Tauranga: 15,000ft Tandem Skydive & Scenic Flight Bay of Plenty

Summary

Leap over Tauranga with a 15,000ft skydive and wild coastal views

You’ll feel your pulse race from the moment you board the plane above Tauranga for this 15,000ft tandem skydive. Soak up wild Bay of Plenty views during a long scenic flight before leaping into freefall at 200km/h—with an instructor guiding every step. There’s even a chance to steer the parachute as you drift back down, heart pounding all the way.

What’s the experience like?

I never thought I’d willingly fling myself out of a plane above Tauranga, but there I was—harnessed up, hands sweating, trying to act cool for the GoPro. The morning had that salty Bay of Plenty air, kind of sharp but fresh, and I could smell sunscreen from someone else in our group. Our instructor, Jamie (who’s done this thousands of times—he said it so casually), cracked a joke about “not losing your shoes at 15,000 feet.” I gripped mine tighter just in case.

The flight itself was longer than I expected—almost twenty minutes just circling higher and higher over Mount Maunganui and those endless gold beaches. You see way more from up there than you’d think: White Island puffing on the horizon, Rotorua’s lakes glinting in the sun. Jamie pointed out Mount Ruapehu too—he said on clear days you can spot Taranaki if you squint. Honestly, my heart was thumping so loud I barely heard half of it. But when the door slid open at altitude and cold air slapped my face? That’s when it got real.

The freefall is just chaos—wind everywhere, your cheeks doing weird things, everything spinning but somehow still making sense. Forty seconds felt both endless and gone in a blink. At some point Jamie yelled something (maybe “look!”) but all I remember is this wild mix of fear and pure joy. When he handed me the canopy controls on the way down—I nearly forgot how to breathe again. Floating back toward Tauranga with my legs dangling over those patchwork fields… yeah, that sticks with you.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Tandem skydive and scenic flight

• Arrive 30 minutes before jump
• Receive instructor briefing
• Enjoy 20-25 minute scenic flight
• View The Mount and golden beaches
• See White Island, Mount Ruapehu, Rotorua Lakes
• Freefall up to 40 seconds at 200kph
• Instructor pulls parachute at 5000ft
• Optional control of 5-minute canopy ride

Top questions

How high is the tandem skydive in Tauranga?

The jump reaches 15,000 feet above Tauranga and Bay of Plenty.

How long does the scenic flight last before jumping?

The scenic flight lasts about 20-25 minutes before your skydive.

What can you see during the flight?

You’ll see Mount Maunganui, golden beaches, White Island, Mount Ruapehu, Rotorua Lakes, The Coromandel, and sometimes Mount Taranaki.

How fast do you fall during freefall?

You’ll freefall at speeds over 200km/h for up to 40 seconds.

Is there an instructor with me during the skydive?

Yes, an experienced instructor is harnessed to you for the entire jump.

Can I steer the parachute myself?

If you’re feeling brave, your instructor may let you control the canopy for part of the descent.

Are pickups included for this skydive experience?

No hotel pickup is included; guests should arrive at Skydive Tauranga 30 minutes before their selected time.

What’s the weight limit for this activity?

The weight limit for participants is 110 kg.

What’s included

Your day includes a full safety briefing with experienced instructors at Skydive Tauranga before taking off on a 20-25 minute scenic flight across Bay of Plenty landmarks like Mount Maunganui and White Island; then comes your tandem skydive from 15,000ft—with all equipment provided—and even a chance to steer during your five-minute parachute ride back to earth.