Queenstown: Tandem Skydive & Wakatipu Basin Views

Summary

Queenstown freefall adventure above lakes and mountains

You’ll step into your harness with a local guide beside you, ride out from Queenstown past The Remarkables, then soar high above Lake Wakatipu before leaping into a wild freefall together. Feel the rush as you glide gently back to earth — it’s not just adrenaline; it’s something you’ll carry with you long after landing.

What’s the experience like?

I remember standing on the gravel at the Queenstown drop zone, boots crunching, watching a group of us shuffle nervously in our jumpsuits. The Remarkables looked unreal in the morning light — I kept glancing at them, half-distracted by their weirdly sharp edges. Our guide, Cam, handed me my harness and grinned like he’d done this a thousand times (he probably has). He made some joke about “embracing the fear” — I laughed but my hands were sweaty. The van ride out from town only took about 20 minutes but felt like way less; maybe nerves mess with time.

Once we got up in that tiny plane, everything felt louder — engine noise, people’s voices bouncing around. My tandem master, Sarah, checked my harness again (she’s from Dunedin originally; told me she moved here for the views — fair enough). Looking down over Lake Wakatipu as we climbed higher, I had this odd moment where I forgot to be scared. The blue of the water was almost too much. Then suddenly it was go-time — door open, cold wind everywhere, and Sarah yelling something I barely caught before we just… went.

The freefall is hard to explain. It’s loud and silent at once. My stomach dropped out but then there was just air and speed — apparently you hit 200 km/h but honestly it could’ve been anything. I think I yelled? Or maybe that was just inside my head. When the parachute opened it jerked us up so fast my teeth clacked together (not graceful), but then it all slowed down and we were gliding over sheep paddocks and those wild hills. Five minutes floating feels longer than you’d think. Sarah pointed out little towns below — Arrowtown looked tiny from up there. Landing was softer than expected; grass smelled sharp underfoot.

I still catch myself replaying that jump sometimes when things get quiet back home. If you’re thinking about a day trip skydive in Queenstown — well, nothing else really matches it for waking you up inside.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tandem skydive over Queenstown

• Drive from central Queenstown to dropzone
• Briefing by Tandem Master
• Gear up for skydive
• Flight to altitude above Wakatipu basin
• Freefall jump over drop zone
• Parachute canopy glide back to earth

Top questions

How long does the Queenstown tandem skydive experience take?

The entire experience takes about 3.5 hours including pickup and drop-off.

Is transport from central Queenstown included?

Yes, courtesy coach transfer from central Queenstown to the drop zone is included.

What is the minimum age or weight for tandem skydiving?

The minimum weight is 40kg/88lbs and passengers under 18 need written consent from a parent or guardian.

Is skydiving in Queenstown wheelchair accessible?

Yes, the experience is wheelchair accessible.

How long is the freefall during the tandem skydive?

You can expect up to 60 seconds of freefall before the parachute opens.

Are there health restrictions for this activity?

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

What safety equipment is provided?

All safety equipment including harnesses and briefings are provided by your jumpmaster.

What’s included

Your day includes pickup by courtesy coach from central Queenstown to the drop zone, all safety equipment and harnesses fitted by your guide, a full safety briefing with your jumpmaster before boarding the plane, and your tandem skydive itself before returning to town afterward.