Queenstown Skydiving

Queenstown skydiving is a tandem jump from 9,000, 12,000 or 15,000ft with NZONE Skydive, harnessed to an instructor above Queenstown. Jumps also run from Wanaka, a day trip by bus, and iFLY Queenstown has an indoor wind tunnel for days when the weather grounds the planes. A 15,000ft tandem skydive from Queenstown gives the longest freefall.

Tandem skydives from Queenstown, 9,000 to 15,000ft

Height sets the freefall. The 9,000ft skydive gives up to a 25-second drop, the 12,000ft skydive up to a 45-second drop and the 15,000ft jump up to a 60-second drop, all at speeds up to 200km/h. A parachute ride over the views follows.

NZONE's shop is at 35 Shotover Street in central Queenstown, and transfers to and from the drop zone are part of the booking. Each jump includes a safety briefing, outer gear and personal training from your tandem instructor.

Jumps run hourly through the morning and early afternoon. After booking, you contact the operator to confirm a time for your day.

Skydiving at Wanaka, a day trip from Queenstown

Wanaka offers the same three heights over Lake Wanaka and the mountains around it. Each jump comes with a personalised certificate, and photos and video are bought on the day.

The Wanaka skydives with Queenstown transfers, at 9,000ft, 12,000ft and 15,000ft, check in at 35 Shotover Street for a 7.00am bus. Allow a 5-hour round trip, including a 1.5-hour transfer.

Driving yourself? The standalone 9,000ft, 12,000ft and 15,000ft Wanaka skydives start at the drop zone at Wanaka Airport, with a complimentary pick-up from the Wanaka i-SITE and personal accident insurance from the Australian Parachute Federation.

Indoor skydiving at iFLY Queenstown

iFLY Queenstown is a wind tunnel in the middle of town. It runs all day in all weather, flights follow a rolling 20-minute cycle, and the helmet, flight suit and shoes are supplied. Each session starts with pre-flight training and one-on-one instruction in the tunnel.

The Kickstart experience gives first-timers two flights. The Airborne experience doubles that to four flights and a 4-minute total flight time, and the Family and Friends package shares eight flights between up to four people.

Which Queenstown skydive suits you

First jump, and unsure about height? A 9,000ft or 12,000ft tandem is a good way in, and 15,000ft is the pick if you want the longest freefall. Want a later start? Queenstown jumps begin from 8am, which leaves more room in the day than the 7.00am Wanaka bus. Not keen on the plane at all? iFLY keeps you off the aircraft and out of the weather.

Skydiving is one of the headline Queenstown activities, next to bungy jumping at the Kawarau Bridge and Nevis. For a view without jumping, Queenstown flights by helicopter and plane are the alternative. Travelling on, skydiving at Mount Cook is another South Island option, and skydiving across Australia and New Zealand covers the rest of the map.

Frequently asked questions

How high can you skydive in Queenstown?

You can skydive from up to 15,000ft in Queenstown with NZONE Skydive. Tandem jumps from 9,000ft and 12,000ft are also available, and Wanaka offers the same three heights.

How long do you fall for when skydiving in Queenstown?

The longest freefall is a 25-second drop from 9,000ft, a 45-second drop from 12,000ft and a 60-second drop from 15,000ft. After that, the parachute ride gives time to take in the views.

Do you have to be strapped to someone when skydiving in Queenstown?

The Queenstown and Wanaka skydives here are tandem jumps, so you are harnessed to an experienced instructor for the whole jump.

Can you go skydiving without an instructor in Queenstown?

The skydives listed for Queenstown and Wanaka are all tandem jumps with an instructor. Jumping solo needs separate training, which these experiences do not include.

What are the age and weight limits for skydiving near Queenstown?

The minimum jump age is 6 years, and children 12 and under can jump from 9,000ft at most. The maximum weight is 115kg, and anyone over 94kg is assessed by the tandem master at the drop zone.

What happens if the weather stops my Queenstown skydive?

Skydives depend on the weather, so NZONE recommends booking at the start of your Queenstown trip to leave room to move the jump to another day. iFLY indoor skydiving runs in all weather.

Can kids try indoor skydiving in Queenstown?

iFLY Queenstown flyers must be 5 or older and able to wear one of the helmets. The weight limit is 125kg, and people between 114kg and 125kg should call when booking.

Queenstown skydiving covers tandem jumps to 15,000ft, Wanaka day trips and an indoor wind tunnel that ignores the weather. Choose your height and book it online with Experience Oz.