SOTC Blog

Most people skydive for the sheer pleasure of the kick they get from the jump, as the wind blinds them and the world below looks like a cluster of specks. Many do it to tick the activity off their bucket list, once and for all. Some are curious what the shebang is all about and sign up to find out. But once they do it, all of them call skydiving a spiritual experience, one that has given them a new life. They share how, during the fall, all their troubles seemed to magically melt away, leaving them feeling light as a feather. While hurtling down at 120mph, all their worldly sorrows and pressures, just disappeared into thin air. No matter what your reason to plummet to earth head-first, New Zealand will make sure you have an adventure of a lifetime.

Most people skydive for the sheer pleasure of the kick they get from the jump, as the wind blinds them and the world below looks like a cluster of specks. Many do it to tick the activity off their bucket list, once and for all. Some are curious what the shebang is all about and sign up to find out. But once they do it, all of them call skydiving a spiritual experience, one that has given them a new life. They share how, during the fall, all their troubles seemed to magically melt away, leaving them feeling light as a feather. While hurtling down at 120mph, all their worldly sorrows and pressures, just disappeared into thin air. No matter what your reason to plummet to earth head-first, New Zealand will make sure you have an adventure of a lifetime.

Before we tell you all about the best places for New Zealand sky diving, let us quickly walk you through the three types of skydiving experiences you can indulge in. The first kind is Tandem Skydiving, which is a blessing for anyone trying this for the first time. As an amateur, it is a good idea to have an expert with you while you tumble down the skies. Therefore, in Tandem Skydiving the diver is fastened to their instructor who takes care of all the technicalities of the jump, while you are free to enjoy the fall. The second type is called Static Line Skydiving. Also a good option for beginners, in Static Line Skydiving you remain attached to the aircraft that you jump out of. This is a great pick for anyone who wants to solo dive in the future. And finally, we have the Accelerated Freefall, which is recommended for experts alone. You may have watched this in adventure movies where the diver leaps out accompanied by two instructors and experiences a 55-second long free fall.

Now let us go find out more about the 10 remarkable places in New Zealand where you can fall from heaven:

Auckland: Get carried away

With the Pacific Ocean on one side, and the Tasman Sea on the other, Auckland is a wonder in itself. From natural beauties only a drive away from the heart of the city, to several manmade miracles to explore and experience, Auckland is definitely one of the most adored places in New Zealand. Another cherished activity that makes Auckland a coveted travel destination is skydiving.  Imagine freefalling from a height of 16000 feet – doesn’t that send shivers down your spine? If yes, then you can come experience it by picking this New Zealand sky diving destination. 

Abel Tasman: Fall through the bed of clouds

Unclothed mountains with skin of granite along with panoramic views of the ocean, doesn’t that sound like the perfect place for skydiving? Abel Tasman boasts of offering the most picturesque touchdown site among all New Zealand sky diving experiences. When sailing through the clouds, you can see both the islands of this stunning country, which makes this experience even more special for an explorer. If you are trying your hands at skydiving for the first time, then Abel Tasman’s tandem skydiving experiences will suit you best. If you are an expert, then you can always pick the solo fall. It is also a great idea to book your slot in advance so as to not miss out on this life-altering opportunity.

Queenstown: Fasten your belt and yourself to a beautiful stranger

You may have taken a road trip around Queenstown, devouring finest cuisines while swigging 80 of the best wines of New Zealand, but you cannot really get the true taste of this town if you haven’t fallen from its skies. Jumping from an altitude of 15000 feet isn’t something for the faint-hearted. Expect views of blue and green braided together, which makes this New Zealand sky diving delight even more special. For trivia lovers, here is a little something: Queenstown is considered the birthplace of both tandem skydiving as well as bungee jumping.

Bay of Islands: Hurtle to a spectacle of blue

Freefalling toward 144 ferny spots surrounded by strips of blue may sound like a Dali painting, but it is not. We are describing your New Zealand sky diving experience if you decide to pick the Bay of Islands for this activity. A number one summer break destination for travel enthusiasts, Bay of Islands is the place to be for any aquaphile, where fishing, swimming with whales, nose-bumping dolphins, and yachting into a gorgeous sunset, are everyday occurrences. But for nephophile like you, the Bay of Islands will put up a cabaret of clouds and turn your skydiving experience into an unforgettable one.

Fox Glacier: Expect a backdrop better than a travel wallpaper

Leaping from 16500 feet toward earth with a mighty glacier honouring your background, what more could one expect from their New Zealand sky diving experience?! Even the word dramatic doesn’t capture the essence of what you will experience as you float through the Fox Glacier sky that clears itself only for the lucky ones, so that they can spot the emerald of the rainforest. Even if you are slightly terrified because of the height, we suggest that you take the plunge.

Taupō: Take to the skies 

Nestled in the North Island of New Zealand, Taupō is a small town that most travellers look past when picking places to visit in the Land of the Long White Cloud. And that’s a rookie mistake they make!  Taupō may be small, but it is bustling with attractions as well as activities, one such experience being skydiving. As close to 30,000 skydiving enthusiasts make their way to Taupō every year to jump off 15000 feet. Apart from the thrill of the jump, what makes this one of the most spectacular New Zealand sky diving experiences is the plethora of glimpses you will catch, such as the snow-topped volcanoes that call Tongariro National Park home or the gorgeous outline of the coast.

Rotorua: Sign up for some sky therapy

For people visiting Rotorua, the traces of sulphur in the air immediately makes them think only of hot springs, geysers and mud pots, but this town has a lot more to offer. Diving headfirst from a height of 15000 feet toward a breath-taking aerial view of the beauty that New Zealand is, you cannot fathom it until you actually experience this dive. Believe us when we say that sky diving in New Zealand, especially in Rotorua, will be worth every penny.

Glenorchy: Fall like shooting star

An adored movie location, having featured in Lord of the Rings, X-Men Origins: Wolverine, and the Chronicles of Narnia, Glenorchy is no stranger to fame. Being a fantastic New Zealand sky diving location is another feather in its cap. If you have always wanted to free-fall toward an expanse of forests, this is the ultimate pick for you. If you think of it, you are also diving toward some coveted Hollywood locations, which makes you sort of a superstar too!

Frank Josef: Watch your troubles float away

Do you want to take things a notch higher? We are talking 20000 feet, baby! Yes, you read that right. Frank Josef is the highest New Zealand skydive. It is no surprise then that this place is one of the most famous and sought-after skydiving locations in the country. From massive mountains and gorgeous glaciers to inky oceans and pristine lakes, expect it all to create one spectacular view as you descend during this dive. Daredevils unite for this is going to be one of your favourite memories, one that you will talk about for the rest of your life.

Wanaka: Soak up the sights

Definitely one of the most dramatic New Zealand sky diving experiences, Wanaka skydive will show you a new side of not only the country you are visiting, but also a new shade of yourself. Wanaka offers some gorgeous locales as landing sites, which makes this entire activity an even more treasured one. Though it is impossible to miss, we would recommend being on the lookout for the colossal Mount Cook, which is the tallest cliff in the country. Also, if you see a patch of crystal blue stillness while descending, you have locked eyes with Lake Wanaka, a beauty that leaves travellers enchanted and in love.

Though considered by many a death wish of sorts, plunging through the clouds ironically leaves you more alive than ever! And if you are trying skydiving for the first time, no place can offer you better landscapes than the island country of New Zealand. Once you go through your training, there is absolutely nothing to worry about. Close your eyes and take the leap!