Best Skydiving Locations in New Zealand
From the snow-capped Southern Alps to the volcanic peaks of the North Island, New Zealand offers diverse and spectacular skydiving locations across both islands. Here are the must-visit jump sites for an unforgettable skydiving experience.
Queenstown - NZONE Skydive
Jump at the birthplace of tandem skydiving in New Zealand! Queenstown's NZONE drop zone at the foot of the Remarkables mountain range is described as one of the best places in the world to jump from a perfectly good airplane. Experience unparalleled views of Lake Wakatipu, the Remarkables, Coronet Peak, and endless alpine peaks before freefalling at 200km/h.
- Height: 9,000ft, 12,000ft, or 15,000ft options
- Freefall: Up to 60 seconds
- Views: Lake Wakatipu & Remarkables mountains
- Operator: NZONE (established 1990)
- Transfer: Included from Queenstown central
- Best for: First-time jumpers and alpine scenery
NZONE Queenstown was New Zealand's first commercial tandem skydiving operation, bringing over 30 years of experience. The scenic 15-minute flight to altitude offers stunning views, and the drop zone location provides the perfect backdrop for your post-jump celebration. Combine with bungy jumping for the ultimate adrenaline day.
Lake Taupo - Taupo Tandem Skydiving
New Zealand's #1 rated skydive on Tripadvisor, Taupo Tandem Skydiving offers the largest commercial drop zone in the world with spectacular views of Lake Taupo, volcanic peaks including Mt Doom (Mt Ngauruhoe), and coast-to-coast views of the North Island. With over 25 years of operation and 200,000+ jumps, this is the North Island's premier location.
- Height: 9,000ft, 12,000ft, 15,000ft, or 16,500ft
- Freefall: Up to 70 seconds
- Views: Lake Taupo, Mt Ruapehu, Mt Ngauruhoe
- Transfer: Complimentary (in stretch hummer!)
- Jump rate: 85% of days per year
- Best for: Best value and consistent weather
Taupo offers excellent value with competitive pricing and frequently sunny weather conditions. The central North Island location makes it easy to combine with Rotorua's geothermal attractions and the Waitomo Glowworm Caves for a complete adventure itinerary.
Wanaka - Skydive Wanaka
Known as the most beautiful place to skydive in New Zealand, Wanaka delivers stunning 360-degree views of Lake Wanaka, the Upper Clutha River, Mt Aspiring, and on clear days, even Aoraki/Mt Cook. The stable weather patterns and slightly quieter atmosphere compared to Queenstown make this a favorite among those seeking spectacular alpine scenery.
- Height: 9,000ft, 12,000ft, or 15,000ft
- Freefall: Up to 60 seconds
- Views: Lake Wanaka, Mt Aspiring, Mt Cook
- Transfer: Free from Wanaka & Queenstown
- Weather: More stable than Queenstown
- Best for: Unbeatable alpine panoramas
Located just one hour from Queenstown, Wanaka offers a more relaxed alternative with equally spectacular scenery. The jump provides incredible views of both the Southern Alps and pristine lake country, making it perfect for those who want maximum visual impact. Combine with hiking the Routeburn Track or Roy's Peak.
Franz Josef - Skydive Franz
Experience New Zealand's highest tandem skydive at up to 18,500 feet (some seasons offering 20,000 feet!) over the spectacular Franz Josef Glacier. This is the only place in the world where you can freefall toward an ancient glacier with the Tasman Sea coastline visible in the distance. An absolutely unique and unforgettable skydiving experience.
- Height: 13,000ft, 16,500ft, or 18,500ft
- Freefall: Up to 75 seconds (85sec at 20,000ft)
- Views: Franz Josef Glacier, Tasman Sea, rainforest
- Unique: Jump toward glacier ice
- Glacier views: Ever-changing landscape
- Best for: Highest jumps and glacier scenery
The Franz Josef area offers a completely different visual experience - ancient rainforest, dramatic glacier ice, and wild West Coast beaches all visible during your jump. Combine with glacier hiking or helicopter tours over the ice for the ultimate glacier experience.
Abel Tasman - Skydive Abel Tasman
Jump over New Zealand's sunniest national park! Abel Tasman offers incredible coastal skydiving with views of golden beaches, turquoise bays, lush rainforest, and the Tasman Sea. The region enjoys more sunshine than anywhere else in New Zealand, meaning excellent jump conditions and stunning "bluebird days" are frequent.
- Height: 9,000ft, 13,000ft, 16,500ft, or 18,000ft
- Freefall: Up to 70 seconds
- Views: Golden beaches, pristine bays, rainforest
- Weather: Most sunshine in New Zealand
- Unique: Coastal and forest scenery
- Best for: Beach lovers and consistent weather
Abel Tasman provides a completely different aesthetic from the alpine jumps - think tropical paradise rather than snow-capped peaks. Perfect for combining with sea kayaking, beach hiking, or sailing in the national park. The excellent weather statistics make this a reliable choice year-round.
Auckland - Skydive Auckland
New Zealand's highest regular altitude jump at up to 18,000 feet! Skydive Auckland offers unique urban-meets-nature scenery with views of Auckland's twin coastlines, the Hauraki Gulf islands including Waiheke and Great Barrier, and on exceptionally clear days, even volcanic Mt Ruapehu in the distance. A spectacular introduction to New Zealand.
- Height: 9,000ft, 13,000ft, 16,500ft, or 18,000ft
- Freefall: Up to 75 seconds
- Views: Twin coasts, islands, city skyline
- Unique: Urban and island scenery combined
- Location: North of Auckland city
- Best for: Maximum freefall time
Auckland skydiving offers the perfect combination of coastal beauty and urban excitement. The 18,000ft option provides New Zealand's longest regular freefall experience, giving you maximum air time to enjoy the sweeping views of the Pacific Ocean, numerous islands, and bustling city below.