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

The best view comes after the plane door opens. This Franz Josef skydive pairs a serious adrenaline rush with some of New Zealand’s finest scenery: glowing glaciers, rugged mountains, temperate rainforest, and the coast far below. I like the choice of three jump heights, and I like how much attention the instructors give nervous first-timers.

The main caution is weather flexibility. Cloud, wind, or poor visibility can delay your jump, and the local operator may move your time after booking. The media package also costs extra and has been described as expensive, so check the price before you commit.

• 18,000 feet gives you an 85-second free fall, the longest option available here.
• The view includes glaciers, rainforest, mountains, and beach, not just a patch of farmland below.
• The landing zone sits about 300 feet above sea level, making the descent especially scenic.
• First-time jumpers are paired with trained tandem instructors, with equipment and the safety briefing included.
• Weather can change the plan, so keep an alternative day free in Franz Josef.
• Teenagers have height limits, with ages 13 to 16 restricted to the 13,000-foot jump.

Why Franz Josef Is a Superb Place to Jump

Franz Josef is not simply a convenient launch point. It gives you a rare combination of high alpine scenery and low coastal country in one view.

From the aircraft, you may look across the Southern Alps toward the glaciers, then down over rainforest and the lower valley. The landing area is only around 300 feet above sea level, so the scenery changes dramatically as you descend. You begin above the clouds and mountains, then float toward a much greener, lower world.

That mix is the chief reason to choose Franz Josef over a skydive based only around open fields. The jump itself is the same basic thrill anywhere: step out, free fall, then return under a parachute. Here, the view gives the experience its character.

You should also keep your expectations realistic. The exact view depends on the weather, and a cloudy day can hide the features you came to see. That is why booking on your first available day and leaving another day open is sound advice.

Choosing Between 13,000, 16,500, and 18,000 Feet

The three options are easy to understand, but the extra height changes the experience more than the numbers might suggest.

At 13,000 feet, you get about 45 seconds of free fall. This is still a major rush, and it is the only permitted height for children aged 13 to 16. If you are nervous, this option gives you the full tandem experience without choosing the longest possible fall.

At 16,500 feet, the free fall lasts around 65 seconds. That extra time gives you longer in the open air before the parachute opens. It is a useful middle ground if you want more than the standard option but do not feel the need to choose the maximum height.

At 18,000 feet, you get approximately 85 seconds of free fall. This is the choice for people who want the longest possible rush and the most time in the air before the parachute is deployed. Several customers who selected the highest option described having no regrets, while one person who chose a lower height wished they had gone higher.

My practical advice is simple: choose 13,000 feet if fear is the main barrier, 16,500 feet for a balanced option, and 18,000 feet if this is a once-in-a-lifetime event and the extra cost fits your budget.

People over 16 can choose any listed height. Anyone under 18 needs written permission from a parent or guardian. All participants are assessed by the Tandem Master at the drop zone, and anyone weighing more than 100 kilograms may face an additional charge on the day.

The Three-Hour Schedule, From Briefing to Landing

The full experience takes about three hours, though the actual jump is only one part of that time. You first meet the English-speaking team, receive a safety briefing, and prepare with your instructor.

This preparation matters. Tandem skydiving is designed for people with no previous experience. You do not need to manage the parachute yourself or learn complex procedures before boarding the aircraft. Your instructor handles the technical work while you follow the instructions given to you.

The team then prepares your equipment and checks that you are correctly secured. This is also the moment to ask questions. Several customers praised instructors for explaining each step clearly, calming them down, and checking that they felt secure before the aircraft left the ground.

The aircraft flight takes you to your chosen height. From there, you free fall for approximately 45, 65, or 85 seconds, depending on your option. Your instructor deploys the parachute, and the final part is a slower float toward the landing area.

That change in pace is worth noting. The free fall is noisy, fast, and intense. Under the open parachute, you have a chance to look around and take in the glaciers, rainforest, mountains, and coast. One customer who disliked the parachute portion asked the instructor to land quickly, and the request was respected. It is sensible to tell your instructor about fears or physical concerns before the jump.

The exact flight time is confirmed by the local operator after booking. Do not build a tightly packed schedule around the requested time, since weather and operating conditions can shift the plan.

Instructors Who Make First Timers Feel Secure

The strongest part of the experience is not just the scenery. It is the way the team handles people who are frightened.

That first step toward the aircraft door is a big one, especially if this is your first jump. Customers repeatedly praised the staff for being friendly, reassuring, and professional from the beginning through the landing. Dani was singled out for making one jump feel special, while Danny was praised for being calm, entertaining, and highly reassuring.

Lauren, who helped with the airfield experience, was also praised for her local knowledge of Franz Josef and her relaxed sense of humor. That sort of staff interaction matters because the waiting period can be almost as nerve-racking as the jump.

You should still remember that skydiving is an adventure activity, not a gentle sightseeing flight. The instructors can guide and reassure you, but they cannot remove the physical sensation of stepping into free fall. If you are nervous, tell your tandem partner exactly what worries you. Clear communication makes the experience easier for everyone.

What You Actually See From the Air

The scenery is the reason this particular jump feels special. You may see glaciers glowing against the mountains, folds of rainforest below, and the lower country stretching toward the coast.

The view changes with altitude. At the highest point, you have a broad perspective over the region. During free fall, the view passes quickly, so you should not expect a quiet sightseeing session. Once the parachute opens, you have more time to look around.

