28. 18,000ft Kea Jump – Franz Josef, New Zealand

The 18,000ft Kea Jump is the highest tandem skydive available in New Zealand, offering an unforgettable combination of extreme adrenaline and spectacular alpine scenery. From the moment the aircraft climbs above the Southern Alps until you float back to earth under canopy, every second is designed to deliver a true bucket-list adventure. (Skydive New Zealand)

Experience Highlights

• 🪂 New Zealand's highest tandem skydive

• ⏱️ Up to 85 seconds of freefall

• ✈️ Approximately 30-minute scenic flight to altitude

• 🪂 5–7 minutes of peaceful parachute flight

• 🏔️ Panoramic views of glaciers, mountains, rainforest and the Tasman Sea

• 📍 Located in Franz Josef Glacier on the spectacular West Coast

• 👨‍✈️ Tandem jump with a professional instructor—no previous experience required. (Skydive New Zealand)

The Adventure

1. Check-in & Safety Briefing

Your adventure begins with registration, equipment fitting and a comprehensive briefing. Professional tandem instructors explain body position, exit technique and landing procedure, ensuring first-time jumpers feel confident and prepared.

2. Scenic Flight to 18,000ft

The climb itself is an attraction:

• Franz Josef Glacier

• Fox Glacier

• Aoraki / Mount Cook

• Southern Alps

• Temperate rainforest

• Braided rivers

• Mirror lakes

• Tasman Sea coastline

As the aircraft reaches 18,000ft, you'll enjoy one of New Zealand's most breathtaking aerial panoramas. (Skydive New Zealand)

3. The Kea Jump

The aircraft door opens and you leap into open sky.

• Altitude: 18,000ft

• Freefall speed: approximately 200 km/h (120 mph)

• Freefall duration: up to 85 seconds

This is almost twice as long as many standard tandem skydives, giving plenty of time to experience the sensation of flying above glaciers and alpine peaks. (Skydive New Zealand)

4. Parachute Flight

Once the parachute opens, the experience transforms into a peaceful scenic flight lasting approximately 5–7 minutes.

You'll gently glide above:

• Snow-covered mountains

• Glacier valleys

• Dense rainforest

• River systems

• Rugged West Coast shoreline

Many instructors even allow passengers to help steer the parachute if conditions permit. (Skydive New Zealand)

Quick Facts

Scenic Value

Few skydives in the world combine so many contrasting landscapes in one jump:

• ❄️ Franz Josef Glacier

• 🏔️ Fox Glacier

• ⛰️ Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park

• 🌲 Native rainforest

• 🌊 Tasman Sea

• 🏞️ Alpine rivers and lakes

The dramatic transition from icy peaks to coastline makes Franz Josef one of New Zealand's most photogenic skydiving destinations. It has also been highlighted among the world's iconic skydive locations. (Skydive New Zealand)

Media Packages

Optional professional photo and video packages are available:

• Instructor Camera: close-up photos and video from your tandem instructor

• Personal Photographer (Outside Camera): a dedicated camera flyer captures wide-angle shots of you in freefall

• Best of Both: combines instructor footage and outside camera perspectives for the most comprehensive coverage

Packages include downloadable images, full-length videos, highlight reels and social-media-ready edits. (Skydive New Zealand)

Weight & Duration

• Standard maximum weight: 100 kg

• Guests up to 115 kg may be accommodated at the tandem master's discretion depending on weather and conditions (additional surcharge may apply).

• Allow: 2–3 hours for the complete experience. (Skydive New Zealand)

Why Choose the 18,000ft Kea Jump?

✅ Highest tandem skydive in New Zealand✅ Longest freefall (up to 85 seconds)✅ 30-minute scenic aircraft flight✅ Incredible glacier-to-ocean panoramic views✅ Suitable for first-time skydivers✅ Premium bucket-list adventure combining sightseeing and extreme adrenaline. (Skydive New Zealand)