Queenstown is the birthplace of tandem skydiving in New Zealand, and few places on earth give you a better view for the fall. NZONE flies from its Queenstown drop zone and takes you up over the lake, the river valleys and the peaks of The Remarkables before you leave the plane strapped to an experienced tandem master. You choose the height: 9,000 feet for up to 25 seconds of freefall, 12,000 feet for up to 45 seconds, or 15,000 feet for up to a full minute, followed by a calm parachute ride with the whole basin laid out below. NZONE says it has completed more than 350,000 jumps and describes itself as New Zealand’s first skydive operation. Jumpsuits, gloves, hats and goggles are provided, and goggles fit over glasses. For safety reasons you cannot take your own camera, so photo and video packages filmed by camera flyers are sold separately. This page links to the Tiqets Queenstown Skydiving page, which sells all three NZONE heights.
How to visit: check in at the NZONE Skydive Centre at 35 Shotover Street in the middle of town, where transport to and from the drop zone is included. You can also drive yourself to the drop zone, but you still check in at the centre first. Allow about three and a half hours from check-in to return, including the briefing, gearing up and the flight, and longer if weather or air traffic causes delays.
Rules and requirements: the minimum weight is 40 kilograms, and anyone weighing 95 kilograms or more is assessed by a tandem master at the drop zone. Under-18s need written consent from a parent or guardian, and children aged 12 and under can jump only from up to 9,000 feet. There is no upper age limit. Wear warm, comfortable clothing and enclosed shoes that tie up.
Making the most of it: book the first available slot of your trip and keep a backup day free, because jumps go only when the weather is right. If the weather stops your jump, NZONE will try to rebook you, and if that is impossible you get a full refund. Morning jumps often enjoy the clearest air. Go high if your budget allows: the extra freefall at 15,000 feet is what most people remember.
What to expect
The experience
A tandem skydive from 9,000, 12,000 or 15,000 feet over Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables, with transport from the town centre to the drop zone.
Best time
Early in your trip on a clear morning, leaving spare days in case the weather intervenes.
How long
About three and a half hours from check-in to return.
Tips
Book your first available slot, wear enclosed tie-up shoes, and buy the photo and video package, since personal cameras are not allowed.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Bucket-list thrill seekers who want the biggest view in Queenstown.
- Families
- Teenagers can jump with written parental consent, and children 12 and under are limited to 9,000 feet.
- Couples
- Book back-to-back jumps so you land within minutes of each other.
- Pair with
- A relaxed afternoon on the lakefront or a celebratory dinner in town.
- Time needed
- Half a day.
Good questions
How long is the freefall on an NZONE skydive?+
Freefall lasts up to 25 seconds from 9,000 feet, up to 45 seconds from 12,000 feet and up to 60 seconds from 15,000 feet. A parachute ride of several minutes follows.
How long does a Queenstown skydive take?+
Allow about three and a half hours from check-in to return, including the briefing and flight. Weather or air traffic can make it longer.
Is there a weight limit for skydiving in Queenstown?+
The minimum weight is 40 kilograms, and anyone weighing 95 kilograms or more is assessed by a tandem master. You must fit safely in the harness.
Can I take my own GoPro on the skydive?+
No, personal cameras and recording devices are not allowed for safety reasons. NZONE sells photo and video packages filmed by trained camera flyers.
What happens if the weather is bad?+
NZONE will try to rebook you into the next suitable slot. If you cannot be rebooked, you receive a full refund.