If you’re going to New Zealand, it’s one of the greatest places to skydive. Why? Because everywhere you go in New Zealand, the view is postcard perfect.

As you’re skydiving, you’d want to be amongst beauty (more reason to keep your eyes open when you’re free falling). You’d also want your pictures to turn out well with remarkable scenery as backdrop. Also, there are plenty of wide open spaces in New Zealand, so there’s more than sufficient space for skydiving. And lastly, because it’s such a popular activity in New Zealand, there are many experienced skydivers to take you out skydiving.

That said, it’s best to skydive on a good weather day. Check the weather in advance and with your skydiving service provider before the day itself.

Now that you’re convinced that you shouldn’t miss out on skydiving in New Zealand, where should you do this adrenaline-rich activity? For some of us, this may be a once-in-a-lifetime activity and we want to choose the best place to skydive at. Here are some quick facts of the best places to skydive in New Zealand.

North Island

Taupo

One of the more affordable skydive choices in New Zealand, and is popular with Middle Earth fans.

Height(s): 12,000 ft or 15,000 ft

Views: Mt. Ngauruhoe (Mt Doom in Lord of the Rings) as well as Lake Taupo, the biggest lake in New Zealand.

Cost: From NZ$279

Tauranga

Operating from the Tauranga Airport in Bay of Plenty, this small but personal dropzone offers beautiful views on the Pacific Coast highway touring route.

Height(s): 10,000 ft, 12,000 ft

Views: Mt Ruapehu, the Bay of Plenty, East Cape and Coromandel Peninsula

Cost: From NZ$325

Bay of Islands

The only beach landing available in New Zealand, complete with the best view of the 144 islands scattered on the Pacific Ocean.

Height(s): 9,000 ft, 12,000 ft or 16,000 ft

Views: 144 islands scattered on the Pacific Ocean

Cost: From $299

Auckland

Closest to a city (New Zealand’s largest one at that), and the highest skydive in North Island.

Height(s): 9,000 ft, 13,000 ft, 16,500 ft

Views: Auckland city, and several offshore islands

Cost: From NZ$295

South Island

Queenstown

The hub of adrenaline-pumping activities, and home of New Zealand’s first tandem skydive operation. You will descend above the Wakatipu basin, and be rewarded with views of endless mountains and sparkling lakes. Book here. 

Height(s): 9,000 ft, 12,000 ft, 15,000 ft

Views: The Remarkables mountains and Lake Wakatipu

Cost: From NZ$299

Abel Tasman

The national park is renowned for its beautiful golden sand, crystal clear waters and lush rainforest. Abel Tasman sees more sunny days, which means you have more good weather days to jump off a plane from.

Height(s): 9,000 ft, 13,000 ft, 16,500 ft

Views: Both the North and South Islands, the beaches, the Pacific Ocean

Cost: From NZ$269

Franz Josef

Highest jump in New Zealand with a terrific and unique view above a glacier and New Zealand’s highest mountain.

Height(s): 13,000 ft, 16,000 ft, 19,000 ft

Views: Mount Cook, Franz Josef Glacier, Fox Glacier

Cost: From NZ$319

Wanaka

If you’d like to skydive above a large lake and want an alternative to Taupo, you can enjoy Wanaka’s breathtaking views of lakes, mountains and the South Island’s longest river. Book here.

Height(s): 9,000 ft, 12,000 ft, 15,000 ft

Views: Lake Wanaka, Mt Cook, and Mt Aspiring, the Clutha river

Cost: From NZ$299

No matter which skydiving location you choose, your safety is of utmost importance. Listen to the instructions carefully, and make sure you understand everything even before going up the plane.  

Although photos and videos cost extra (sometimes doubling the cost), they are totally worth it for the memories! The whole skydiving experience will only last up to 75 seconds, so having photos and/or videos to look back on can bring you back to those free fall moments again and again. You may also want to think about what you would like to show in the photos/videos. Some people have chosen to write short messages on their hands so that they can point it to the camera as they are free falling.

Planit NZ can arrange a discount on any travel package including your New Zealand skydive - contact us  to find out more.