Franz Josef: 13,000ft, 16,500ft or 18,000ft Skydive

When it comes to adrenaline-pumping adventures, skydiving over Franz Josef on New Zealand’s South Island ranks high on the list. This tour offers a once-in-a-lifetime perspective on some of the most dramatic landscapes in the country, with breathtaking views of glaciers, rugged mountains, and lush rainforests. While we haven’t personally jumped from the plane ourselves, the wealth of reviews and detailed descriptions make it clear that this experience is a must for thrill-seekers and nature lovers alike.

What makes this skydive special? First, the scenic backdrop is second to none, offering a panoramic view that combines icy glaciers and verdant forests. Second, the experienced tandem instructors ensure safety and comfort, helping even nervous first-timers feel at ease. Lastly, the flexibility in altitude choices (from 13,000 to 18,000 feet) allows you to tailor your adventure for maximum thrill or more relaxed sightseeing.

However, a key consideration is weather dependency. Since all jumps are subject to favorable conditions, you’ll want to keep your schedule flexible by booking your first available day and having an alternative date ready. This is especially important in New Zealand, where weather can change rapidly. All in all, this tour suits those craving an adrenaline rush combined with breathtaking scenery, and who are comfortable with the potential unpredictability of weather.

Good To Know

• Stunning Views: Expect panoramic vistas of glaciers, mountains, and rainforests.
• Altitude Options: Choose between 13,000ft, 16,500ft, or 18,000ft for your jump.
• Safety & Expertise: All jumps are conducted with experienced instructors who prioritize safety.
• Flexible Booking: Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
• Duration: The entire experience lasts around 3 hours, including briefing and preparation.
• Value for Money: For approximately $238, you get a top-tier adventure with unforgettable views.

You can check if your dates are available here:

What to Expect During Your Franz Josef Skydive

The adventure begins with a warm welcome at the dropzone, where your instructor will walk you through safety procedures and give you a clear rundown of what to expect. These briefings are thorough — reviewers repeatedly mention how safe and well-informed they felt, even if it’s their first time jumping. Guides like Dani and Lauren are praised for their professionalism and friendly demeanor, calming nerves and sharing interesting insights about the local landscape.

Once suited up, you’ll board a small aircraft that takes you soaring over the glacier-carved valleys and towering peaks of the Southern Alps. The ride itself offers its own scenic delights, with views of snow-capped summits and lush forests spreading below. Depending on your chosen altitude, you’ll ascend to either 13,000, 16,500, or 18,000 feet.

The moment of free fall is what most people anticipate — and it’s hard to describe the rush. You’ll experience 45, 65, or 85 seconds of exhilarating free fall, depending on your jump height. Reviewers like Megan describe it as “insanely beautiful,” especially as they look down on the glaciers shining beneath the clouds. The instructors do a fantastic job of making every moment feel safe and controlled, with some even saying they felt very comfortable despite their initial fears.

Once the parachute opens, the hard work is over and the peaceful glide begins. You’ll float gently back to the ground, taking in the spectacular scenery from a new perspective. Many reviewers mention how the float back down provides ample time to absorb the mountain views, sometimes even catching sight of glaciers and rainforests in the same sweep.

The landing is smooth and typically about 300 feet above sea level, with friendly staff ready to assist. Afterwards, you often have the option to purchase media packages, including photos and videos — many reviews highlight how these captured moments became treasured keepsakes, though some find the media cost a little high.

The Experience: From Booking to Landing

Booking is straightforward via platforms like GetYourGuide — and the ability to reserve now and pay later adds flexibility, especially if your travel dates are uncertain. The tour lasts around 3 hours, but the actual skydiving part only takes a few minutes. The rest of the time is spent briefing, boarding, and post-jump recovery.

Group sizes tend to be small, with instructors like Dani, Lauren, and others providing personalized attention. The reviews frequently mention how friendly and professional they are, making first-time jumpers feel at ease. For those with concerns about weight, note that jumpers over 100 kg may incur a surcharge, and participants aged 13-16 can only jump from 13,000 feet, with parental consent required for minors.

Weather plays a crucial role. The guides recommend booking your first available day and having a backup date in case of delays or cancellations. If conditions don’t permit a jump, full refunds are offered. This flexibility is a huge advantage, allowing you to plan with peace of mind.

