Wanaka: Skydive Over Southern Alps with Scenic Flight

Summary

Skydiving above Wanaka’s peaks, lakes and wild blue

You’ll ride out from Wanaka for your skydive adventure over the Southern Alps — gearing up with your tandem instructor before taking off on a scenic flight past lakes and glaciers. Feel your heart race as you freefall above Wanaka, then float gently down with views you won’t forget soon.

What’s the experience like?

We rolled out from central Wanaka in this van that smelled faintly of coffee and sunscreen — everyone a little quiet, fidgeting with zippers or double-checking their shoes. Ten minutes later, we pulled up at the drop zone near Wanaka Airport. The wind had that sharp, clean bite you only get in New Zealand. Our guide, Tom (or maybe it was Dom? I was too nervous to catch it), grinned and handed me a jumpsuit that felt heavier than I expected. “You’ll want this,” he said, nodding at my shivering hands.

The prep is a blur now — harnesses tugged tight, safety talk about what not to do with your legs (I immediately forgot), and then meeting my tandem instructor, Li. He had this calm way of explaining things that made me trust him instantly, even though we’d just met. We shuffled out to the little plane together — it looked even smaller up close — and squeezed in beside a couple from Auckland who kept making each other laugh. The flight up was almost too beautiful for words: six lakes glinting below us, the Clutha River winding like a blue ribbon, snow still clinging to the Southern Alps even though it was late spring. Li pointed out Mt. Aspiring through the scratched window; I tried to say its Māori name and got it so wrong he nearly choked laughing.

Then the door opened. That moment is still lodged somewhere in my chest — cold air roaring in, my heart thumping so hard I could feel it in my teeth. We tumbled out and for a few seconds there was nothing but wind and sky and Li yelling “look around!” into my ear. Freefall is weirdly quiet inside your head; you’re falling but also floating, if that makes sense. My cheeks were flapping around like laundry on a line (not flattering) but I couldn’t stop grinning.

The parachute snapped open with a jolt that made me gasp — suddenly everything slowed down and I could actually see Wanaka spread out below us, all green paddocks and bright water under the sun. It smelled like grass up there somehow. Li let me steer for a second (“gently!”) while we drifted back toward the landing field where people were waving tiny arms at us from below.

I still think about that view sometimes when I’m stuck on crowded trains back home — how small everything looked from up there, how big it felt inside me after we landed. We waited for our video edits with numb fingers wrapped around mugs of tea, swapping stories with strangers who didn’t feel like strangers anymore.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Skydive adventure in Wanaka

• Arrive at Wanaka Airport drop zone
• Check in and gear up
• Meet your tandem master
• Take 20-minute scenic flight
• Enjoy views of Southern Alps and lakes
• Experience freefall at 125 mph
• Parachute opens for gentle descent
• Land and celebrate achievement
• Receive edited video and photos

Top questions

How long does the Skydive Wanaka experience take?

The whole experience takes about 3 hours including transfers from central Wanaka.

Is pickup included for Skydive Wanaka?

Yes, optional transfers are available from central Wanaka i-Site to the drop zone at Wanaka Airport.

Do I need any special equipment for skydiving in Wanaka?

No special equipment needed; all safety gear is provided at the drop zone.

What can you see during the scenic flight before skydiving?

You’ll see Mt Cook, Mt Aspiring, several lakes (up to six), glaciers and the Clutha River during the 20-minute flight.

Can children participate in Skydive Wanaka?

The minimum weight is 30kg/66lbs; all participants must fit safely into a harness. Under 18s need an adult onsite to sign a waiver.

Are there weight limits for skydiving in Wanaka?

Yes; persons over 95kg incur surcharges depending on weight bands and must be assessed by the Tandem Master at check-in.

Is Skydive Wanaka wheelchair accessible?

Yes, wheelchair access is available at the drop zone.

What happens after landing at Skydive Wanaka?

You’ll celebrate your jump while waiting for your edited video and photos at the landing area.

What’s included

Your day includes optional pickup from central Wanaka i-Site, all safety equipment provided at check-in, a full safety briefing with an experienced jump master before your tandem skydive adventure over the Southern Alps — plus time after landing to relive it all while waiting for your edited video and photos before heading back into town.