Are you ready to take the plunge? Well, the groom is soon to be when he walks down the aisle anyway, so why not try skydiving? For thrill-seekers, jumping out of a plane and free-falling to the ground at speeds of over 200km/h is an experience they won’t forget.
In New Zealand, skydiving is a popular adventure activity that offers an adrenaline rush and breathtaking views — and here at Wicked, we have found the best places to get the ultimate adrenaline rush.
Franz Josef & Fox Glacier
Located on the South Island, you and your crew better get ready to have a hair-raising adventure as you jump from a helicopter 20,000 feet to witness the breathtaking Franz Josef Glacier and surrounding mountains. Nestled between New Zealand’s highest mountains, the Tasman Sea, stunning temperate rainforest, glowing glaciers, mirror lakes and braided riverbeds, Franz Josef Glacier has been described as one of the most beautiful places on earth.
Abel Tasman
For breathtaking scenery, Abel Tasman provides you with stunning views of both the North and South Islands, including turquoise oceans, snow-capped mountains, golden beaches, and lush national parks. It’s a sight to behold, and it’s one of the few places where you can see such a diverse range of New Zealand’s natural beauty from the sky. There is a range of jumps from various altitudes, including 10,000 feet, 13,000 feet, and even 18,000 feet, providing different levels of freefall time and scenic flights— with the 16,500-foot jump particularly popular, offering up to 70 seconds of freefall.
Mt Cook
Dive above New Zealand’s tallest mountain and the stunning Tasman at Mt Cook on the South Island. This dramatic backdrop for your jump comes with views of glaciers (where you’ll take in the striking blue of glacial lakes) and National Park, a UNESCO World Heritage site There are various jumps available, ranging from 9,000 to 19,000 feet, with the highest jumps offering over a minute of freefall— that’s not for the fainthearted!
Taupo
Located on the North Island, skydiving in Taupo is one of the most popular adventure activities in New Zealand, and there are several reasons why it attracts so many thrill-seekers, including the stunning views of its vast, blue expanse of Lake Taupo. The area around Taupo also features breathtaking volcanic landscapes, and on a clear day, you can see as far as the east and west coasts of the North Island. Taupo offers skydiving jumps from a range of altitudes, including 9,000 feet, 12,000 feet, 15,000 feet, and even 18,500 feet. Higher altitudes mean longer free-fall times, up to 75 seconds.
Queenstown
Located on the South Island, Queenstown is renowned as the adventure capital of New Zealand, attracting thrill-seekers from around the world. Queenstown offers thrilling skydives with stunning alpine views and panoramic views of Lake Wakatipu, known for its crystal-clear waters and dramatic shoreline. Skydiving companies in Queenstown offer jumps from altitudes ranging from 9,000 to 15,000 feet. Higher jumps provide longer free-fall times, up to about 60 seconds, giving you more time to experience the rush—and that you certainly will!
Skydiving in New Zealand is an incredible way to experience the country’s stunning landscapes from a whole new perspective, and it’s sure to ensure that this is one bucks adventure your group won’t forget!