydiving Over the Bay of Plenty
Skydive Tauranga - Beaches and harbour from 12,000 or 15,000 ft
Boutique vibe and blue-water views across Mount Maunganui, Tauranga Harbour and, on clear days, Whakaari/White Island. Two altitudes (12k / 15k) keep it simple; crews are known for easygoing first-timer care and fun camera edits.
Good for: Coastal scenery, first-timers, half-day plan.
📍 Location: Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty
🪂 Altitude Options: 12,000 ft (45 sec freefall) or 15,000 ft (60 sec freefall)
🎥 Video & Photo Packages Available
Best Places to Tandem Skydive in the South Island NZ.
Tandem Skydive Abel Tasman
Tandem Skydive Abel Tasman - Coast-and-alps from up to 16,500 ft
Turquoise bays, golden beaches and three national parks in one panorama. Go up to 16,500 ft for a long freefall, then float over the Abel Tasman’s famous coastline. Photo/video packages are excellent for blue-on-blue days.
Good for: Beach views, summer colour, photo lovers.
Book your Abel Tasman Tandem Skydive Now
More Information & Booking:
We are so lucky. Everyday we make people ecstatically happy
doing what we love – Skydiving over the awesome Abel Tasman!
Skydive the West Coast of the South Island
Tandem Skydive Franz Josef – Glaciers and Southern Alps drama
A rare combo: glacier valleys, Aoraki/Mt Cook and the Tasman Sea in a single jump. Expect fast weather changes on the Coast; when it fires, the views are unmatched. Check the day’s highest available altitude and bring layers.
Good for: Alpine drama, bucket-list photos.
Book Your Franz Josef Skydive Today!
More information & Booking:
“With a backdrop of the Southern Alps, glaciers, rain forest & the ocean.
It’s hard to imagine a better place to jump out of a plane”
Skydive Mount Cook / Lake Tekapo
Tandem Skydiving at Mount Cook – Alpine Peaks & Turquoise Lakes
Southern Alps panoramas (up to 15,000 ft + heli skydive option)
Skydive Mount Cook — alpine peaks & turquoise lakes (up to 15,000 ft)
The Mackenzie Region delivers some of the clearest, most dramatic landscapes in the country. Fly above Lake Pukaki with sweeping views toward Lake Tekapo, the Mackenzie Basin and Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park before leaping into a high-altitude freefall. Choose 9,000 / 13,000 / 15,000 ft, or New Zealand’s only tandem heli skydive. The scenic flight is a highlight in itself, with crisp alpine colours and vast open valleys.
Good for: alpine scenery, crystal-clear visibility, Southern Alps landscapes, heli option.
Book Your Mount Cook / Tekapo Tandem Skydive:
More information & Booking:
Lake Wanaka - Tandem Skydiving
Tandem Skydive Wanaka – Ultimate High-Altitude Adventure in New Zealand
Southern Alps and lake vistas (9k / 12k / 15k)
Skydive Wanaka offers the ultimate adrenaline rush in one of New Zealand’s most stunning locations. Lake Wanaka provides a jaw-dropping backdrop for your skydive, with 360-degree views of NZ’s highest mountains, glaciers, lakes, and rivers. As you soar high above the Southern Alps in the custom-built X-STOL skydive plane, you’ll take in the breathtaking landscape before jumping from a perfectly good plane!
This award-winning skydiving experience is perfect for those seeking a high-altitude adventure like no other. You’ll be strapped to a qualified tandem master, ensuring a safe and unforgettable jump.
Capture every moment with photos and video packages to relive your adventure forever. Skydive Wanaka is one of New Zealand’s most spectacular skydiving experiences – don’t miss it!
Book Your Skydive Wanaka Adventure Now!
More Information & Booking:
Best Skydiving in Queenstown - it's AWESOME!!
NZONE Queenstown Tandem Skydiving
The classic resort-town jump (9k / 12k / 15k)
NZONE Queenstown Tandem Skydiving is your chance to conquer your fears and take on the ultimate adrenaline challenge! Whether you choose to jump from 15,000ft, 12,000ft, or 9,000ft, Queenstown offers unparalleled views as you dive into the sky.
After a 15-minute scenic flight to altitude, prepare to nudge toward the edge of the plane and leap into freefall. For 60 seconds, you’ll experience the thrill of plummeting at speeds up to 200km/h. Smile at the camera as you take in the stunning views of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables, and the surrounding mountains.
Once your parachute opens, you’ll float gently back to earth, soaking in the beauty of one of the world’s most scenic places. It’s a personal challenge you won’t forget!
Are you ready to take the plunge? Book your Tandem Skydive Queenstown today and feel the rush!
Book Your Skydive Adventure Now!
More Information & Booking:
Tips for First-Time Tandem Skydivers:
Capture the moment: Photos and videos are well worth the extra cost.
Get creative: Write messages on your hands for fun footage.
Go with friends: Make it a group adventure.
Dress warmly: Even in summer, the altitude can be chilly.
Relax: New Zealand has world-class safety standards. Enjoy the experience!