The coastal and lowland views are an important bonus. One account described seeing glaciers, rainforest, and a beach during the descent. That is a remarkable range of scenery for one short flight.

Cloud can either add drama or block the view completely. The operator requires favorable weather, and delays are possible. One customer had several postponements caused by poor conditions but felt the wait was worthwhile once the sky cleared and the views opened above the clouds.

For this reason, I would avoid booking the jump on your final morning in Franz Josef unless you have no alternative. Put it early in your stay and leave another day available if possible.

The Value of the Advertised $25 Price

The supplied price is listed as $25 per person. At that figure, the experience would appear to offer extraordinary value for a tandem jump that includes the jump itself, safety briefing, instructor, and all equipment.

Still, confirm the current price before booking. Skydiving prices can vary by jump height, season, booking channel, and optional extras. The information provided does not break down the cost by 13,000, 16,500, or 18,000 feet, so you should check which height the displayed price covers.

Food and drinks are not included. That is not a major issue for a three-hour activity, but plan your meals around the timing if you are spending the day in Franz Josef.

The larger extra cost is the media package. People praised the quality of the videos and photos but also described the media price as high. I would decide in advance how much the memory is worth to you. If you are marking a major birthday, anniversary, or personal milestone, the package may feel worthwhile. If you mainly want the experience itself, you may prefer to skip it.

Booking Around Franz Josef Weather

Weather is the main practical issue. Every jump depends on suitable conditions, and the operator may change the date or time requested.

The best plan is to reserve your first available day in Franz Josef and keep a second day open. That gives the team room to move your jump if cloud or wind makes the original slot unsuitable.

If the jump cannot be rearranged to another date, the provided terms say you receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Reserve now and pay later is available, which helps if you are still arranging a longer New Zealand itinerary.

One small logistical warning is worth taking seriously: the meeting point may not match the location shown in some booking details. Confirm the start point and exact flight time by email before setting out.

Do not bring a drone or selfie stick. Neither is allowed. Your instructor and the approved media service are the right way to record the experience.

Who Should Choose This Experience?

This is a strong choice for a first-time skydiver who wants scenery along with the thrill. You do not need previous experience, and the tandem format keeps the technical side with the instructor.

It also suits couples, families with older teenagers, and friends who want a shared challenge. Ages 13 to 16 may jump only from 13,000 feet, while people over 16 can choose any listed height. Written parental permission is required for anyone under 18.

You should think twice if your New Zealand schedule is rigid. Weather delays are not a minor possibility here, and the operator may confirm a different time than the one you request.

The experience is also less suitable if you are watching every dollar and want photos or video included. The jump and equipment are included, but food, drinks, and the optional media package are separate.

How This Compares With a Standard Scenic Activity

A glacier walk lets you spend longer with the scenery. A helicopter flight gives you a calmer view. This skydive offers something neither can match: the physical shock of free fall above the Southern Alps.

That does not make it better for everyone. You will have less time to study individual peaks than you would from the ground, and the free fall passes quickly. The value comes from combining a personal challenge with a broad view of Franz Josef.

I especially like the way the experience changes after the parachute opens. The first portion is pure adrenaline. The final portion lets you absorb the setting. That contrast gives the three-hour outing more range than a simple thrill ride.

Should You Book the Franz Josef Skydive?

Book it if you want a major New Zealand memory and can keep your schedule flexible. The 18,000-foot option is the obvious pick for maximum free-fall time, while 13,000 feet is a sensible starting point for nervous jumpers and the required choice for younger teenagers.

I would book early in your Franz Josef stay, confirm the meeting point, and budget separately for the media package. The team’s calm approach, especially from instructors such as Dani and Danny, is a real advantage for first-timers.

Skip it if you cannot tolerate a possible delay, dislike heights, or want a quiet way to see the glaciers. For everyone else, the combination of mountain, glacier, rainforest, and coastal views makes this one of the most memorable ways to see the West Coast.

FAQ

How long does the Franz Josef skydive take?

The full activity lasts about three hours. This includes meeting the instructor, the safety briefing, equipment preparation, flight, free fall, parachute descent, and landing.

How long is the free fall?

The 13,000-foot option includes about 45 seconds of free fall. The 16,500-foot option includes about 65 seconds, and the 18,000-foot option includes about 85 seconds.

Which jump height should I choose?

Choose 13,000 feet for the shortest free fall, 16,500 feet for the middle option, or 18,000 feet for the longest free fall. Children aged 13 to 16 can jump only from 13,000 feet.

Can someone under 18 take part?

Yes. Children aged 13 to 16 may jump only from 13,000 feet. Anyone under 18 must have written parental consent.

Is previous skydiving experience required?

No. Tandem skydiving is designed for inexperienced participants. You receive a safety briefing and jump with an experienced instructor.

What is included in the price?

The package includes the skydive, safety briefing, instructor, and all required equipment. Food, drinks, and the optional media package are not included.

Can weather delay the jump?

Yes. All jumps depend on favorable weather conditions. The date or time may change, so keeping an alternative day free in Franz Josef is recommended.

What happens if the jump cannot be rescheduled?

If you cannot rearrange the jump to another date, the provided terms state that you receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

Are there any items I cannot bring?

Drones and selfie sticks are not allowed. Participants weighing more than 100 kilograms may also incur a surcharge after assessment at the drop zone.