Skydiving in New Zealand

Skydiving in New Zealand is the ultimate thrill for adventure lovers. Whether it’s your first jump or you’re already experienced, the aerial views of the city will take your breath away. MakeMyTrip offers 1753 skydiving options in New Zealand for 2025, ranging from tandem jumps to advanced solo dives. Certified instructors and modern equipment ensure that safety is always a priority, letting you focus on the rush of freefall and the calm glide back to earth. It’s an experience that stays with you long after you land. With New Zealand skydiving prices starting from INR 355 this is your chance to tick the adventurous activity off your bucket list. This December, dive with MakeMyTrip and create memories you’ll never forget.

Skydiving in New Zealand: Dive Into the Adventure Capital of the World

Skydiving is the ultimate adventure sport, combining heart-pounding freefall with breathtaking views from the sky. So, are you ready to take your adventure to the next level? Skydiving in New Zealand is an unforgettable experience that blends adrenaline with some of the world's most stunning natural scenery. From the moment you dive out of the aircraft, you'll see beautiful views - snow-capped mountains, turquoise lakes, rolling hills, and dramatic coastlines.

Popularly known as the ‘adventure capital of the world’, New Zealand is a dream destination for thrill-seekers. Skydiving in New Zealand allows you to experience diverse landscapes and top-tier drop zones in places like Queenstown, Taupō, and Wanaka, promising a safe, professional, and unforgettable jump. In addition, the country's reliable weather conditions, expert instructors, and world-class safety standards make it one of the best places for skydiving.

Are you a first-timer? There is truly no better place to face your fears and embrace the thrill of freefall. Skydiving in New Zealand is not just about the adrenaline - it is about the perspective you gain, the fear you conquer, and a lifetime experience that you take home. So, if you have ever dreamed of falling through the sky with beauty all around, New Zealand is surely the place to make it real!

Why Skydive in New Zealand?

New Zealand is known for its snow-capped mountains, deep blue lakes, volcanic plains, and dramatic coastlines. This cinematic scenery makes it one of the best skydiving destinations in the world. While falling from the sky, the landscape truly feels like a real-life postcard, shifting from alpine to ocean in seconds.

Queenstown, Taupō, and Wanaka are some of the popular jump zones, offering unbeatable views of the mountain ranges, glacial valleys, and sprawling wilderness. For travellers seeking a thrill with a side of nature, skydiving in New Zealand offers an immersive freefall experience that feels surreal and grounding all at once.

New Zealand skydiving is best for beginners, thanks to its well-established operators who follow top-tier safety, quality, and professionalism standards. Hence, it is a reliable and unforgettable option for both first-timers and frequent flyers.

Best Time to Go Skydiving in New Zealand

New Zealand offers amazing skydiving experiences year-round. However, the best time to skydive in New Zealand is from November to April due to clear skies, mild temperatures, and excellent visibility of the country's stunning landscapes.

Skydiving in New Zealand is usually conducted from altitudes of 12,000 feet to 16,500 feet, giving you about 75 seconds of thrilling free fall before opening your parachute and enjoying the panoramic views of mountains, lakes, and coastlines.

• Ideal seasons: November to April
• Height of the fall: 12,000 – 16,500 feet
• Skydiving New Zealand Price: From NZD 350 to NZD 550

Types of Skydiving Experiences

Listed below are some of the skydiving experiences available in New Zealand:

• Tandem Jumps: It is a popular skydiving experience for first-timers where participants are harnessed to an experienced instructor who handles the entire jump process.
• Solo Skydiving: Only available for licensed and experienced skydivers over a limited drop zone like Queenstown or Taupō.
• Accelerated Free Fall: A detailed training course where two instructors jump alongside you to help you develop solo skills.
• Group Formations: These jumps allow mid-air formations to fly against scenic backdrops. However, it is available only for certified jumpers.
• Wingsuiting: It is an advanced discipline requiring extensive experience as you glide forward in a special suit, which is offered only at selected drop zones.
• Indoor Skydiving: Wind tunnels allow you to experience free-fall conditions in a controlled setting, which is ideal for beginners or practice before a jump.

Top Skydiving Centres in New Zealand

• Skydive Auckland Ltd. – Auckland
  Location: Approx. 40 km northwest of Auckland city centre, near Parakai.
  Highlights: The highest skydive in New Zealand (up to 20,000 ft) that offers panoramic views of coasts, forests, and the city skyline.
• Skydive Abel Tasman – Motueka
  Location: About 43 km north of Nelson City.
  Highlights: Stunning bird’s-eye views of three national parks, golden beaches, and turquoise waters.
• Skydive Tauranga – Tauranga
  Location: Around 8 km from Tauranga city centre, near Tauranga Airport.
  Highlights: Experience the best skydiving in New Zealand by seeing coastal views over Mount Maunganui, Bay of Plenty, and Coromandel. It is ideal for tourists looking for scenic, low-altitude jumps.