How tandem skydiving works (step by step)
Briefing & gear-up
Meet your instructor, get weighed, and fit a harness and goggles. The team talks you through body position and what to expect. It’s calmer than you think and there’s time for questions.
Climb to altitude
Board the aircraft with your tandem master. Settle in by the window if you can—views build the buzz. Most NZ dropzones offer 9,000–18,000 ft; some locations advertise higher options at times. Your instructor clips in and does final checks.
Exit & freefall
Door open, feet out, head back. You roll together into clean air at roughly 200 km/h. That first second is big; then your brain catches up and it feels like floating on wind. Freefall time depends on height: ~25–30 s from 9,000 ft, ~45 s from 12,000–13,000 ft, ~60–70 s from 15,000–16,500 ft, ~70–75 s from 18,000 ft (higher = longer).
Canopy ride
The parachute opens and the world goes quiet. You can chat, take in the view, and—if conditions allow—try a gentle turn. It’s the best sightseeing you’ll do all trip.
Landing & memories
You’ll lift your legs on cue and slide in for a smooth landing. High-fives all round. Most operators offer photo and video packages so you can relive the moment.
Skydiving requirements in New Zealand (weight, age, clothing)
Weight limits
Typical maximums sit around 100–115 kg, but each operator sets their own limit and will assess on the day. Harness fit and safe control in freefall matter most. Some operators accept heavier guests with an additional fee—always check at booking.
Age & health
Many dropzones take tandem guests from 16+ with parental consent; some are 18+ only. There’s no strict upper age limit—being generally healthy and able to lift your legs for landing is key. If you have a medical condition, bring advice from your GP.
What to wear
Closed-toe sneakers, comfy layers, and hair tied back. Leave jewellery and loose items behind. Operators supply goggles (over-glasses options exist) and, if needed, a jumpsuit. At higher altitudes it’s cooler: a base layer and light windbreaker help.
Timing & weather
Allow 2–3 hours for check-in, briefing, flight, and any weather holds. Skydiving is weather-dependent; wind, cloud, or rain can delay or reschedule. Morning slots often have smoother conditions.
Safety & certification
Reputable NZ dropzones use certified aircraft, licensed tandem masters, and robust gear checks. Listen to your instructor, follow the brief, and you’ll have the best day out.
Ready to jump? Book your tandem skydive at one of these incredible locations and experience New Zealand from an entirely new perspective.
FAQs – Skydiving in New Zealand
1. What is the highest tandem skydive in New Zealand?
What is the highest tandem skydive in New Zealand?
The highest regularly available tandem in New Zealand is typically up to 18,000 ft (about 70–75 seconds of freefall). Some locations advertise higher options at times (e.g., 20,000 ft), but these are availability-dependent and may not run year-round. Always confirm current heights when booking.
A quick freefall guide
- 9,000 ft: ~25–30 s
- 12,000–13,000 ft: ~45 s
- 15,000–16,500 ft: ~60–70 s
- 18,000 ft: ~70–75 s
- 20,000 ft (if available): ~80–85 s
2. Which New Zealand skydiving locations have the best views?
Each location offers unique scenery:
-
Taupō: Lake and volcano views
-
Queenstown & Wanaka: Mountains and lakes
-
Abel Tasman: Coast and beaches
-
Franz Josef: Glaciers and Southern Alps
-
Tauranga: Ocean, White Island, and coastline
3. How safe is tandem skydiving in New Zealand?
Very safe. Operators are regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) and use modern equipment, highly trained instructors, and strict safety protocols.
4. Can I skydive in New Zealand if I’ve never done it before?
Yes! All tandem skydives are designed for first-timers. You’ll be securely harnessed to a qualified instructor who handles everything from jump to landing.
5. What should I wear for my skydive?
Wear comfortable clothes and closed-toe shoes. Most operators provide jumpsuits and goggles — including options for glasses wearers.
6. What is the minimum age to skydive in New Zealand?
The minimum age is typically 16 years old, and anyone under 18 must have written parental or guardian consent. Some operators may have stricter policies.
7. Is there a weight limit for tandem skydiving?
Yes. Most operators have a maximum weight limit between 100–115 kg (220–253 lbs), depending on the equipment and weather. Weight is checked on-site.
8. Can I choose between different altitudes for my skydive?
Yes. Most skydiving locations offer jumps from 9,000 ft, 12,000 ft, and 15,000 ft, with some offering 20,000 ft. The higher the altitude, the longer the freefall.
9. What happens if the weather is bad on the day of my skydive?
Skydives are weather-dependent. If conditions are unsafe (high winds, rain, low visibility), your jump will be rescheduled or refunded.
10. How long does the skydiving experience take?
While the jump itself is short, allow 2–3 hours for the entire experience, including check-in, safety briefing, flight, and post-jump recovery or video viewing.
11. Can I bring spectators to watch me do a skydive?
Yes! Most dropzones welcome friends and family to watch. They can often view takeoff, landing, and even the freefall from the ground (weather depending).
12. Are photo and video packages worth it when doing a skydive?
Many say yes — especially first-timers. Packages usually include high-res stills and HD video from your instructor’s wristcam or an external camera flyer.
Return to Auckland Page