Skydive Mount Cook – Tandem Skydiving Over Lake Tekapo
Updated: 25 th June 2026
Experience New Zealand's Highest Tandem Skydive with Incredible Alpine Views
Experience one of New Zealand’s most spectacular tandem skydives with breathtaking views across Aoraki / Mount Cook, Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and the snow-capped Southern Alps. Operating from Pukaki Airport near Twizel, Skydive Mount Cook offers unforgettable tandem jumps from 10,000 ft, 13,000 ft and up to an incredible 16,500 ft, giving you the freedom to choose the perfect balance of altitude, adrenaline and freefall.
Whether you’re taking your very first tandem skydive or chasing the ultimate bucket-list adventure, every jump combines an exhilarating freefall with panoramic alpine scenery found nowhere else in New Zealand. For those looking for something truly unique, you can even experience New Zealand’s only tandem helicopter skydive or combine a helicopter flight, ski plane, glacier landing and tandem skydive in one unforgettable alpine adventure.
Lake Tekapo Skydive with Panoramic Views of Mount Cook National Park
Your Mount Cook Tandem Skydive Experience
Prepare for one of the most breathtaking skydiving adventures in the South Island. Operating from Pukaki Airport near Twizel, Skydive Mount Cook is surrounded by the spectacular landscapes of the Mackenzie Basin — with sweeping views toward Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo, and the Southern Alps.
Your experience begins with a friendly welcome, safety briefing, and gear-up with your tandem instructor. After boarding the aircraft, you’ll enjoy a scenic climb to altitude, taking in snow-capped peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, braided rivers, and vast alpine valleys.
Then comes the moment you’ve been waiting for — an adrenaline-charged leap into freefall, followed by a peaceful parachute descent back toward the Mackenzie Basin. Whether it’s your first time jumping or a long-awaited bucket-list moment, the team ensures a safe, unforgettable skydive from start to finish.
Plan Your Adventure Today
Early bookings are recommended, especially during the summer months, as this sought-after adventure fills up quickly. Don’t miss your chance to skydive in one of New Zealand’s most iconic locations—book your tandem skydive with Skydive Mount Cook today!
Why Choose Skydive Mount Cook?
• Tandem jumps up to 16,500 ft
• New Zealand’s only tandem helicopter skydive
• World-exclusive Alpine Combo including helicopter, ski plane, glacier landing and skydive
Which Skydive Height Is Right For You?
Choosing the right jump height depends on how much freefall you want and the type of experience you’re looking for. The 10,000 ft tandem skydive is perfect for first-time jumpers, offering up to 30 seconds of freefall and spectacular views across Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo and Aoraki / Mount Cook.
For many visitors, the 13,000 ft skydive provides the best balance of altitude, freefall and value, with up to 45 seconds of adrenaline before a peaceful parachute flight back to earth.
If you’re chasing the ultimate thrill, the 16,500 ft tandem skydive delivers up to 60 seconds of freefall and the longest descent available, making it the most exhilarating option for experienced thrill-seekers and bucket-list adventurers.
Looking for something truly unique? The 10,000 ft Helicopter Skydive is exclusive to Skydive Mount Cook and is the only tandem helicopter skydive available in New Zealand. For the ultimate alpine adventure, combine a helicopter flight, ski plane flight, glacier landing and tandem skydive in the unforgettable Alpine Combo experience.
Spectacular Views of Aoraki/Mt Cook and Lakes Ohau, Pukaki & Tekapo
Skydive 10,000 feet
Price: From $299 Per Person
Jump Height: 10,000 feet
Departs: from 8:00 am onwards
Freefall: Upto 30 Seconds freefall
Take the leap with this ideal first-time skydive experience. After a scenic 10-minute flight above the Mackenzie Basin, you’ll exit at 10,000 ft for an exhilarating burst of freefall before transitioning into a smooth parachute descent.
You’re securely harnessed to a professional tandem instructor who handles every part of the jump, allowing you to simply enjoy the thrill and the sweeping views across Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo, and the Southern Alps.
Skydive 13,000 feet
Price: From $399 Per Person Two person $699
Jump Height: 13,000 feet
Departs: from 8:00 am onwards
Freefall: Upto 45 Seconds freefall
Jumping from 13,000 ft delivers the perfect balance of altitude and adrenaline. Enjoy a scenic climb over alpine lakes and mountain peaks before launching into up to 45 seconds of pure freefall.
Once under the canopy, you’ll float back toward the Mackenzie Basin with exceptional views stretching across the region. With nearly 100,000 happy jumpers behind them, the Skydive Mount Cook team ensures a safe, memorable experience every time.
Skydive 16,500 feet
Price: From $529 Per Person – 2 persons $899
Jump Height: 16,500 feet
Departs: from 8:00 am onwards
Freefall: upto 60 Seconds freefall
If you’re chasing the biggest rush, the 16,500 ft jump is your ultimate choice. You’ll enjoy a longer scenic flight, reaching the highest altitude available at Skydive Mount Cook, followed by up to a full minute of freefall.
The parachute descent provides plenty of time to soak in the dramatic alpine scenery that makes this region one of the most spectacular skydiving locations in New Zealand.
Exclusive to Skydive Mount Cook — New Zealand's only tandem helicopter skydive.
10,000 Ft. heli jump with instructor
Price: From $799 Per Person (includes media pack)
Jump Height: 10,000 feet
Departs: from 9:00 am onwards. Please allow 3 hours from check in to complete the activity.
Freefall: Upto 30 Seconds freefall
xperience a world-exclusive adventure — the only tandem heli skydive in New Zealand. Lift off by helicopter and enjoy a dramatic alpine flight before exiting at 10,000 ft for an unforgettable freefall over the Mackenzie Basin.
