16,500ft Skydive over Abel Tasman with NZ's Most Epic Scenery

Experience the Ultimate Skydiving Adventure over Abel Tasman

Imagine soaring from 16,500 feet above Motueka, where the landscape unfolds beneath you in a swirl of beaches, lush hills, and distant mountain ranges. This skydiving tour in New Zealand’s Abel Tasman region is a chance to truly see the country from a perspective few get to enjoy. For around $323, you get approximately 2 hours of total experience, which includes the jump, safety briefing, and time for photos and videos. The guides, Rod and Will, make safety a top priority, leaving you free to soak in the stunning scenery with confidence.

What truly sets this experience apart is the opportunity to see both the North and South Islands in a single jump—a rare sight that adds a layer of exclusivity to this adventure. We love that the tour is limited to just 9 travelers, ensuring a personalized, friendly atmosphere and plenty of time for questions and interaction. Plus, the ability to preserve the moment with professional photos and videos means you’ll have keepsakes long after you land.

A small consideration, however, is that this experience depends heavily on good weather. Weather-related cancellations can happen, but the company offers full refunds or alternative dates. This makes it important to keep your plans flexible around the weather forecast.

This skydiving tour is best suited for adventurers and nature lovers who crave a once-in-a-lifetime view of New Zealand’s stunning landscapes—those who aren’t afraid of a bit of altitude and want to combine adrenaline with awe-inspiring scenery.

Key Points

Breathtaking Views: Soar above Abel Tasman’s beaches, hills, and distant mountains, with views of both NZ islands in one jump.
Personalized Experience: Limited to 9 travelers, ensuring a more intimate and tailored adventure.
Safety First: Experienced guides, with a focus on safety and comfort.
Photo and Video: Capture your jump professionally, creating lasting memories.
Flexible Cancellation: Full refund if canceled 24 hours in advance, subject to weather conditions.
Ideal for thrill-seekers and scenery lovers: Perfect for those who want a mix of adrenaline and natural beauty.

Planning more time in Motueka? We've covered other experiences worth considering.

A Deep Dive into the Abel Tasman Skydive Experience

When we consider a skydiving adventure, the first thing that captures our imagination is the stunning scenery. This tour doesn’t just promise an adrenaline rush; it promises a visual feast that includes some of New Zealand’s most iconic and breathtaking landscapes. The Abel Tasman region, renowned for its golden beaches and lush hills, is already a favorite among travelers, but jumping from 16,500 feet transforms that admiration into a personal, visceral experience.

The location—Motueka and the Abel Tasman Airport—is conveniently situated at the heart of this natural spectacle. It’s easily accessible and offers a smooth start for your adventure. The pick-up service included means you don’t need to worry about transportation; just show up ready for the thrill.

The Itinerary and What to Expect

Your experience begins with a brief safety and instruction session. The guides, Rod and Will, are praised for their friendly professionalism, making beginners feel at ease. We loved the way their calm confidence reassures even the most nervous first-timers. Once suited up, you’ll board a plane that takes you up to 16,500 feet—a height that guarantees a longer free-fall and a better view than most tandem skydiving experiences.

The free fall lasts approximately a minute, but it feels much longer thanks to the sweeping views of the surrounding landscapes. As you descend, you’ll see the beaches, hills, and perhaps even the distant peaks of the Southern Alps. The unique aspect here is the ability to see both islands—a view rarely available in a single jump—and it’s something many reviewers mention with awe.

Why It’s Worth the Price

At $323, this skydiving experience offers excellent value for such an exclusive thrill. The price includes professional photos and videos, which are highly valued by travelers—many of whom say these keepsakes are “worth every penny.” The total duration of about 2 hours includes waiting times, briefing, the jump, and post-jump photos, making it a well-rounded experience.

The small group size of nine travelers guarantees a more personalized experience. When Nathalie_K describes her day, she mentions, “The staff was very friendly and always there to help,” which underscores the importance of good guides when participating in such a high-adrenaline activity. Knowing that safety is a priority allows you to relax and focus on the spectacular views.

Considerations and Tips

While most travelers find the experience smooth and well-organized, weather conditions can cause cancellations. The company’s clear policy offers full refunds if weather prevents the jump, but this means you should remain flexible and keep an eye on the forecast. It’s also worth noting that the entire process, including waiting and preparation, can take several hours, so plan your day accordingly.

If you’re someone who values authentic adventure experiences and doesn’t mind small delays or weather-dependent schedules, this tour is a fantastic choice. It’s particularly suited for those who love scenic landscapes and adrenaline, but might be less ideal if you’re on a tight schedule or very averse to weather-related uncertainties.

Who Will Love This Skydiving Experience?

This tour is ideal for adventure seekers eager to combine the thrill of skydiving with the opportunity to witness New Zealand’s most epic scenery. It’s perfect for nature lovers who want a bird’s-eye view that’s both exhilarating and visually stunning. The limited group size and professional guides make it a safe and intimate choice for first-time jumpers or those celebrating a special occasion.

Travelers who value photographic memories will appreciate the included videos and photos, ensuring the experience stays vivid long after landing. It’s also well-suited for those who want to tick “skydiving over both NZ islands” off their bucket list.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this experience suitable for beginners?
Yes, most travelers participate without prior skydiving experience. The guides are experienced and focus on safety and comfort, making it suitable even for first-timers.

How long does the entire experience take?
From pickup to drop-off, expect about 2 hours, including waiting, safety briefings, the plane ride, the jump, and photos. The whole process might be around 4 hours depending on weather and scheduling.

What if the weather is bad on the day of my jump?
The activity is weather-dependent. If poor weather cancels your jump, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

Can I get photos and videos of my jump?
Absolutely. The tour includes professional photos and videos, which many reviewers say are a highlight and well worth the price.

How many people are in the group?
The activity is limited to 9 travelers, ensuring a more personalized experience with plenty of attention from your guides.

What is the age or health requirement?
While not explicitly stated, most skydiving tours are suitable for most healthy adults. Those with specific health concerns should check with the provider directly, but most travelers find they can participate.

Final Thoughts

If you’re after a once-in-a-lifetime view that combines the natural beauty of Abel Tasman with the adrenaline of tandem skydiving, this experience delivers in spades. The personalized guides, breathtaking scenery, and professional photo packages make it a standout choice for those who want to make their New Zealand trip truly unforgettable.

The experience’s value lies not just in the thrill but in the visual riches you’ll take home—images and videos capturing you suspended over some of the most scenic parts of the country. While weather can be unpredictable, the flexible cancellation policy offers peace of mind. It’s an adventure best suited for scenery lovers, adventurers, and those looking for a story to tell for years.

For anyone dreaming of that perfect combo—stunning views and an adrenaline rush—this skydiving experience in Motueka is hard to beat.