Safety and Requirements

Skydiving in New Zealand takes place under strict protocols. Below, we have mentioned what you should know.

• Minimum Age: Most operators in New Zealand require participants to be 18+ years old to go skydiving. However, participants who are 16 years old can also skydive by using written parental consent.
• Weight Limit: The general weight limit for tandem skydives ranges from 95 kg to 100 kg, depending on the aircraft and harness capacity. However, some operators even allow slightly heavier jumps for an additional cost after a safety assessment.
• Health Conditions: If you have any heart conditions, epilepsy, or respiratory issues, you won't be allowed to skydive. Basic mobility and fitness are essential for New Zealand skydiving.
• Certifications: All instructors in New Zealand are certified under the New Zealand Parachute Industry Association (NZIPA) or USPA, ensuring full compliance with international safety norms.
• Insurance: Operators provide basic coverage, but it’s advisable to carry personal travel insurance that includes adventure sports.

Nearby Attractions and Activities

Once done with the exhilaration of skydiving, there are tons of things to explore in New Zealand. Here, we've mentioned some of the top experiences near drop zones.

Auckland: When you place your feet back on the ground, visit New Zealand's largest city, which mixes urban exploration and outdoor fun. You can head to the Sky Tower to enjoy bungee jumping or panoramic views of the city. Walk along Viaduct Harbour for trendy cafes and waterfront dining. For relaxation, you can take a ferry to Waiheke Island for scenic vineyards and beach strolls.

Abel Tasman: If you are skydiving in the Nelson-Tasman region, Abel Tasman National Park is just a few minutes away, which is known for its golden beaches and turquoise waters. You may also enjoy other famous activities like Kayaking along the coast, hiking on the Abel Tasman Coast Track, and taking boat tours to spot seals and dolphins.

Tauranga (Bay of Plenty): Once you've landed, explore the white sands of Mount Maunganui beach or hike up the Mount for a spectacular view of the coastline. You can also soak in the hot saltwater pools or join dolphin-watching tours on the open sea. Visit nearby Rotorua to experience geothermal wonders like mud pools, geysers, and traditional Māori cultural performances.

Tips for Skydiving

• Dress for the Weather: The weather in New Zealand is unpredictable, particularly in alpine or coastal regions. Make sure to dress in layers and wear snug-fitting clothes.
• Pre-Jump Briefing Matters: Pay close attention to your pre-jump briefing session to know the correct body posture, exit technique, and landing positions.
• Confirm Instructor Certification: Your instructor must be certified by international organisations like NZIPA or USPA. Do not hesitate to ask for verification if in doubt, as it risks your life.
• Don't Eat Too Much: Avoid eating heavy or greasy food before skydiving; otherwise, it may cause nausea during freefall. It is better to take a light meal 1-2 hours before the jump.
• Wear Proper Footwear: Opt for wearing closed-toe sneakers or running shoes that are tightly laced. You should not wear hiking boots and sandals, considering the safety concerns.
• Bring Only Essentials: Ensure you carry your ID, water, sunscreen, and minimal valuables while going skydiving. You may also ask your operator in advance about using a personal GoPro.
• Ask About Video and Photo Options: You should ask your operator about the professional photography and videography options to include in your package to capture your once-in-a-lifetime moment.
• Confirm Medical and Weight Guidelines: The majority of operators in New Zealand have set a weight limit of around 90-100 kg. Plus, participants must be in good physical health and honestly disclose any medical conditions.

Travel Tips

Getting There

Most skydiving zones in New Zealand are very well connected with domestic flights and scenic drives. Auckland Airport (AKL), Wellington Airport (WLG), and Christchurch Airport (CHC) are some of the prominent airports in the country near the jump locations.

For Skydive Auckland, you may need to drive 45 minutes northwest of Auckland City via taxis, rental cars, or shuttle services.

If you want to go to Skydive Abel Tasman, you need to fly to Nelson Airport (NSN). The drop zone is approximately a 30-minute drive from Nelson. You may use car rentals to reach this region.

To go to Skydive Tauranga, you must reach Tauranga through a 2.5-hour scenic drive from Auckland. Alternatively, you can also catch a domestic flight from Auckland to Tauranga Airport (TRG), which is located just 10 minutes from the drop zones. There are limited public vehicles in the area. So, you should prefer renting a car.

Where to Stay

• Near Auckland Drop Zone: It may include stay options like countryside lodges, farm stays, and Auckland city hotels for tourists seeking to combine the jump with urban exploration.
• Near Abel Tasman Drop Zone: Motueka and Kaiteriteri offer a variety of stay options like beachfront cabins, holiday parks, eco-resorts, and boutique guesthouses close to the national park.
• Near Tauranga Drop Zone: You can also stay in Mount Maunganui or central Tauranga, where accommodations include family-run motels, seaside luxury apartments, etc.