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

Franz Josef from 18,000 feet feels unreal. You do a tandem jump with an experienced English instructor, and the views of glaciers and temperate rainforest make the adrenaline feel worth it. One catch to plan for, the day depends on favorable weather, so your flight time can shift.

This whole experience runs about 3 hours from check-in to landing, and it’s built around clear steps: meet your instructor, do a safety briefing, get kitted out, fly up, then jump. You’ll feel free-fall for about 45 to 85 seconds depending on the height option, then glide down under parachute to a landing about 300 feet above sea level.

Key things I’d focus on before you book

• Choose your height for a different free-fall length (45, 65, or 85 seconds)
• You get the instructor and all equipment included, so you are not figuring anything out alone
• Glacier and rainforest views are the star, especially as you float back down
• Weather can change your timing, so keeping a flexible day matters
• Weight and age rules apply, with over-100-kg surcharges possible
• Optional media packages cost extra, and people note it can be pricey

Why Franz Josef makes this tandem jump special

Franz Josef on New Zealand’s South Island is one of those places where the scenery looks painted, not staged. From above, you get a rare mix of temperate rainforest patterns and the hard geometry of ice and mountain terrain.

The jump format matters because it’s not “learn to skydive” energy. It’s tandem, meaning you focus on your body and breath while an instructor handles the technical side. That combination is why first-timers tend to feel safe and informed, and why even nervous people say the fear fades quickly once the experience starts moving.

Also, I like that the landing is close to sea level. A lot of high-adrenaline activities drop you somewhere remote or hard to judge. Here, you are gliding down to a predictable landing area, which helps the whole day feel controlled.

Choosing 13,000, 16,500, or 18,000 feet

This is the fun part you should decide before you arrive, because it changes both the sensation and what you see.

• 13,000 feet: about 45 seconds of free-fall

Best if you want your first jump to feel intense but not overwhelming.

• 16,500 feet: about 65 seconds of free-fall

A solid middle option if you are comfortable with heights and want more time in the air.

• 18,000 feet: about 85 seconds of free-fall

Choose this if you want maximum time dropping through the sky and you like the idea of spending longer with the world laid out under you.

Your actual flight level can vary by option availability, so you’ll want to pick the height you want most when you book. If you are doing this for a once-in-a-lifetime moment, multiple guides you’ll meet emphasize that higher often feels like the bigger story, especially once you pass the initial shock of the first seconds.

The 3 hours on the day: what happens step by step

Even though the air time is short, the total day is real. Plan for around 3 hours on site, and go in expecting a calm routine with a few waiting points.

1. Meet your skydiving instructor and start with a briefing

You’ll go over safety basics and how tandem jumping works. The instructor is also your main point of contact in the air, so pay attention here, not later.

1. Gear up with your equipment

All equipment is included, so you are not hunting down rentals or extra items. Your job is mainly to follow directions and get comfortable with the setup.

1. Transport to the airfield and weather checks

The flight can be affected by conditions. You might wait longer than you expected, but the operator keeps it safety-led.

1. Plane up to your chosen height option

Once you’re at altitude, you’ll feel how quiet the world gets. People who were nervous often say the first moments are the hardest, then quickly turn into excitement when they realize everything is under control.

1. Door moment, then free-fall

Free-fall lasts about 45, 65, or 85 seconds, depending on the height.

1. Parachute opens and you float back down

Then it becomes about views and breathing. You glide down to a landing area roughly 300 feet above sea level.

The company behind the operation is INFLITE Mt Cook Ski Planes & Helicopters, and the experience is built like a well-run air sports day, not a chaotic adventure lottery. Transport also has a very strong rating, with 93% of reviewers giving it a perfect score.

The free-fall and parachute glide: what you’ll actually feel

Let’s talk sensations honestly, because this is usually where people decide if they want to do it or not.

That first burst of movement can feel scary for a few seconds. It’s fast, and your body has to adjust. The good part is that tandem jumping shifts control to your instructor, and once your brain stops fighting the situation, you can start enjoying it.

Then comes the best payoff. During the free-fall, you are falling through open air while mountains, rainforest, and ice features slide into view below. After that, the parachute opens and the pace changes completely. The floating part is where you get time to look around, notice the scale, and take in the glacier and mountain structure.

If you’re choosing between heights, here’s how to think about it:

• Higher options mean longer free-fall, so more time at peak intensity.
• Lower options mean you get the magic with a shorter adrenaline spike.

What guides do with your nerves (names you might hear)

One thing that shows up again and again is how much the team focuses on making you feel ready. People mention being checked on during the process and having their questions answered.

From names shared by instructors and staff, you might meet team members like Dani (often praised for making it special), Danny (named as an instructor legend), and Lauren (mentioned for helping at the airfield and bringing Franz Josef knowledge and banter). Even when the altitude is serious business, the atmosphere tends to be friendly and practical, which matters a lot if you are the type who needs reassurance.

