12 best places to skydive in New Zealand

Ever given a thought about skydiving? To see the world as a bird does, to fly in the sky, it is truly an exhilarating experience. Pick an altitude of 15,000 ft, step out of that aircraft door and freefall at 200km/hr. Don’t worry, you’re not doing this alone – this will be a tandem skydive where you will be strapped to your instructor. The best place to do this? New Zealand of course.

Here are the 12 best places to skydive in New Zealand:

1. Auckland

Ready to throw yourself out of the plane? Freefall at a speed of 200+ km/hr above New Zealand’s biggest city with a spectacular and unique backdrop of both the east and west coasts of New Zealand before your instructor opens your parachute allowing you to gently float down to the landing area. Skydive Auckland is also New Zealand’s largest sport skydiving drop zone. Want to checkout other places in Auckland? Here’s the list!

2. Wanaka

Wanaka is a stunning location for skydiving for a number of reasons. You can marvel at the local beauty and see up to six lakes, the rugged Southern Alps, Mt Cook and the South Island’s longest river (the Clutha). Strap yourself to a beautiful stranger and get ready to jump out of the plane.

Other must-do activities in Wanaka

Wildwire, a waterfall climb along Twin falls

 Stuart Landsborough’s Puzzling World

 Wine tasting in the various vineyards

 Sightseeing on cruise and jetboat

 Skiing and snowboarding

3. Taupo

Find yourself with a bunch of strangers about to jump 15,000ft from a pink plane into thin air above the stunning Lake Taupo, which looks like a mere pond on the horizon of tiny looking things. As you fall you will be pushed into the clouds and the cold air, “breathtaking” would be the word for it. You’ll be able to see Mt Ngauruhoe (Mt Doom in Lord of the Rings).

4. Queenstown

Queenstown is the birthplace of Tandem Skydiving in New Zealand, also known as the ‘Adventure Capital of the World’. At NZone you will be taken high above the stunning Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu. You will get the bird’s eye view of the mountains and lakes beneath. It will take about 60 seconds for the freefall from the plane and 5 minutes for parachute gliding to the drop zone. 

And if you got the feeling that New Zealand is not a place for a family vacation, here is what you must read before you make up your mind.

Other must-do activities in Queenstown

 Bungee jumping

 Tours through Lord of the Rings country

 Wine tours and tasting

 Sightseeing by cruises or flights

5. Glenorchy

Often referred to as “The Gateway to Paradise”, Glenorchy has the most scenic tandem skydive experience on Earth with breathtaking views of Mt Aspiring and the Fiordland National Park. Have a look at the landscapes where Lord of the Rings was filmed. Do not forget to buy some souvenirs to show off!

6. Abel Tasman

Located in central Motueka, and boasting the country’s most epic scenery, Abel Tasman offers the highest 16,500ft tandem skydive. Skydiving during the colder seasons add an additional layer of beauty to the proceedings. On a clear day, you will see both islands and skydive over three national parks: Kahurangi, Nelson Lakes and the Abel Tasman.

Other must-do activities in Abel Tasman

 Sea kayaking

 Sightseeing by boat and track walking

 Take a cruise or water taxi into the park

 Seal swim at the Marine Reserve

 Canoeing and caving

 Rafting and sledding

 Scuba diving

7. Fox Glacier

Fox Glacier is one of New Zealand’s most incredible locations for skydiving which offers spectacular views of Fox Glacier, the Southern Alps, Mount Cook and Mount Tasman and the Tasman Sea. Who wouldn’t want to have a scenic backdrop when they freefall? Skydiving is the only way to see Fox Glacier’s seriously beautiful scenery.

8. Whangarei

Here at Whangarei you can choose where you land which is a luxury offered nowhere. Want to dip your toes in the white sands of Ruakaka Beach, the rugged coastline of Ocean’s Beach or the popular Paihia Beach? You can also land on Whangarei Airport, surrounded by stunning views of the Whangarei Heads and the turquoise waters that make this a tropical paradise.

Chec out the other \ in New Zealand here.

9. Tauranga

As you hang like a rag doll in the sky you can be certain that you will remember Tauranga for the rest of your life. Being situated on the Pacific Coast highway touring route, this dropzone is able to offer majestic views ranging from White Island through to Mount Ruapehu.

10. Franz Josef

Want to skydive at an iconic location but also want a personal experience? Then Franz Josef is your destination. It is located amidst New Zealand’s highest mountains, the ocean, rainforest, glaciers, lakes and rivers. Franz Josef also has the highest skydive in the Southern Hemisphere a 19,000ft Kea Jump.

Other must-do activities in Franz josef

 Guided glacier walk

 Heli hike

 Aerial sightseeing

 Kayaking

 Relax at glacier hot pools

 Explore wildlife centre

11. Bay of Islands

Imagine how phenomenal Bay of Islands would look from 16,000ft with its aquatic beauty and cavalcade of 144 islands and sections of stunning beach. Skydiving in Bay of Islands offers you the amazing aerial view of the Islands. After all views do matter, don’t they? Also, don’t forget that it’s an adventure destination, so try your hand at several activities possible.

12. Methven

Jump up to a stomach-churning 15,000ft high and enjoy the 60 seconds free fall. A skydiving experience in Mid Canterbury will be one you won’t forget or regret. Extreme sport lovers can enjoy skydiving here in Methven. The exhilarating freefall combined with the peace and tranquility of the parachute ride makes your tandem skydive a unique experience you will never forget.

Make sure you get to view the phenomenal Southern Lights before you leave New Zealand trip. Here is where you can catch them.

Pickyourtrail will help you get there in no time with its customized Itineraries!

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