If you want to tick skydiving off your bucket list, choose a New Zealand skydive to experience some of the world’s highest commercial skydives set amongst stunning scenery and epic views. Jumping out of a plane at 20,000ft may feel intimidating, but this once-in-a-lifetime experience will create memories that last for a lifetime.
1. Taupo
Lake Taupo is a massive crater caused by a supervolcano. At 616 sq. km, the only way to truly absorb its beauty is from a bird’s eye perspective. As you fly through the sky, you’ll see the glimmer of great Lake Taupo beneath you, along with some of the North Island’s most impressive peaks, such as Mounts Ruapehu and Tongariro. For LOTR fans, you can also spot Mount Doom (Mount Ngauruhoe) on the way down. Not only is Taupo a fantastic place to jump but the team at Taupo Tandem Skydiving offers an experience you won’t forget. You’ll begin your adventure with a drive through town in a bright yellow stretch hummer before being introduced to your jump buddy, who’ll tell you everything you need to know while keeping the vibe light and friendly. And as if that’s not enough reason to choose Taupo, they are also one of the country’s cheapest skydives, allowing you to spend the extra dollars on a video of your experience (jump on your birthday, and you get the video for free!)
Available heights: 9,000ft, 12,000ft, 15,000ft, 18,500ft
2. Fox Glacier
Experience an epic 85 seconds of freefall as you soar 20,000ft above the Southern Alps. The ‘Kea Jump’ with Skydive Franz not only offers the highest jump in New Zealand, but they were the first company to reach a drop height of this altitude in New Zealand. Aside from the sheer adrenaline rush of such an epic freefall, there is much to enjoy about a Skydive over Fox Glacier. As a part of the Westland Tai Poutini National Park, this area offers several spectacular natural views. Admire the snow-capped peaks of the Southern Alps and look for your reflection over the mirror lakes. You’ll have earned yourself a slap-up meal by the time you land, so check out Lake Matheson cafe, with fine cuisine for you to enjoy in lush surroundings, where the only sound you’ll hear is the distant call of the Rowi kiwi.
Available heights: 9,000ft, 13,000ft, 16,500ft, 20,000ft
3. Queenstown
Queenstown is the adrenaline capital of New Zealand, so it’s no wonder that this city offers some of the best skydiving experiences in the country. When it’s your first skydive, it can be hard to take in the incredible views on offer (you’re slightly preoccupied with the fact that you’re hurtling through the sky at 200 kph). Still, once your parachute deploys, you can enjoy the surrounding sites, which Queenstown offers in abundance. Gaze at the Remarkables or see if you can spot the highest mountain in New Zealand, Aoraki Mount Cook. Admire the sparkling lakes and the plains of the Wakatipu Basin. NZONE is among the oldest and most prominent companies in New Zealand, with years of experience. NZONE offers you the chance to learn about the history of skydiving and watch others parachute to the ground before you embrace the fear and take the plunge yourself.
Available heights: 9,000ft, 12,000ft, 15,000ft
4. Bay Of Islands
Test your skills and see if you can count all 144 islands as you make your descent to the Bay of Islands. On a clear day, you might even be able to spot the Cavalli Islands as you drop from 20,000ft on the highest skydive in the North Island. With Skydive Bay of Islands, you can experience as much as 85 seconds of epic freefall before your parachute deploys and you cruise through the sky, admiring the views. This jump is perfect for beach lovers, offering panoramic views of sandy golden stretches combined with the glistening turquoise waters of the sea. Here, you can upgrade to a combo package such as landing at the treaty grounds, experiencing the luxury of a helicopter ride, or proposing to your loved one. Whatever you choose, Skydive Bay of Islands will be an experience you won’t forget.
Available heights: 9,000ft, 12,000ft, 16,500ft, 20,000ft
5. Abel Tasman
Experience the adrenaline of freefalling over the Abel Tasman National Park. Once you descend to around 5,000m, your parachute will engage, and you can absorb the lush surroundings of this area with mountain, river, and ocean views. Skydive Abel Tasman also offers combo packages for keen adventurers. After the adrenaline hit of the freefall, try a gentle scenic cruise where you can enjoy the sights of the forest wildlife; plus, grab a kayak and explore the tranquil environment of Kaiteriteri Bay.
Available heights: 9,000ft, 13,000ft, 16,500ft, 20,000ft
Find other awesome things to do in the area on our list of The Top 10 Things to Do in Nelson.
6. Wanaka
Wanaka is the ultimate place to skydive in New Zealand thanks to its incredible natural scenery. Much like Queenstown, mountains and lakes grace this part of the country that when seen from above are truly unforgettable. Skydive Wanaka have an awesome team of keen jumpers and skydive enthusiasts with over 25 years of experience, who amp up the jump from the get-go! Opt for a 15,000 ft jump and enjoy 360-degree views of Aoraki Mount Cook and Mount Aspiring. You won’t want to close your eyes on this one! There’s no experience needed for this tandem skydive in Wanaka, just a sense of wild adventure.
Available heights: 9,000ft, 12,000ft, 15,000ft
Cover image credit: Skydive Abel Tasman
