Franz Josef: Tandem Skydive 18,000ft with Pickup & Guide

Summary

Leap above Franz Josef’s wild peaks & glaciers with a local guide

You’ll jump tandem with a local guide from 18,000ft above Franz Josef’s glaciers, rainforests, rivers, and ocean views. Feel the rush of freefall for nearly 90 seconds before floating down under parachute — all gear included plus roundtrip transfers from town. It’s an adrenaline shot you’ll remember long after your feet touch ground.

What’s the experience like?

"You sure you want to go all the way up?" our instructor grinned as we squeezed into the tiny plane at Franz Josef. I laughed — honestly, my hands were already sweaty just thinking about it. The morning air smelled sharp and cold, like snow even though the sun was out. We’d met at the little booking office in town, got kitted out in jumpsuits and goggles (the gloves felt weirdly comforting), and then they drove us out to this strip where the mountains just towered over everything. It’s wild how close Aoraki/Mount Cook looks from here — almost like you could reach out and touch it if you weren’t about to fall through the sky.

The climb took forever but also no time at all. Our guide — Pete, who’d done this hundreds of times — pointed out Fox Glacier on one side and the Tasman Sea on the other. He kept up this steady chatter about wind patterns and cloud cover, but I only half heard him because my heart was thumping so loud. When the door opened at 18,000 feet, there was this rush of icy air that hit my face and suddenly I could smell pine from way down below mixed with something metallic from the plane. I didn’t expect that part.

Freefall is… hard to describe. It’s not just falling; it’s more like flying and tumbling at once while your brain tries to catch up. Eighty-five seconds feels both endless and gone in a blink. Pete yelled something — maybe “look left!” — so I did, and there were these blue lakes glinting between green patches of rainforest and white rivers curling through them all. My cheeks hurt from grinning or maybe just from the wind slapping my face so hard.

The parachute opened with a jolt (I might’ve yelped) and then everything slowed down enough for me to notice how quiet it got except for Pete laughing behind me. We drifted over Franz Josef Glacier itself before landing back near where we started. My legs shook when I stood up but honestly? I still think about that view whenever someone mentions New Zealand skydiving — nothing else comes close.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tandem Skydive Adventure

• Tandem skydive from 18,000ft

Top questions

How high is the tandem skydive in Franz Josef?

The tandem skydive reaches 18,000 feet above Franz Josef.

Is pickup included for the Franz Josef skydive?

Yes, round-trip shared transfer from the booking office to the airport is included unless restricted by covid rules.

How long does the entire skydiving experience take?

You should allow about 3 hours for your tandem skydive experience.

Is skydiving in Franz Josef wheelchair accessible?

Yes, this experience is wheelchair accessible.

What should I wear for skydiving in Franz Josef?

Wear warm lightweight clothes and secure shoes with laces if possible; all other gear is provided.

Are there any health restrictions for this skydive?

This activity isn’t recommended for travelers with spinal injuries, poor cardiovascular health, or pregnant travelers.

What do you see during the skydive over Franz Josef?

You’ll see Aoraki/Mount Cook, Fox & Franz Josef Glaciers, rainforests, lakes, braided rivers, and Tasman Sea views.

What’s included

Your day includes use of helmet, gloves, goggles and jumpsuit; all necessary skydive equipment; plus round-trip shared transfer between the booking office in Franz Josef township and the airport unless covid restrictions apply.