Franz Josef: 13,000ft, 16,500ft or 18,000ft Skydive

Experience the Ultimate Adrenaline Rush with a Skydive Over Franz Josef

Imagine jumping from a plane at 13,000, 16,500, or even 18,000 feet above one of New Zealand’s most breathtaking landscapes. This skydive experience, offered by INFLITE Mt Cook, takes you over the dramatic mountains, ancient rainforests, and glowing glaciers of Franz Josef. At just $204 per person and lasting around three hours, it’s a compact adventure that packs in a lifetime of memories.

What we love about this experience is the stunning panorama you’ll witness from the sky, and the professional, friendly guides who make safety and fun their top priorities. Plus, the ability to choose your altitude means you can tailor the thrill to your comfort level. On the flip side, a possible consideration is that weather conditions can influence your jump day, so planning some flexibility in your schedule is wise.

This tour is perfect for adventurers, first-time skydivers, or anyone craving a view-rich adrenaline hit. If you’re comfortable with heights and looking for a safe, well-organized experience with epic scenery, you’ll find this skydive to be a highlight of your South Island trip.

Key Points

• Highly rated: 4.9 out of 5 from 96 reviews, reflecting consistent satisfaction.
• Flexible options: Jump heights of 13,000 ft, 16,500 ft, or 18,000 ft to match your comfort level.
• Spectacular views: Fly over glaciers, mountains, and rainforests—some of New Zealand’s most iconic scenery.
• Safety and professionalism: Experienced guides and all necessary equipment provided.
• Weather-dependent: The experience is subject to favorable weather; flexible scheduling is recommended.
• Great for first-timers: Many reviews highlight how safe, fun, and well-managed the experience is.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Embarking on Your Franz Josef Skydive: What to Expect

When you sign up for a skydive over Franz Josef, you’re in for a well-organized adventure that emphasizes both safety and awe-inspiring views. The process begins with a friendly meet-and-greet with your instructor, who will walk you through the safety briefing and demonstrate the equipment. You’ll be fitted with a harness and helmet, and once suited up, you’ll board a small aircraft that takes you to your chosen altitude—whether that’s 13,000, 16,500, or 18,000 feet.

The Flight Up: The plane ride itself is a scenic journey. You’ll soar over lush rainforests, rugged mountains, and the sprawling glaciers that give Franz Josef its fame. This part of the experience is a great chance to compose yourself, take in the views, and appreciate the scale of what’s to come.

The Free Fall: Once at altitude, your instructor will give a final nod, and you’ll leap out with them attached. Expect a rush of adrenaline as you plunge into 45, 65, or 85 seconds of free fall, depending on your chosen height. During this time, you’ll experience an incredible feeling of flying and the wind rushing past—an experience unlike any other.

The Floating Descent: After the free fall, your instructor will deploy the parachute, and you’ll glide smoothly back to the ground. As you drift down, you’ll enjoy breathtaking views of glaciers, mountains, and lush forests from above, making safety and comfort a top priority for your guide.

Landing: The landing is gentle, about 300 feet above sea level, where you’ll be greeted with lots of smiles and often, some adrenaline-fueled laughter.

The Highlights: Why This Skydive Stands Out

Spectacular Scenery: The views from the sky are genuinely jaw-dropping. You’ll see glaciers like the Fox Glacier and Franz Josef Glacier, immense mountain ranges, and dense temperate rainforests. Many reviews mention how “insane” and “worth the wait” the views are and how they surpass expectations.

Professional Guides & Safety: Several reviewers mention how “kind,” “friendly,” and “knowledgeable” the staff are. The guides are experienced and prioritize safety, making even nervous first-timers feel at ease. As one reviewer said, “Everyone that works there is so kind and fun,” which helps create a relaxed, enjoyable atmosphere.

Customization & Flexibility: The altitude options let you choose the level of thrill. For first-timers or those a bit wary of heights, the 13,000 ft jump offers a more manageable experience. For adrenaline junkies, the 18,000 ft option provides a longer free fall with more adrenaline.

A Closer Look: The Itinerary & Practical Details

The entire activity lasts about three hours, but the actual jump takes only a few minutes. The rest of the time is spent on the ground with briefing, waiting for your turn, and flying to altitude. The tour typically offers morning, afternoon, and evening slots, allowing flexibility depending on your plans.

