Lake Taupo: 12,000ft Tandem Skydive & Hotel Pickup

Summary

Skydiving above lake taupo with views of volcanoes and wild laughter

You’ll feel your heart race on this Lake Taupo 12,000-foot tandem skydive—soaring over volcanoes with a pro guide strapped behind you. Enjoy hotel pickup, gear provided (even a buff to keep), and time for family or friends to watch from the drop zone. The rush of freefall fades into quiet awe as you float down—something you’ll remember every time you look up.

What’s the experience like?

“You sure you’re ready?” That’s what my tandem master asked as we shuffled towards the open door of the plane, Lake Taupo glinting below. I’d been fine until that moment — then my heart started hammering so loud I swear he could hear it through the harness. The air smelled sharp and cold up there, like metal and clouds. My hands were sweating inside those silly gloves they give you (which you get to keep — mine still smells like sky). I tried to say something brave but just laughed instead.

The climb up was almost peaceful. Our guide pointed out Mount Ruapehu and Mount Ngauruhoe off in the distance — he called it “Mount Doom” and grinned when I recognized it from Lord of the Rings. It was weirdly calming, looking out at all that space before the jump. Then suddenly it was just us on the edge, legs dangling into nothing. The freefall? Forty seconds of noise and wind and not really thinking at all. My cheeks flapped around like a cartoon character (the video is hilarious), but honestly, I barely noticed — everything else just kind of dropped away.

Parachute opened around 5,500 feet. Silence hit so fast it made me laugh again — you go from roaring wind to this floating quiet where you can see all the way across the North Island if you squint right. The guide let me steer for a bit (I zigzagged wildly; he didn’t seem worried). Landing felt softer than I expected — grass under my shoes, my legs a little wobbly. There were people cheering at the drop zone, some waiting for their turn, others just watching with coffee in hand. I hugged my tandem master without thinking about it. Still not sure if that was cool or awkward.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tandem skydiving experience in Taupo

• Arrive at drop zone
• Attend safety briefing
• Choose camera options
• Get kitted up with equipment
• Meet tandem master
• Enjoy scenic plane ride to altitude
• Exit plane and freefall
• Parachute deployment and glide
• Land safely at drop zone
• Celebrate with high five and hug

Top questions

How high do you jump from on the Lake Taupo tandem skydive?

The standard jump is from 12,000 feet (3,660 meters), with options for higher altitudes if available.

Is hotel pickup included for this skydiving experience?

Yes, hotel pickup and drop-off are included in your booking.

Can friends or family watch me skydive at Lake Taupo?

Yes, there’s plenty of space at the drop zone for spectators to watch jumps.

What do I need to wear or bring for skydiving in Taupo?

All necessary gear is provided—including harness, jumpsuit, goggles, and a buff headwear to keep after.

Are there any health or weight restrictions?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal/cardiovascular issues; there’s a 220 lbs (100 kg) weight limit.

Will there be an instructor jumping with me?

Yes—a professional tandem master will be securely attached to you throughout your skydive.

Is this activity suitable for children?

Children can participate if they fit safely in the harness provided by staff.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Taupo, all taxes and fees covered, use of harnesses plus jumpsuit and goggles (they even hand you a buff headwear as a keepsake), plus guidance from experienced multi-lingual tandem masters who make sure every step—from safety briefing to landing—feels doable even if your knees are shaking a bit.