Tandem Skydive 18,000ft from Franz Josef

Tandem Skydive 18,000ft from Franz Josef: An Adventure with a View

Imagine leaping out of a plane at 18,000 feet over some of New Zealand’s most breathtaking scenery—glaciers, towering mountains, and lush rainforests. That’s exactly what this tandem skydive offers. For around $488, you get roughly three hours of an adrenaline-filled experience, starting from Franz Josef and taking in some of the most iconic sights of the West Coast. The tours run multiple times daily, making it flexible for your schedule, and include all necessary equipment, plus a shared transfer from the booking office to the takeoff point.

Two aspects of this experience especially stand out: first, the stunning panoramic views you’ll get while free-falling and under the parachute—on a clear day, you could be gliding over Aoraki Mount Cook, glaciers, mirror lakes, and braided rivers. Second, the friendly, professional staff make the whole process feel safe and approachable, even if you’ve never skydived before.

A potential consideration is the weather dependency—if conditions aren’t right, your jump might be canceled or rescheduled, which is common in such outdoor adventures. But the good news is, if that happens, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund. This experience suits travelers who crave authentic outdoor thrills, enjoy stunning scenery, and appreciate well-organized, professional service.

Key Points

• Breathtaking Views: Skydiving over glaciers, mountains, and rainforests makes this a scenic highlight.
• All Equipment & Instruction Included: Perfect for beginners, with safety and guidance prioritized.
• Flexible Scheduling & Transfers: Multiple daily departure times and shared transport make planning easier.
• Weather-Dependent: Canceled jumps due to poor weather are common; flexible rescheduling or refunds offered.
• Authentic Experience: Friendly guides and safety gear create a relaxed atmosphere.
• Book in Advance: Average booking time is 40 days ahead, so plan early for peak seasons.

Experience Overview

This tandem skydive from Franz Josef is one of New Zealand’s highest, at 18,000 feet, offering an unforgettable perspective of the region’s glaciers and mountains. The tour lasts about three hours, but the actual free-fall time is approximately 85 seconds—that’s plenty of adrenaline-pumping flight time to marvel at the scenery.

What makes this experience stand out is the sheer spectacle of views. As you ascend, the landscape unfolds beneath you: the Franz Josef Glacier, the towering face of Aoraki Mount Cook, lush rainforests, and the braided rivers that snake through the terrain. During the free-fall, you’ll experience 200kph of wind rushing past—an exhilarating sensation—before drifting under the parachute for a peaceful glide.

The process is designed for beginners, with all instruction included. Your tandem instructor is responsible for your safety, allowing you to focus on the thrill. Many reviews mention the staff’s professionalism and friendliness, with some describing their instructors as calming and reassuring. One reviewer noted: “JT was extremely calming, and helped put my partner at ease as she was quite excited,” which highlights how the team keeps nerves in check.

What’s Included and What to Expect

Your booking covers shared transport from the booking office to the takeoff point—convenient and saves the hassle of organizing your own transportation. All skydiving equipment, including helmet, goggles, gloves, and jumpsuit, are provided, giving you a seamless experience from start to finish.

Once at the drop zone, you’ll get a briefing with all necessary instructions, even if it’s your first jump. The views from the plane are stunning as you ascend, with plenty of time to soak in the scenery. The actual jump lasts just over a minute, but the feeling of falling at 120mph over such iconic landscapes is unforgettable.

After safely back on the ground, most visitors enjoy a warm cup of tea or coffee, often remarked upon as a nice touch to wind down and process the adrenaline rush.

The Experience: A Deep Dive

Transportation and Scheduling: The tour starts at 63 Cron Street, Franz Josef, with multiple departures daily, giving you flexibility. The shared transfer from the booking office is straightforward, saving time and effort. Booking often occurs about 40 days in advance, reflecting its popularity.

Weather and Cancellations: Since the success of the jump is weather-dependent, cloudy or rainy conditions can lead to cancellations. However, the policies are traveler-friendly: you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund or reschedule without penalty if canceled due to bad weather.

Group Size and Atmosphere: With a maximum of 70 travelers, the group size typically remains manageable, helping keep the experience personal. Many reviews praise the staff’s friendliness and professionalism, emphasizing how safe and relaxed they made everyone feel.

Who This Is For: If you’re comfortable with moderate physical activity and have a sense of adventure, this jump is for you. The fact that all instruction is included and that Novices are made to feel safe makes it accessible for first-timers. It’s perfect for travelers wanting a once-in-a-lifetime view of New Zealand’s wilderness.

Pricing and Value: At nearly $490, this is not a cheap thrill, but for the spectacular scenery and the safety and professionalism involved, it offers good value. Many reviews mention that the experience exceeded expectations, especially the views and the friendly staff.

Authentic Reviews and Highlights

One reviewer from 2024 described it as an “Amazing experience” and noted that you’ll want to do it again instantly. They appreciated how the staff walked them through the process and emphasized the importance of having fun.

Another reviewer, who jumped from 20,000 feet, praised instructors Peter and JT for making the experience incredible. They mentioned that JT was extremely calming, which is crucial when you’re hurtling at 200kph towards the ground.

A third reviewer highlighted the friendliness and willingness of staff to answer questions, as well as their focus on safety—making them feel secure while harnessed and prepared. They also emphasized the “amazing veins” (likely a typo for “views”) and called the adventure epic.

Who This Tour Is Best For

This experience is ideal for adventure seekers who want to add an adrenaline rush to their trip, especially those who appreciate stunning natural scenery. It’s also suitable for first-timers, thanks to thorough instructions and a professional staff dedicated to safety. If you’re comfortable with a moderate physical activity level and don’t mind weather-dependent cancellations, you’ll find this skydive offers excellent value for the memory of soaring over New Zealand’s iconic landscapes.

The Sum Up

The Tandem Skydive from Franz Josef offers more than just an adrenaline rush; it’s a chance to see some of New Zealand’s most dramatic scenery from a perspective few get to enjoy. With friendly staff, all-inclusive equipment, and flexible scheduling, it’s a well-organized adventure that prioritizes safety while keeping the thrill front and center.

For those who love authentic outdoor experiences and are eager to see glaciers, mountains, and rainforests from above, this tour delivers in spades. While weather can be unpredictable, the team’s flexibility and professionalism make it a reliable choice for adventurous travelers.

If you’re looking for a once-in-a-lifetime story to tell and don’t mind paying for an experience that combines spectacular views with safety, this skydive is worth considering. Pack warm clothes, bring your sense of adventure, and prepare for a truly unforgettable flight.

FAQ

Is this skydive suitable for beginners?
Yes. All instruction is included, and the staff are experienced in making first-timers feel comfortable and safe.

How long does the entire experience last?
About three hours, including transportation, briefing, the jump, and post-jump tea or coffee.

What should I wear?
Dress warmly in lightweight clothes and wear secure shoes, preferably with laces, to ensure safety during your jump.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Your jump might be canceled due to poor weather, but you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

How much time is spent in free-fall?
Approximately 85 seconds of pure adrenaline as you fall from 18,000 feet.

Are photos or videos available?
Yes, options can be purchased after the jump, but they are not included in the standard package.

What is the group size?
The maximum number of travelers is 70, which helps keep the experience personal and manageable.

Embark on this sky-high adventure and see the wild beauty of New Zealand from above—an experience that truly leaves a lasting impression.