Transportation & Group Size: You’ll likely be picked up from your accommodation or meet at a designated airfield. The group size is generally small, ensuring personalized attention and a less crowded experience.

Cost & Value: At $204 per person, this experience offers excellent value considering the thrill, safety, and stunning scenery. Many travelers comment on how worth it the media package (photos/videos) is, despite some finding it slightly pricey. Still, most agree it’s a “must-do” for adrenaline lovers with a love of scenic beauty.

Weather & Rescheduling: All skydives depend on weather conditions, which can change quickly in mountain terrain. It’s wise to book your initial jump for the earliest possible day, with a backup day free in case of delays. If weather prevents the jump, you’ll receive a full refund or rebook without fuss.

Restrictions & Preparations: Participants under 18 need parental consent, and those over 100 kilograms may incur surcharges or be assessed on-site. No drones or selfie sticks are allowed during the jump for safety reasons.

Authentic Perspectives from Satisfied Thrill-Seekers

Many reviews highlight the professionalism and friendliness of the staff. For example, one reviewer from the UK said, “Lauren was the woman who took us to the airfield and assisted us. Very knowledgeable and full of banter.” Another from Austria mentioned, “My guide was so nice and fun, he calmed me down because I was so scared.” The consistency of positive feedback emphasizes that you’re in good hands here.

The views are consistently praised as “incredible” and “insane,” with some travelers mentioning they wish they’d gone from a higher altitude, signaling that the longer free fall can be even more exhilarating. Several people spoke of how safe and well-managed the experience felt, even for their first jump.

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Who Should Consider This Skydive?

If you love adventure, scenic beauty, and well-organized tours, you’ll find this experience compelling. It’s especially suitable for first-timers who value safety and clear instructions, and for those who want to capture the moment with photos and videos. The different heights offer options for varying comfort levels, making it accessible to a range of thrill-seekers.

Travelers who appreciate authentic, professional service and breathtaking views will find this skydive a highlight. And if you’re visiting Franz Josef and craving an experience that combines adrenaline with natural beauty, this should be on your list.

The Sum Up

This tandem skydive over Franz Josef offers a rare chance to combine adventure with some of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes. The experience’s standout features—professional guides, flexible altitude options, and remarkable views—make it a solid choice for both adrenaline enthusiasts and scenic lovers.

While weather can influence your plans, the team’s professionalism and the safety measures in place ensure you’ll be in good hands. The value for money, considering the views and thrill, is excellent. It’s a perfect fit for those seeking a once-in-a-lifetime experience that balances excitement and safety.

If you’re comfortable with heights and crave memorable scenery, this skydiving adventure is likely to be a highlight of your trip. Just remember to keep some flexibility in your schedule to accommodate weather changes—and prepare for an experience you’ll never forget.

FAQ

How much does the skydive cost?
It’s priced at $204 per person, which many find reasonable given the scenery, safety, and professional guides involved.

What heights can I choose for my jump?
You can select from 13,000 ft, 16,500 ft, or 18,000 ft, depending on how much adrenaline you want and your comfort level.

What does the experience include?
It includes the skydive itself, a safety briefing, your instructor, and all necessary equipment. Photos or videos are available for an additional cost.

How long does the entire activity take?
The whole process, from briefing to landing, lasts about three hours, but the actual jump is just a few minutes.

Is this suitable for first-time jumpers?
Absolutely. Many reviews highlight how safe and well-explained the process is, making it an excellent choice for first-timers.

What happens if the weather is bad?
Skydiving depends heavily on weather conditions. It’s recommended to book your first day in Franz Josef and keep a backup day free. If rescheduling isn’t possible, you’ll get a full refund.

Are there age or weight restrictions?
Participants under 18 need parental consent, and those over 100 kilograms may be assessed or incur surcharges. No drones or selfie sticks are permitted during the jump.

Can I do this if I have a fear of heights?
While a fear of heights can be a barrier, many find that the guidance and safety measures help them manage their nerves. It’s best to consider your comfort level and talk with the staff beforehand.

Whether you’re after a thrilling adventure, spectacular scenery, or a once-in-a-lifetime story to tell, this Franz Josef skydive ticks all the boxes. Prepare for a day that might just redefine your idea of adventure—and give you memories for years to come.

You can check availability for your dates here: