Tandem Skydive 13,000ft from Franz Josef: Mountains & Glaciers

You free fall at 200kph before the parachute opens.

Tandem skydiving from Franz Josef pairs you with an instructor for a 3-hour experience that includes a 13,000-foot jump, free fall, parachute descent and round-trip transfer from the booking office. The drop zone sits between Aoraki/Mount Cook, the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers, braided rivers and the Tasman Sea. Weather determines each departure. Cancellations due to poor conditions come with a rebooking or full refund.

The experience

The jump itself is the fastest entry into skydiving for someone with no experience. Your tandem instructor manages the equipment and the landing while you handle the one thing that matters: the sensation of leaving the aircraft and accelerating through the sky at 200kph. The helmet, gloves, goggles and jumpsuit are provided, as is all skydive gear. You wear warm lightweight clothes and secure laced shoes underneath. The operator supplies the rest.

The geography is what sets this drop zone apart. Aoraki/Mount Cook rises immediately to your right, with the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers below it. The Tasman Sea spreads wide and blue to the left. Rainforests, mirror lakes and braided river beds fill the view between them. The whole experience (ground briefing, gearing up, the flight to altitude, the jump, free fall, parachute float and landing) takes 3 hours from start to finish. Multiple departure times run throughout the day, subject to weather. If conditions ground the plane, you get offered an alternative date or your money back.

Round-trip shared transfer runs between the booking office and the airport except under COVID restrictions. A tandem master assesses you on the day for harness fit. The minimum weight is 35kg, and anyone weighing 100kg or over pays a small surcharge that varies by weight. Children jump if their weight, size and harness fit allow it, all subject to the tandem master's approval on arrival.

What’s included

• Helmet, gloves, goggles and jumpsuit.
• all skydive equipment.
• round-trip shared transfer from booking office to airport (except under COVID restrictions).

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day9 departure times: the first at 08:00, the last at 17:00

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (7 and older) · Under 7: can't be booked

GroupUp to 70

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupNo hotel pickup: you go to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather or if the minimum number of travelers isn't reached. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Moderate physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Skydive Franz and Fox

Is this one for you?The guide speaks English throughout, so the briefing and the whole experience unfold in a language you follow without translation. Book this if you want the thrill of a jump without needing skydiving certification or prior experience. The tandem instructor handles the technical side while you experience the free fall.

Traveler reviews

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Top questions

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

Can I see Aoraki/Mount Cook and the glaciers from the jump altitude?

Yes. Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Fox and Franz Josef Glaciers sit immediately on the right side of the drop zone, with the Tasman Sea on the left. The jump happens at 13,000 feet, so both landmarks are visible during the descent.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day I'm booked?

Tandem skydiving is subject to favourable weather conditions. If poor weather cancels your jump, the operator offers you an alternative date or a full refund, no other penalty.

Do I need to be fit to skydive, or are there health restrictions?

You should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. The experience is not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnancy. A tandem master assesses harness fit and readiness on the day.

What do I wear, and what does the operator provide?

Wear warm lightweight clothes and secure shoes with laces. The operator provides a helmet, gloves, goggles, jumpsuit and all skydive equipment. Photo and video options are available to purchase separately, as are branded t-shirts and hoodies.

Is the guide English-speaking?

Yes, your tandem instructor delivers the experience in English.