Do you love adrenaline? Parachute jumping or skydiving is hugely popular in New Zealand! And I can tell you: I totally get why people choose to do a skydive in New Zealand. Almost nowhere else will you get views as stunning as the extraordinary landscapes New Zealand is known for. I did my skydive in Wanaka, on New Zealand’s South Island. But there are plenty of other amazing places too. I’m happy to show you in this blog!
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My own skydive experience in Wanaka
On the South Island you’ll find the town of Wanaka, which is known for its beautiful surroundings. It’s surrounded by some of New Zealand’s most famous mountains, but with slightly better weather than, for example, Franz Josef. That’s exactly why skydiving is so popular here: it simply goes ahead more often than in other popular spots in New Zealand.
Do you already feel a little nervous when you see the photo above? Totally understandable! Because I found it pretty nerve-racking too… but also an experience I’ll never forget! We did this on a beautiful summer day in December (seasons are of course reversed compared to the Netherlands). And then you suddenly have to trust your life to a complete stranger you’ve just met for a tandem jump… well, don’t worry. They do this at least 10 times a day! And as my instructor said: I have the best job in the world!
Beforehand you’ll watch an instruction video: how does a jump actually work? After that you’ll be properly checked before you’re allowed on the plane. You often do this with others at the same time, but maybe that’s actually good for the adrenaline. And then it’s your turn… well… that moment of stepping out of the plane hits hard! If you manage to stay calm, you can see everything: from the beautiful lakes around you to Mount Cook, perhaps the most famous mountain in New Zealand. If you can’t stay calm? No problem. Your parachute opens, and then you still have minutes to enjoy the incredible view!
And a tip from me: you’ll never be able to take photos like the ones I’m using above yourself. Luckily, all skydive companies here offer great photo and video packages. We booked one package together. That way we could also give our parents back home a good scare with what we did. And we gained a beautiful memory, with photos and videos.
The most beautiful skydive locations in New Zealand
Wanaka gave me an unforgettable experience, but there are more places in New Zealand where you can do a tandem skydive. I’ve listed them for you!
1. Wanaka
You’ll find Wanaka on the South Island.
Of course I have to put this one at number 1, given my own experience.
The panoramic views over Mount Aspiring National Park, Lake Wanaka, Mt. Cook, and the endless stretches of forest truly do this spectacular skydiving spot in New Zealand justice.
2. Auckland
You’ll find Auckland on the North Island.
Popular because it’s close to New Zealand’s largest city: Auckland. From here you’ll get fantastic views of New Zealand’s north and east coasts, with sights of Waiheke Island, Great Barrier Island, Mount Ruapehu, and Mt Taranaki.
3. Abel Tasman
You’ll find Abel Tasman on the South Island.
Abel Tasman National Park is another little gem in New Zealand. Known for its stunning beaches, granite cliffs, and picturesque islands, Abel Tasman National Park near Motueka is a beautiful place to go skydiving in New Zealand. While you’re floating through the air, you’ll enjoy an incredible show of turquoise ocean water and the park’s wide mountain ranges.
4. Franz Josef
You’ll find Franz Josef on the South Island.
At 19,000 feet, Franz Josef offers New Zealand’s highest skydive. It’s also considered one of the most scenic skydives in the world! Here you’ll float high above the Franz Josef Glacier and enjoy views of the ocean, the river, and New Zealand’s highest mountains (and therefore glaciers).
Keep in mind that December is one of the wettest months of the year in Franz Josef. So there’s a decent chance your skydive won’t go ahead here in summer. Always book in advance, because this is a very touristy place!
5. Queenstown
You’ll find Queenstown on the South Island.
Known as the birthplace of tandem skydiving in New Zealand, Queenstown is one of the most sought-after places to go skydiving in New Zealand. From an altitude of 15,000 feet, you can enjoy views of snow-capped mountains and stunning landscapes.
Here too, I’d recommend booking in advance, because Queenstown is one of the busier towns in New Zealand during summer and, by New Zealand standards, it can get quite crowded.
6. Taupo
You’ll find Taupo on the North Island.
Roughly the same size as Singapore, Lake Taupo is another popular skydiving destination in New Zealand. Surrounded by the scenic peaks of Ruapehu, Tongariro, and Ngauruhoe, Taupo is a unique place to see the world from above. Do a tandem jump while you dive over the colossal lake, with mountain peaks in the background.
7. Bay of Islands
You’ll find the Bay of Islands on the North Island.
Skydiving in the Bay of Islands—one of the best places for skydiving in New Zealand—is a dream for die-hard skydivers. Feast your eyes on the 144 islands in the bay!
8. Tauranga
You’ll find Tauranga on the North Island.
Get ready for stunning views of places like the Coromandel Peninsula, East Cape, Mt Ruapehu, and the Bay of Plenty during your flight to Tauranga. You can try a tandem skydive in Tauranga and have it filmed, so you can let friends and family back home enjoy it too.
9. Mount Cook
You’ll find Mount Cook on the South Island.
When you jump out of a plane at Mount Cook, you’re surrounded by some of the most spectacular scenery New Zealand has to offer. You’ll be floating above the famous Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park, with snow-capped peaks, glaciers, and of course the iconic Mount Cook itself.
Is skydiving in New Zealand safe?
Skydiving in New Zealand is generally safe, as long as you choose a reputable operator and follow all instructions. It’s still an extreme sport, but New Zealand is known for its strict safety rules, and experienced instructors make sure your jump is as safe as possible.
I’d say: go enjoy it, go experience it, and don’t miss this chance to do a skydive in one of the most beautiful places on earth. Have fun!
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