That reassurance is not fluff. It changes your experience. When your instructor can keep you calm through the early moments, you’re more likely to remember the views instead of just the fear.

Weather timing, weight checks, and kid rules that can change your day

This is not a “set it and forget it” activity. All sky jumps are subject to favorable weather conditions. If conditions are not right, you may get pushed back, or you may need an alternative date.

Here’s my practical advice:

• Book for your first available day in Franz Josef.
• Keep an alternative day free so you can rebook if the weather forces a change.
• If you cannot rearrange, you should receive a full refund (as stated in the terms).

On the day itself, there’s also a tandem master assessment at the dropzone. If you weigh over 100 kilograms, you may incur surcharges. If you are close to that threshold, it’s worth being ready for a possible extra cost.

Kids have height limits too:

• Ages 13 to 16 can only jump from 13,000 feet
• Ages over 16 may jump at any height
• If a participant is under 18, written parental consent is required

If any of this applies to you, confirm the rules early so you don’t get surprised on the day.

Price and value: is it really worth $25?

The price shown is $25 per person, and that figure is hard to ignore. Even if you assume there can be optional extras, the core inclusions here are strong: the jump itself, a safety briefing, an instructor, and all equipment.

In plain terms, you are paying for:

• Professional tandem support
• A structured safety process
• The plane flight and jump logistics
• Equipment handling, so you’re not buying or renting gear

The two places people flag extra spending are optional add-ons, especially media. Some mention the media package being expensive. If photos or video are important to you, think of it as optional, not automatic, and budget accordingly.

Also, food and drinks are not included. Plan a snack or meal before you go, or bring water if that is allowed by the operator on the day (the provided info only explicitly says food and drinks are not included, so I’d follow whatever rules they share at check-in).

What about the “transport” and overall comfort?

This is one of the smoother parts of the experience, at least based on the strong transport rating: 93% of reviewers scored transport as perfect.

That rating matters because a high-adrenaline activity is easier to enjoy when your day feels low-stress. You want to focus on the briefing, not on scrambling around.

Also, the process is structured enough that the group tends to be handled efficiently. People describe staff who are friendly and patient, especially for first-timers. That patience tends to show up when there’s waiting due to weather, because everyone has to stay calm and ready.

Rules to remember: drones and selfie sticks

Before you arrive, note the restrictions:

• Drones are not allowed
• Selfie sticks are not allowed

If you want photos, use the options the operator provides or follow whatever camera and phone guidance they give you at the briefing. It’s not worth showing up with the wrong gear and then having to carry it back.

Should you book this tandem jump in Franz Josef?

I think you should book if you want a first-class New Zealand “from the sky” experience with a clear safety process and views that match the hype. This is especially good for:

• First-timers who want a tandem instructor holding the technical side
• People choosing between rainforest scenery and glacier scenery who want both
• Anyone who likes the idea of longer air time at 16,500 or 18,000 feet

Skip or rethink it if:

• You are not able to deal with weather delays, since your flight time (and possibly date) can change
• You want zero possibility of extra costs, since media packages and weight surcharges can add up depending on your situation
• Your child’s age doesn’t match the available height rules, since 13 to 16 is limited to 13,000 feet

If you do book, pick your height based on how you handle nerves. Many people find the early seconds scary, but then the experience flips into pure joy once the instructor has you set and the views start flowing.

FAQ

What heights are available for the tandem jump?

You can jump from 13,000 feet, 16,500 feet, or 18,000 feet, depending on which option you choose.

How long is the free-fall?

Free-fall is about 45 seconds from 13,000 feet, 65 seconds from 16,500 feet, and 85 seconds from 18,000 feet.

How long does the whole experience take?

The total experience duration is listed as 3 hours. Starting times depend on availability.

What is included in the price?

Included are the tandem jump, safety briefing, instructor, and all equipment. Food and drinks are not included.

Is the instructor English-speaking?

Yes, the instructor language is listed as English.

Can I bring a drone or selfie stick?

No. Drones and selfie sticks are not allowed.

Will weather affect the jump?

Yes. The activity is subject to favorable weather conditions. It’s recommended to book for your first available day and keep an alternative day free for maximum flexibility.

What if the jump time changes from what I requested?

Your skydive date and/or time may differ from your request. The local operator confirms the exact flight time by email after booking.

Are there weight limits or extra charges?

Participants undergo a tandem master assessment at the dropzone. People who weigh over 100 kilograms may incur surcharges on the day.

Are there age rules for children?

Yes. Children 13 to 16 can only jump at 13,000 feet. Children over 16 can skydive at any height, but those under 18 require written parental consent.