Queenstown is New Zealand's tandem skydiving capital, with jumps running from 9,000ft to 15,000ft above the Wakatipu Basin, Lake Wakatipu and the surrounding mountains. First-timers, freefall chasers and anyone not quite ready to jump from a plane all have an option here, including an indoor alternative at iFLY Queenstown.
Tandem Skydive Up to 15,000ft
NZONE Skydive's 15,000ft tandem skydive is the highest jump in Queenstown, with up to 60 seconds of freefall at speeds up to 200kph, then three to four minutes under canopy over the Wakatipu Basin. It suits ages 6 and up (children aged 12 and under are capped at 9,000ft), with a 40kg to 95kg weight range and a 1.2 metre minimum height. Return transfers are included, and the full experience runs about three and a half hours.
Tandem Skydive Up to 12,000ft
The 12,000ft tandem skydive with NZONE Skydive trades a little altitude for up to 45 seconds of freefall, with the same 6-and-up minimum age and 40kg to 95kg weight range. Departures run daily year-round, from 6.30am in summer and 8am in winter, with a safety briefing included before the flight to altitude.
Tandem Skydive Up to 9,000ft
Queenstown's 9,000ft tandem skydive is the entry point into NZONE Skydive's range, built for a shorter but still genuine 25 seconds of freefall. It shares the age 6 minimum and 40kg to 95kg weight range of the higher jumps, and it is the only altitude open to children aged 12 and under.
Indoor Skydiving at iFLY Queenstown
For an alternative that skips the plane, iFLY Queenstown's indoor skydiving uses wind tunnel technology for four 60-second flights, the operator's equivalent of six 12,000ft skydives. It accepts ages 5 and up to a maximum weight of 125kg, includes a certified instructor and full safety gear, and runs daily from 9.30am to 6.30pm on Brecon Street.
Frequently asked questions
What is the minimum age for skydiving in Queenstown?
Tandem skydiving with NZONE Skydive starts at age 6 across all three altitudes, though children aged 12 and under are limited to the 9,000ft jump. Indoor skydiving at iFLY Queenstown accepts ages 5 and up, since no altitude or parachute is involved.
Is there a weight limit for tandem skydiving?
Yes, NZONE Skydive's tandem jumps run a weight range of 40kg to 95kg, with anyone over 95kg needing a tandem master assessment before booking. The indoor skydiving flights at iFLY allow a higher maximum of 125kg, since no parachute is involved.
What happens if the weather is bad on skydive day?
Tandem skydiving over Queenstown is weather-dependent, and NZONE Skydive reschedules affected jumps rather than cancelling outright, with free cancellation up to 48 hours before the booked time. Indoor skydiving at iFLY Queenstown runs inside a wind tunnel, making it a reliable backup on a day the outdoor jump gets pushed.
What is the difference between the 9,000ft, 12,000ft and 15,000ft skydives?
The altitude sets the freefall time: 25 seconds from 9,000ft, 45 seconds from 12,000ft, and up to 60 seconds from the 15,000ft jump. All three share the same tandem master and transfers, so it comes down to how much freefall is worth chasing.
Can I try skydiving if I am pregnant?
Indoor skydiving at iFLY Queenstown is not suitable for pregnant participants, or for anyone with a previous shoulder dislocation or a limb in a cast. NZONE Skydive's tandem jumps carry their own health screening at booking, so check with the operator directly if pregnant or managing a medical condition.
Local tip: book the earliest departure you can, since morning slots see calmer wind and fewer weather reschedules.
For more ways to fill a Queenstown itinerary, see the full range of Queenstown activities and tours.