Wanaka Tandem Skydiving 20-min Flight Southern Alps

Jump at high altitude and freefall toward the Southern Alps

Tandem skydiving in Wanaka pairs you with an instructor for a 3-hour adventure that includes a 20-minute flight to altitude over the Southern Alps, a 60-second freefall at speeds up to 200 kilometres per hour, and a parachute descent back to the drop zone near Wanaka Airport. Free transport from central Wanaka is included. Optional transfers from Queenstown are available. You choose your jump altitude (15,000ft, 12,000ft or 9,000ft), and all safety equipment and briefing are provided.

The experience

The day starts at the drop zone, a 10-minute drive from central Wanaka. You'll meet your tandem master, get geared up in the safety equipment provided, and head to the plane for the scenic flight to altitude. During the 20-minute climb, your instructor points out Mt. Cook, Mt. Aspiring, up to six lakes and the Clutha River, the South Island's longest, so you see the landscape before you jump into it.

At altitude, the door opens and freefall begins. You'll reach speeds of up to 200 kilometres per hour for up to 60 seconds, eyes open to take in the view. After your parachute opens, the descent is slower and calmer, giving you time to absorb the mountains and water below as you drift back down to the landing area. Once you're on the ground, you wait for your edited video and photos while the adrenaline settles.

Transport from central Wanaka is free. If you're coming from Queenstown, you can add a transfer option at checkout. The whole experience (briefing, flight, jump and landing) takes about 3 hours. You'll need warm, comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. All other gear is supplied. Bring a valid ID and be prepared for a safety briefing with your jump master before you suit up.

What’s included

• Safety briefing with an experienced jump master.
• tandem skydive with an instructor.
• 20-minute scenic flight to altitude.
• all safety equipment including harness, parachute and helmet.
• edited video and photos (available to purchase on USB).
• free transport from central Wanaka.

Options for this experience

6 options

9,000ft Tandem SkydiveGuide in English or Chinese · 6 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 13:30Strap yourself to a beautiful stranger and experience New Zealand's most spectacular skydive from 9,000ft. Take in up to six lakes, the rugged Southern Alps, and beyond to Mount Cook.

9,000ft option with Queenstown transferGuide in English or Chinese · 07:00Return transfer: pickup is included for return transfers from Queenstown

12,000ft Tandem SkydiveGuide in English or Chinese · 6 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 13:30Strap yourself to a beautiful stranger and experience New Zealand's most spectacular skydive from 12,000ft. Take in up to six lakes, the rugged Southern Alps, and beyond to Mount Cook.

See 3 more options

12,000ft option with Queenstown transferGuide in English or Chinese · 07:00Return transfers: pickup is included for return transfers from Queenstown

15,000ft Tandem SkydiveGuide in English or Chinese · 6 departure times: the first at 07:30, the last at 13:30Strap yourself to a beautiful stranger and experience New Zealand's most spectacular skydive from 15,000ft. Take in up to six lakes, the rugged Southern Alps, and beyond to Mount Cook.

15,000ft option with Queenstown transferGuide in English or Chinese · 07:00Return transfers: pickup is included for return transfers from Queenstown

You pick the guide language when booking.

You'll see the exact price of each option when you check availability.See dates and prices

Before you book

Days and timesEvery day7 departure times: the first at 07:00, the last at 13:30

Book up to1d before

AgesAdult (6 and older) · Under 6: can't be booked

GroupUp to 18

Live guideEnglish and Chinese

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup is optional; you can also go straight to the meeting point. Ends back at the starting point.You can choose from 4 pickup points.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund.

Prices and times updated today

Good to know

Low physical effortWheelchair accessibleStroller-friendlyInfant seats availablePets welcomeNot recommended during pregnancyNot recommended with heart problemsNot recommended with back problems

Operated by Skydive Wanaka

Is this one for you?Choose the 15,000ft jump if you want the longest freefall and the most time under canopy to take in the view. Pick 12,000ft or 9,000ft if you prefer a shorter, more intense freefall or have budget in mind. If you're based in Queenstown, add the transfer option so the driver handles the round trip and you don't need to arrange a rental car or figure out the timing between airports.

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Top questions

What languages is the tour guided in?

Live guide in English and Chinese.

What happens if it rains?

It may be canceled due to bad weather. If that happens, you're offered another date or a refund. Free cancellation up to 24 h before the start.

What altitude do I jump from on this skydive?

You choose between three options: 15,000ft, 12,000ft or 9,000ft. The higher you go, the longer your freefall (up to 60 seconds at 15,000ft), and the more time you spend taking in the view during descent.

Can I get video or photos of my jump?

Yes. Edited video and photos are available to purchase on USB. You'll receive them after landing while you're celebrating on the ground.

What's the view like during the flight up?

During the 20-minute scenic flight to altitude, your instructor points out Mt. Cook, Mt. Aspiring, the Southern Alps, up to six lakes and the Clutha River, so you see the landscape you're about to jump over before the door opens.

Do I need to arrange my own transport to the drop zone?

Free transport from central Wanaka is included. If you're starting from Queenstown, optional transfers are available. You select that option at checkout and the driver picks you up and brings you back after your jump.

How long does the whole experience take?

Allow 3 hours from start to finish, including the safety briefing, the 20-minute flight to altitude, freefall and parachute descent, and time on the ground to collect your photos and video.

What should I wear for skydiving?

Bring warm, comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes. All safety equipment (harness, parachute, helmet and jumpsuit) is provided. Leave valuables behind. You'll be geared up and won't have pockets.