Securely attached to your tandem instructor, you’ll descend under the canopy with sweeping views across Lake Pukaki and the surrounding peaks. For thrill-seekers looking for something truly unique, this heli skydive offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience.
About
The only company in NZ you can jump as a tandem out of a helicopter with!
Tandem skydiving is the fastest, easiest and safest way for an inexperienced skydiver to enjoy the thrill of jumping out of a Helicopter, free falling through the sky at 200kph/120mph and floating safely to the ground under a parachute.
The system includes a harness and parachute system for both the passenger and the instructor to share, so you can simply enjoy the thrill of the experience, knowing your instructor has everything under control.
Alpine Combo and Skydive Mt Cook - Combo
Price: From $688 Per Person
Jump Height: 10,000 feet
Departs: from 9:00 am
Experience the most extraordinary way to explore Aoraki/Mount Cook — a world-exclusive alpine flight and skydive combination that brings together helicopter flight, ski plane flight, glacier landing and tandem skydiving in one unforgettable adventure.
Your journey begins with an incredible 45-minute scenic flight, soaring between the peaks of the Southern Alps. Enjoy the rare thrill of taking off and landing on the Tasman Glacier, New Zealand’s longest glacier, as you switch between helicopter and ski plane right on the snow.
After returning to Pukaki Airport, you’ll board the skydive aircraft and climb to your chosen jump height — 10,000 ft, 13,000 ft, or 15,000 ft. Take in unmatched views of the Mackenzie Basin, Tasman Glacier, and Aoraki/Mt Cook before leaping into freefall for the skydiving experience of a lifetime.
This combo is the ultimate way to see every aspect of Mount Cook National Park, combining multiple modes of flight, a glacier landing, and a bucket-list skydive into one extraordinary experience.
Highlights
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45-minute helicopter and ski plane adventure
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Glacier landing and take-off on the Tasman Glacier — New Zealand’s longest glacier
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Aircraft changeover on the snow
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Choose your skydive height: 10,000 ft, 13,000 ft, or 15,000 ft
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Unmatched views of Aoraki/Mt Cook, Southern Alps, Lake Pukaki and the Mackenzie Basin
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World-exclusive tour combining heli flight, ski plane, glacier landing and tandem skydive
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An adrenaline-filled, all-in-one alpine adventure
What to Expect on the Day
Your adventure begins at Pukaki Airport with check-in, a safety briefing and gear-up with your tandem instructor. Once ready, you’ll board the aircraft for a scenic climb to altitude with uninterrupted views across Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo, Mount Cook National Park and the surrounding alpine valleys. After freefall and parachute descent, you’ll land safely back at the drop zone before celebrating your jump with the Skydive Mount Cook team.
Frequently Asked Questions – Skydive Mount Cook & Lake Tekapo
What happens if poor weather cancels my skydive?
Skydiving is weather dependent. If your jump cannot operate because of unsuitable weather or safety conditions, Skydive Mount Cook will normally offer an alternative departure time, reschedule your booking or provide a refund in accordance with their booking terms and conditions.
What should I wear for my tandem skydive?
Comfortable clothing, secure lace-up shoes, sunglasses if requested before boarding, and dress for the season. All skydiving equipment is provided.
What makes Tandem Skydive Mount Cook such an unforgettable adventure?
Tandem Skydive Mount Cook offers one of the most spectacular alpine settings in New Zealand. From high above the Mackenzie Basin, you’ll take in sweeping views of snow-capped peaks, turquoise glacial lakes, and the rugged landscape leading toward Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park. The combination of altitude, scenery, and clear Southern Alps skies makes this one of the country’s most memorable skydiving locations.
How does the skydiving experience at Mount Cook begin?
Your adventure starts with a detailed safety briefing and gear-up with your tandem instructor at Pukaki Airport near Twizel. After boarding the aircraft, you’ll enjoy a scenic climb to altitude, revealing panoramic views across Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo, and the Southern Alps before exiting for your exhilarating freefall.
What jump heights are available, and what does each experience include?
You can choose from three jump heights:
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10,000 ft — Up to 30 seconds of freefall
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13,000 ft — Up to 45 seconds of freefall
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16,500 ft — Up to 60 seconds of freefall
Each jump includes a scenic flight, professional tandem guidance, and a peaceful parachute descent back toward the Mackenzie Basin.
Is tandem skydiving suitable for beginners?
Yes. Tandem skydiving is the safest, easiest and most accessible way for beginners to experience freefall. You’re securely harnessed to a highly trained tandem instructor who manages all equipment, safety systems, aircraft procedures and the parachute descent so you can focus entirely on the experience.
Can I combine skydiving with other adventure activities at Mount Cook?
Absolutely. The Alpine Combo & Skydive Mount Cook experience combines helicopter flight, ski plane flight, glacier landings on the Tasman Glacier, and your choice of skydive height. It’s the most comprehensive way to explore Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Southern Alps in a single, action-packed adventure.
Can you skydive in winter at Mount Cook and Lake Tekapo?
Yes. Winter often provides some of the clearest skies and most dramatic views in the Mackenzie Basin. As long as weather conditions are suitable and winds are within safe limits, skydiving continues year-round. Your check-in team will advise if conditions change on the day.
Are there age or weight limits for tandem skydiving?
Tandem skydiving is suitable for most people aged 16 years and over (under-18s require parental consent). Weight limits apply for safety reasons and may vary slightly depending on conditions and equipment. The team will confirm current limits at booking or check-in.
How long does the entire skydiving experience take?
Most skydives take around 2–3 hours from check-in to completion, depending on weather, aircraft movements and chosen jump height. This includes briefing, gearing up, the scenic flight to altitude, and your parachute descent. The helicopter jump and Alpine Combo may require additional time.