The final moments before the jump often come with a mix of nerves and excitement. Reviewers like Maggie comment on how safe they felt, thanks to the staff’s thorough explanations and calm approach. Once in the air, many describe the experience as “surreal” and “absolutely worth it,” with some saying it was the highlight of their trip.

The Value and Cost

At $238 per person, this skydive offers good value considering the level of professionalism, safety measures, and incredible scenery included. The altitude options allow you to choose between a more relaxed 13,000ft jump or a higher, more adrenaline-packed 18,000ft dive. The media packages, while an additional cost, are often seen as an excellent souvenir of the experience — reviewers have loved their photos and videos, often describing them as “priceless.”

While the cost might seem high, it’s important to weigh it against the uniqueness of the landscape and the quality of the guides. Many guests mention that the experience exceeds expectations, especially given the stunning backdrop of glaciers and mountains that you’ll never forget.

Authentic Insights from Reviewers

From the glowing reviews, it’s clear that safety, professionalism, and scenery are the key highlights. Maggie appreciated the staff’s friendliness and the feeling of being well-informed, while Josip loved how the crew made his dream come true with their warmth and friendliness. Megan called it “the most incredible experience,” and many mention how the views above the clouds are simply “insane.”

One reviewer, Connor, praised the instructor Danny for making him feel comfortable, while others like Janja noted the importance of booking the first available day to avoid missing out. Several reviewers also highlighted the value of the media packages, which they considered worth the expense for capturing their “unforgettable” moments.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Who Is This Tour Perfect For?

This skydive over Franz Josef is ideal for adventure junkies who crave a serious adrenaline rush amidst some of New Zealand’s most impressive scenery. It’s also perfect for nature lovers who want to see glaciers and mountains from a perspective most don’t get — floating gently back to earth after the free fall.

While the experience is accessible to first-timers, it’s best suited for those who are comfortable with heights and weather-flexible. If you’re traveling with teenagers aged 13 and over, this can be a memorable family adventure — parental consent is required for minors.

People who value professional guides and quality safety standards will feel reassured here, and those wanting a photo or video keepsake will find great value in the media packages offered.

The Sum Up

A skydive over Franz Josef offers a blend of adrenaline, breathtaking scenery, and expert guidance that makes it a standout experience on New Zealand’s South Island. It’s perfect for thrill-seekers eager to see glaciers and mountains from above, and for those who want a safe, well-organized adventure with unforgettable views.

While weather can sometimes delay the jump, the flexible booking system and professionalism of the staff ensure you’ll be in good hands. The altitude options cater to different levels of thrill, whether you’re seeking a gentle float or an adrenaline rush from 18,000 feet up.

Given the rave reviews and high safety standards, this experience is worth considering for anyone visiting Franz Josef. It provides a true taste of New Zealand’s wild beauty — and a story to tell for years to come.

FAQ

How high can I jump?
You can choose between 13,000 feet, 16,500 feet, or 18,000 feet, depending on your preferred level of thrill and your booking options.

Is the jump suitable for first-timers?
Yes, tandem skydiving is designed for beginners. The guides are experienced, and safety briefings make first-timers feel comfortable.

What should I wear?
Comfortable clothes suitable for the weather on that day are recommended. The team provides all necessary equipment, including jumpsuits and harnesses.

Can I cancel if the weather is bad?
Yes, you can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The jump is weather-dependent, and you’ll be notified of any delays or cancellations.

Are there any age or weight restrictions?
Minors aged 13-16 can only jump from 13,000 feet with parental consent. Participants over 100 kg may incur a surcharge, and all participants are assessed on the day.

How long does the entire experience last?
Expect around 3 hours from start to finish, including briefing, flight, jump, and post-jump time.

Are media packages included?
No, but photos and videos are available for purchase after your jump, which many guests find worth the extra expense for capturing the moment.

In summary, this Franz Josef skydiving experience offers an unbeatable combination of scenic beauty and adrenaline. Perfect for adventure lovers who want a safe, well-organized, and visually stunning flight through some of New Zealand’s most iconic landscapes.

You can check if your dates are available here: