Tandem Skydive 18,000ft from Franz Josef

At 18,000 feet, this is New Zealand’s highest advertised skydive, with about 85 seconds of free fall at roughly 200 kph. The reward is not just the rush. You get a wide view of Aoraki Mount Cook, the Tasman Sea, braided rivers, rainforest, mirror lakes, and the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers.

I like the simple shared transfer from the Franz Josef office and the calm preparation for first-timers. Tea and coffee before and after are small but welcome touches. The main drawback is weather: cloud or wind can cancel the jump, so do not build a tight same-day travel plan around it.

Key points before you book

• 18,000-foot exit: You get around 85 seconds of free fall before the parachute opens.
• Glacier country below: The view can include Aoraki Mount Cook, Fox Glacier, Franz Josef Glacier, the Tasman Sea, lakes, rainforest, and braided river beds.
• Made for beginners: Your tandem instructor handles the equipment and technical work while you follow the instructions.
• About three hours: The trip includes check-in, transport, preparation, the flight, the jump, and the return to Franz Josef.
• Peter and JT: These instructors are specifically praised for clear guidance, friendly manner, and helping nervous participants relax.
• Weather matters: A poor forecast can cancel the outing, with a new date or full refund offered.

Why the 18,000-foot jump matters

The height is the main reason to choose this experience over a shorter jump. At 18,000 feet, you have a longer free fall, about 85 seconds, before the parachute opens. That gives you more time to take in the setting, though the first seconds will probably be a blur of noise, speed, and instructions.

The advertised free-fall speed is about 200 kph, or 120 mph. You are attached to an experienced instructor in a tandem harness, so you do not need previous training. Your job is to listen, keep your body in the position you are shown, and enjoy the view once the initial rush settles.

I like that the experience is built for someone who wants a major adventure without committing to a full skydiving course. You do not need to manage a parachute or make technical decisions in the air. The instructor manages those parts.

The height can also be a drawback for someone who wants a gentler introduction. More time in free fall means more intensity, not simply more sightseeing. If you are nervous, tell the staff early. The useful preparation is not just a safety form. It is your chance to ask questions and get comfortable with the harness, body position, and sequence of events.

Meeting in Franz Josef and getting ready

You begin at 63 Cron Street in Franz Josef, also known as Franz Josef/Waiau. From the booking office, a shared transfer takes you to the airport, except when transfer arrangements are affected by Covid restrictions.

The complete outing lasts about three hours, and it departs several times a day. That helps you fit the jump around other West Coast plans, but I would still leave plenty of space afterward. Weather delays can affect the day, and the actual timing may depend on conditions and the number of people scheduled.

Before the flight, staff provide instruction for the full process. You receive the equipment needed for the jump, including a jumpsuit, helmet, gloves, and goggles. You should arrive in warm, lightweight clothing and wear secure shoes, preferably with laces.

That clothing advice is practical. Franz Josef weather can change quickly, and you need clothes that fit comfortably beneath the supplied gear. Bulky layers may make the harness and jumpsuit less comfortable. Loose footwear is a poor choice for any activity involving an aircraft, harness, and landing.

Tea and coffee are available before and after the jump. This is not a meal, but it gives you a warm drink while you wait and a chance to settle afterward.

The flight above glacier country

The aircraft flight is part of the sightseeing, not just a way to reach the jump height. As you climb, the view opens across the West Coast. The advertised panorama includes Aoraki Mount Cook, New Zealand’s highest mountain, along with the Fox and Franz Josef glaciers.

You may also see the Tasman Sea, rainforest, mirror lakes, and braided river beds. That mix is what makes this setting different from a jump over a city or farmland. The scenery changes from coast to mountain, with ice, water, forest, and pale river channels all visible from above.

The view depends on the weather. Clear conditions give you the best chance of seeing the mountains and glaciers, while cloud can limit what you see even if the aircraft is able to operate. This is one reason the weather policy matters so much to your decision.

I would choose this activity for the combination of height and place. The same free fall in another part of the country might be thrilling, but here the setting gives the experience a strong sense of location. You are not simply stepping from a plane. You are looking down at one of New Zealand’s great glacier regions.

The free fall and parachute ride

The free fall lasts about 85 seconds from the 18,000-foot jump. At roughly 200 kph, the sensation is fast and loud. The tandem setup lets you concentrate on the moment instead of trying to remember a long list of technical tasks.

Your instructor is attached to you and controls the main procedures. The supplied information describes tandem skydiving as the fastest and easiest way for a first-timer to make a jump, and that is the key point for most customers: you can experience the height and speed without prior experience.

Once the parachute opens, the mood changes. The initial speed gives way to a slower descent, with more time to look around. This is when the glaciers, rivers, forest, and mountain views may become easier to appreciate.

You should not expect the same view every time. The exact panorama depends on cloud cover and other weather conditions. The experience is still built around the West Coast setting, but no operator can guarantee a clear view of every peak, lake, or glacier.

The instructors and sense of security

The staff’s manner matters more here than on an ordinary sightseeing trip. You are handing over control of a serious activity, so clear instruction and a steady tone make a real difference.

Peter and JT are specifically noted for helping participants through the process. JT is described as calming a nervous partner, while both instructors are praised for being friendly, professional, and clear about what to do. Another account highlights the four-point harness connection and the care taken to secure it properly.

That does not remove the natural nerves. It does mean you have a structure to follow. The staff walk you through the process, answer questions, check your equipment, and remind you to enjoy the experience rather than become fixed on every technical detail.

The activity calls for a moderate level of physical fitness. The information provided does not give a weight limit, age rule, or detailed medical list, so you should ask the operator directly if any personal health or mobility concern could affect participation.

What the price includes at $515.16

At $515.16 per person, this is a major item in a New Zealand travel budget. The price includes the shared round-trip transfer from the Franz Josef booking office to the airport, the skydiving equipment, jumpsuit, helmet, gloves, goggles, and all instruction.

It also includes the flight and the tandem jump itself, plus tea and coffee before and after. Those inclusions reduce the extra costs on the day, but they do not make the experience inexpensive.

Photo and video packages cost extra. T-shirts and hoodies are also available to buy separately. If you want a visual record, plan for that additional spending rather than assuming it is included in the advertised price.

For me, the value comes from the combination of a very high jump, a long free fall, and the location above the glaciers. If your priority is the cheapest possible adventure, this will not be the right choice. If you want one large West Coast experience and have room in the budget, the 18,000-foot option gives you more free-fall time than a lower jump.

The booking pattern is another useful clue. The experience is booked an average of 38 days ahead, so I would reserve it early during a popular New Zealand trip. That is especially important if your schedule has little spare time for a weather delay.

Weather, timing, and the practical risks

Weather is the one issue you cannot control. The outing requires suitable conditions, and poor weather can lead to cancellation. If that happens, you receive the choice of another date or a full refund.

That policy is helpful, but it does not replace flexible planning. I would avoid scheduling a long drive, flight, or fixed attraction immediately afterward. I would also avoid placing the jump on the final day of your West Coast stay, since a weather cancellation may leave no time for another attempt.

The tour has a maximum of 70 people. That is a fairly large possible group, although your jump remains a tandem experience with your own instructor. A larger group can mean more waiting around, so the tea and coffee service has practical value.

Free cancellation is available up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Changes or cancellations inside that 24-hour window are not accepted for a refund. Cutoff times use local time, so check the exact start time carefully before changing your plans.

Who will enjoy this most

This is for you if you want a serious thrill with clear support from trained staff. It suits first-timers, people who want a memorable glacier-country view, and visitors who would rather try one major adventure than several small activities.

It also suits a mixed pair, where one person is excited and the other is nervous. The tandem format means the less confident participant does not need to learn solo procedures. The staff can explain each step, and the experience from Peter and JT shows how much a calm instructor can help.

You should think twice if heights, speed, or uncertainty about weather will make the day miserable. The free fall is long, and the price is high enough that you should want the activity itself, not just the idea of having done it.

I would also be cautious if you have a very tight itinerary. The stated duration is about three hours, but weather and operational changes can affect your day. Build in breathing room.

Should you book the Franz Josef 18,000-foot jump?

Book it if you want the West Coast’s glaciers and mountains to be part of the main event, not just scenery viewed from a road. The 18,000-foot height, 85-second free fall, tandem setup, and strong instructor support make this a clear choice for a first jump with maximum intensity.

Skip it if the cost would strain your trip budget, if you need guaranteed timing, or if you prefer a quieter way to see Franz Josef and Fox Glacier. The weather risk is real, and photo and video packages cost extra.

For the right person, this is one of those rare activities where the location matters as much as the action. Reserve ahead, keep your schedule flexible, wear warm lightweight clothes and secure shoes, and arrive ready to follow instructions. Then the glaciers, rivers, rainforest, and mountains can do their part.

FAQ

Where does the experience start?

It starts at 63 Cron Street, Franz Josef/Waiau 7886, New Zealand.

Where does the experience finish?

It finishes back at the meeting point in Franz Josef.

How long does the activity take?

The experience lasts approximately three hours.

How high is the jump?

The advertised jump height is 18,000 feet.

How long is the free fall?

The free fall lasts about 85 seconds.

Is this suitable for someone with no previous experience?

Yes. The tandem format includes instruction and an experienced instructor who manages the technical parts of the jump.

What equipment is included?

The price includes the skydiving equipment, helmet, gloves, goggles, and jumpsuit.

Is transportation included?

A shared round-trip transfer from the booking office to the airport is included, except under Covid restrictions.

Are photos and videos included?

No. Photo and video options are available to purchase separately.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If poor weather causes cancellation, you can choose another date or receive a full refund.

Can I cancel for a full refund?

You can cancel at least 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Cancellations or changes made less than 24 hours before the start time are not accepted for a refund.