Skydiving FAQs

What is your cancellation and refund policy?

We require at least 48 hours’ notice for cancellations to avoid fees.

• • Over 48 hours: Full refund (Nil charge).
  • 48–24 hours: 50% cancellation fee.
  • Less than 24 hours: 100% cancellation fee.
  • Weather Cancellations: If we cancel due to weather and you cannot reschedule, you receive a 100% refund.
  • Refunds for media packs depend on your chosen package. See our full cancellation policy for details.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day?

Skydiving is 100% weather dependent. If high winds, rain, or low clouds make jumping unsafe, we will notify you 1 hour prior to your jump time. You will be offered the choice of rescheduling to another day or receiving a full 100% refund.

What is the best time of the day to book my jump?

We recommend booking the earliest morning slot. Morning weather in New Zealand is typically more stable. If there are minor weather delays in the morning, it gives our team the most flexibility to fit your jump in later that same day. If you are spending multiple days in the region, aim for the first day for more flexibility around weather changes.

What happens if I change my mind on the plane?

If the aircraft has taken off and you decide not to jump, no refund is provided for the skydive. If you purchased a media package, a full or partial refund may apply depending on the specific package selected.

What are the weight limits for skydiving? 

• • Standard Limit: 100kg. 
  • Extended Limit:100kg–115kg (Subject to Tandem Master assessment on the day, additional surcharge, harness fit, and weather).
  • Minimum Weight: 35kg.

Note: Surcharges apply for passengers 100kg and above.

Is there an age limit for skydiving in New Zealand? 

There is no maximum age limit. For children, eligibility is determined by weight (minimum 35kg) and whether they fit safely into the harness. All children are assessed on the day by the Tandem Master. All passengers under 18 years old require written parental or guardian consent.

Can I skydive with a medical condition? 

We recommend consulting a medical professional (doctor) for clearance if you have any concerns. Our staff are not qualified to provide medical advice.

What should I wear for my skydive? 

Wear comfortable, season-appropriate clothing and closed-toe shoes that fit securely. Avoid sandals, heels, or boots with lace hooks. We provide all required skydiving gear including jumpsuits, hats, goggles, and gloves.

Can I wear glasses or contact lenses when skydiving? What about dentures?

Yes. You can jump with prescription glasses or contact lenses—we provide skydiving goggles that fit securely over glasses (and work well with contacts). If you wear dentures/false teeth, you can usually keep them in; but if they feel loose, we recommend removing them before the flight.

Can I bring a GoPro, phone, or selfie stick? 

No. Per New Zealand Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) regulations and company safety policy, passengers cannot carry cameras, GoPros, drones or phones on the flight. We offer professional media packages if you wish to have your jump recorded.

How do I receive my photos and videos? 

If purchased a media package, you’ll receive a digital download email link within 24–48 hours. If you haven’t received your link after 48 hours, please email us.

Should I eat before a tandem skydive (and what)? 

Yes, most people feel better if they eat something light beforehand. We recommend a light meal or snack 1–2 hours before your tandem skydive (for example, toast, fruit, yoghurt, or a sandwich) and staying well hydrated.

Can you breathe while skydiving? 

Yes! You can breathe normally. The air is plentiful, though the rush of wind may feel intense. Pro tip: If you find it hard to catch your breath, just scream—it forces your lungs to reset.

How scary is the door opening? 

For most people, the moment the aircraft door opens is the absolute peak of the adrenaline rush. It is the point where the experience shifts from “intellectual” to “real.” Luckily, you are strapped to an expert tandem master.

What does freefall feel like? 

One of the biggest surprises for first-timers is that freefall doesn’t actually feel like “falling.” Because you exit an aircraft that is already moving forward at around 160km/h, you don’t get that “stomach-drop” sensation you feel on a roller coaster or a bungee jump. Instead, you transition onto a “wind cushion.”

What happens if the parachute doesn’t open? 

Every tandem set is equipped with a main and a reserve parachute. Furthermore, our gear includes an AAD (Automatic Activation Device), which automatically deploys the reserve parachute if it senses you are still in freefall beyond a certain altitude.

Is skydiving safe? 

Yes, and statistically skydiving is actually safer than driving. In New Zealand, tandem skydiving is a highly regulated activity with multiple layers of safety under CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) and WorkSafe NZ “Adventure Activity” regulations, making it one of the safest adrenaline experiences available. We also use purpose-built, regularly maintained equipment (main and reserve parachutes plus an automatic activation device), highly trained instructors, and conservative weather limits to keep risk as low as reasonably practicable.

Do you offer skydiving insurance (or can I use travel insurance)? 

No – we don’t sell or provide insurance, but you are covered for medcical treatment under ACC (Accident Compensation Corporation) when in New Zealand. Some travel insurance providers will insure you for tandem skydiving, but we recommend you check directly with them to confirm.

How long does the skydiving experience take? 

Please allow 2 to 3 hours from your arrival at the airport (base). This covers safety briefings, gearing up, the flight, the jump, and time to enjoy the base facilities.

What time should I arrive? 

Please arrive 15–30 minutes before your scheduled booking time. 

Can spectators come to watch? 

Yes! Our bases have viewing areas. At Mount Cook and Abel Tasman, viewers can watch from the base. At Franz Josef, spectators can drive to the dropzone or join our shuttle if space permits. 

Can I be on the same plane as my friend (and jump together)? 

We will always do our best to load groups together on the same aircraft where possible. To give us the best chance of making this happen, please book together as one group booking. However, aircraft loading is carefully managed on the day based on safety, operational requirements and weight and balance, so we cannot guarantee that groups will always be on the same flight.

Where can I find the full terms? 

For our comprehensive terms and conditions, please visit: https://www.skydive.co.nz/terms-and-conditions/

Where is the best place to skydive in NZ?  

The “best” place to skydive in New Zealand really depends on your travel plans and what you want to see. Because NZ is the adventure capital of the world, each dropzone offers a completely different visual “hook.”

Skydive NZ has 3 unique locations, each with its own visual highlights and multiple altitude options for tandem skydiving.

How do I choose which location to jump at?  

Each dropzone offers a world-class experience, but the views are unique to each region:

• • Abel Tasman: Coastal scenery, golden beaches, and the rare chance to see both the North and South Islands from the air.
  • Mount Cook (Pukaki): Alpine Skydive adventure with direct views of Aoraki / Mt Cook, turquoise glacial lakes, and the snow-capped Southern Alps.
  • Franz Josef & Fox Glacier: Choose this for glacier views and maximum altitude. You’ll see the rainforest meet the ice, with the ocean and the highest peaks of the Alps in a single 360-degree view.

Each location also offers different altitude options—see the next question for help choosing the right jump altitude.

How do I choose the right skydiving altitude? 

The higher you jump, the longer your freefall! When deciding which skydiving altitude is right for you, consider:

• • How much freefall time you want (higher = longer freefall)
  • Your budget (higher jumps usually cost more)
  • Your comfort with altitude and flying
  • The scenic flight experience (higher altitudes mean a longer scenic plane ride)

If you’re unsure, our team can recommend the best option for your goals and location.

Here’s a quick comparison of our most popular skydiving altitudes: