Skydiving In New Zealand - New Zealand Adventure Sports

10 Best Places for Skydiving in New Zealand

One moment is all it takes to step off from a plane and hurtle thousands of feet down, with the wind rushing past your ears and the sight of mountains and lakes sending you on an adrenaline buzz like never before. New Zealand is renowned the world over for its reputation as an adventure sports playground, one which most people can’t seem to get enough of. But skydiving in particular is one of the most thrilling things that you can do ever. The sort of rush that you get from doing this as you drop down rapidly, wind beating around you is something that can never be replicated. 

What’s even more wonderful about skydiving in New Zealand are the gorgeous landscapes that you get to do it in. Once your parachute has opened and you float down gently and slowly, you can take in these beautiful surroundings and store them in your memories as one of the most stunning moments of your life. Since skydiving is so popular in New Zealand, it’s a good idea to know which kind of skydiving would be best for you.


Different types of skydiving

Queenstown Skydiving

  • Tandem Skydiving – Recommended for beginners although some experienced divers too don’t mind trying it. In tandem skydiving, the instructor is strapped on to your back to ensure that your experience is perfect and safe. They will manoeuvre you from the moment you jump off the plane and pull the ripcord to open the parachute to the moment you land. 
  • Static Line Skydiving – In this, you’re alone but a static line attaches you to the aircraft. As you dive, there’s just a few short moments of freefall before the main parachute opens up. This is usually preferred if you want to try jumping solo and you haven’t done skydiving before.
  • Accelerated Freefall Skydiving – This is only recommended for pros and involves the diver jumping off a plane along with two instructors. These instructors ensure that the harness is gripped firmly, and they also ensure that you continue to remain stable as they instruct you with hand signals. The freefall lasts for around 50 seconds. 

 

Ten places to go skydiving in New Zealand

1. Auckland

Auckland has often been referred to as the adventure capital of the world and it wears this moniker with pride. The experience and adrenaline rush as you hurtle towards the ground at a speed that’s faster than 200kmh is something that cannot be put into words. The freefall is from 16000 feet and more and as you rush past scudding clouds, the feeling of intense exhilaration is completely natural. 

2. Queenstown

Queenstown Skydiving

Tandem skydiving is said to have originated here and Queensland is one of the best places for skydiving in New Zealand. You get to jump from 15000 feet but once your parachute has opened, you will be able to see some stunning views of snowy mountains in the distance. Since Queenstown has some stunning locales, you can be sure that your descent will be most scenic. During winter, you’ll get to see the swirling icy blue ocean but at other times of the year, you’ll see lush green hills and a sparkling blue sea. 

3.Abel Tasman

The Abel Tasman National Park is one of the popular places to go skydiving in New Zealand. Located in Central Motueka, you’ll find yourself looking at the iridescent blue of the ocean and the numerous mountain ranges that populate the park. It’s no wonder that this is a much sought-after skydiving location in New Zealand. 

4. Fox Glacier

Imagine skydiving with the backdrop of a glacier? How much more exciting can skydiving possibly get? At Fox Glacier, there are no limits. It’s one of the most amazing spots you can go skydiving in New Zealand and it’s no wonder why. After all, where else can you get to see rainforests and snowfields and the bluest of oceans? Don’t worry if you’re thinking this is all too fantastical to be true. This thought is only natural for every person who hurtles down thousands of feet from here.

5. Bay of Islands

For adventure enthusiasts, this is one skydive that has probably been on their bucket list for the longest while. The jump takes place from 16500 feet and it’s said to be the highest recorded jump in North Island. What’s even more stunning is the sight of 144 islands that appear like specks in the bay as you take your jump. 

6. Glenorchy

Glenorchy is a small village that has gained international fame because it has appeared in several renowned movies. It’s a popular skydiving spot because of the perfect views of forests and mountains that it offers. Some of the skydiving sessions are done in the locations where the Hobbit and Lord of the Rings were set, and this certainly adds a tantalising element to your skydive.

7. Franz Josef

Not only is this said to be the highest skydive in New Zealand, it’s also extremely scenic. The Franz Josef glacier lies below and above, as you soar through the sky and take in the dramatic views of the ocean, rivers and mountains. Some of New Zealand’s highest mountains can be seen here. Skydiving here is very popular and comes highly recommended because the freefall is nearly 90 seconds long. 

8. Rotorua

Rotorua is known for its geysers and hot springs, but did you know that skydiving here is also recommended because it’s extremely exhilarating? After all, the view from 15000 feet will change the way you view this iconic New Zealand spot. The sight of the valleys and geysers just add to the thrill of shooting down like a star. 

9. Lake Wanaka

The wonderful thing about skydiving in New Zealand is that it’s not just about the adrenaline rush. The country is so beautiful with many natural wonders that you can enjoy all these glorious sights as you freefall from the plane. In Lake Wanaka, the views are simply stunning. Sights such as Aspiring National Park rainforest, Mount Cook and Lake Wanaka add to the thrill of this skydive. 

10. Taupo 

Lake Taupo Skydiving

Lake Taupo is huge and one of the most popular spots for skydiving. All around you, there are gorgeous mountains like Tongariro, Ngauruhoe and Ruapehu and below you, the shimmering surface of the lake. With dense white clouds floating around you as you rush past them and the parachute opens up, you’ll feel the thrill of the moment, down to your very toes. Many people come here for their first tandem skydives as the picturesque location helps them get over and conquer their fears eventually. It does help to have a trained skydiver with you who will direct you safely to the ground. 


Some important things to remember

  • Ensure you are wearing appropriate clothing that’s loose but sturdy. 
  • Don’t wear flip-flops. It’s best to wear proper fitted shoes.
  • Your goggles should be sturdy. 
  • Take safety seriously and double-check your harness.
  • Take lots of deep breaths to calm your mind.
  • Make sure you stick to the weight limit as it matters greatly. 
  • It’s avoidable to go skydiving during winter because the weather will be freezing, and you will not be able to enjoy anything. 

Skydiving is one of the craziest and yet extremely thrilling activities that you can do and if you can get to do it in New Zealand, then it’s worth every dollar!

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