Tandem Skydive 13,000ft from Franz Josef

Skydiving over New Zealand’s glaciers is the kind of plan you feel in your stomach. This tandem jump from Franz Josef is built for first-timers, with 13,000ft heights over Franz Josef Glacier and an instructor handling the heavy lifting. You get that fast freefall around 200kph (120mph), then a controlled glide back down under parachute.

I love how low-stress the whole setup is for beginners. You do not need previous experience, and the team focuses on keeping you calm and guided step by step, including instructors like Danny who gives real encouragement before you go.

One thing to consider, though, is weather. This is subject to favourable conditions, and if it gets cancelled due to poor weather, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund, so build some flexibility into your Franz Josef days.

Key Points to Know Before You Go

• Tandem jump for first-timers: you jump with an instructor who controls the process.
• 13,000ft altitude: big height for a proper freefall and a long view from above.
• Franz Josef Glacier views: ice fields, mountains, and the coast all show up from the air.
• Gear included: helmet, gloves, goggles, and a jumpsuit are provided.
• Photo and video are optional: you can buy after, and many people feel it’s worth it.
• Up to 70 people max: expect a shared experience vibe, not a private jump.

Tandem Skydive Over Franz Josef Glacier, The Big Reason People Book

Franz Josef sits in a part of New Zealand where mountains, ice, rainforest, and the Tasman Sea all feel close. From the air, that mix turns into a clear, aerial map. The jump here is tandem, so you are not trying to learn skydiving mechanics. You are simply doing the thrilling part, with instruction and control handled for you.

At about 13,000ft, you get an unmistakable sequence: the plane climb, the moment you leave the aircraft, then the sensation of freefall around 200kph (120mph). After that, you shift into the quieter phase, floating down with the parachute and taking in the scenery as it comes into focus.

Where the Day Starts, Franz Josef Village Convenience

This experience starts at 63 Cron Street, Franz Josef (Waiau 7886). That matters because it keeps the day from feeling like a long logistical mission before you even see a plane. It also means you can base yourself in town without overplanning.

You should plan for around 3 hours total time. The operator includes a round-trip shared transfer from the booking office to the airport, except under covid restrictions. Translation: you will not be driving yourself, and you can spend that waiting time listening, asking questions, and getting comfortable with the process.

One practical note: bring warm lightweight layers. Coastal weather in this region can change fast, and you will be standing around before you gear up.

What’s Included, And What You Bring

The operator supplies the core jump gear: a helmet, gloves, goggles, and a jumpsuit. That is a big deal because it removes the guesswork. You are not trying to figure out what to buy, what fits, or what will work on a windy day near the glacier.

You do need to show up ready to move. Wear warm lightweight clothes and secure shoes with laces. Laced shoes are the simplest way to keep your feet stable when you are walking around before takeoff, and it also helps you feel more secure the moment you start gearing up.

You should also have moderate physical fitness. This does not mean you need to be a gym athlete, but you should be comfortable following instructions, moving around during check-in, and handling the physical sensation of adrenaline.

The Plane Ride and the Jump, How the Experience Actually Feels

Here is the part you care about: what the day feels like once you are in motion.

First you ride up in the plane. People describe this as fun, not just a necessary wait. You can already see how dramatic the terrain is once you are higher up. Then comes the jump itself, the moment you go from controlled sitting to that fast freefall.

The sensation of freefall is intense, but it is not something you manage. In a tandem jump, your instructor handles the safety systems and your job is to trust the training and follow cues. Your instructor is also the person who helps you handle indecision in real time. If nerves hit, you will have someone right there to talk you through it.

Around 200kph (120mph) freefall is the headline speed, but the canopy phase is the piece people remember most for the calm contrast. You go from adrenaline to a steady, view-focused glide as you float down. It is also the moment you can take in the full picture of where you are.

Why Franz Josef Glacier Looks So Good From 13,000ft

You are not jumping over a generic patch of land. This is one of those places where the view becomes a story. From the air, you can see mountaintops to sea level, with ice fields and the rugged coast in the same frame.

Franz Josef Glacier sits between big natural features, including some of New Zealand’s highest mountains and the Tasman Sea. That means the aerial views feel layered, not flat. Even if you think you already know what the glacier looks like on the ground, the perspective from above is different. Ice turns into geometry. Rivers and braided river beds show patterns. Rainforest looks textured instead of just green.

If you care about photography, this is where the experience can be especially satisfying. You are in a region where the scenery is dramatic enough that even a phone camera can capture something recognizable, as long as you are not trying to fight the wind.

Video and Photos, Often the Best Use of the Extras

Photography and video are not included, but you can purchase them after. This choice is worth thinking about because the jump is fast, and the moment you leave the plane is not when you want to be trying to take shots.

The video option has real fans here. One review specifically called out that the video package included three different videos and over 300 photos, with delivery within hours. That kind of turnaround is rare, and it’s part of why people say it is worth buying.

If you are the kind of person who wants a record to share with friends later, plan for the fact that your best angles might come from the camera team, not your own hands in the wind.

Also, consider what you want after the fact. If you want a single clip, you might choose the most basic package. If you want variety, the multi-video and high photo count approach can be a good match.

Time, Weather, and Group Size, What to Expect on the Ground

This experience runs about 3 hours and has a maximum group size of 70 travelers. That does not mean you are cramped into chaos, but it does mean you are part of a schedule. Expect a bit of waiting, and expect the operator to manage the day based on flight readiness and conditions.

Weather is the biggest variable. The jump is subject to favourable weather conditions. If the weather does not cooperate, you will not be left guessing for long. You will be offered a different date or a full refund.

Here’s the practical way to handle this: give yourself flexibility on your travel calendar. If skydiving is the highlight, avoid stacking it with tight onward plans the same day.

Pricing and Value at $276.60, Is It Worth It?

At $276.60 per person, tandem skydiving is not a cheap impulse. But for what you get, it can represent good value, especially if you compare it to the cost and hassle of learning skydiving properly somewhere else.

What makes the price feel reasonable is the combination of:

• Tandem instruction with an experienced team
• Gear included (helmet, gloves, goggles, jumpsuit)
• A true glacier setting that you cannot replicate elsewhere without serious travel effort
• The full experience outcome: freefall and a safe parachute descent in a single trip

Also, if you buy the photo and video extras, that can turn the day into something you keep. Reviews highlight that the team sends a large set of photos quickly, which makes the memory last beyond the moment.

If you are price-sensitive, you can still get value by skipping extras. If you are memory-sensitive, the video package can be the best add-on you spend.

Who Should Book This Tandem Skydive, and Who Might Pass

This is a great choice if:

• You have never jumped before and want a simple path with an instructor.
• You want glacier and coast views from the air, without needing to plan a complex hiking or helicopter day.
• You like adventure that is thrilling, but with clear safety structure.

You might think twice if:

• You absolutely cannot handle the uncertainty of weather-related rescheduling.
• You prefer a low adrenaline experience. Even with tandem safety, the freefall sensation is real.
• You are not comfortable with moderate physical activity during check-in and gear time.

Should You Book Tandem Skydive 13,000ft From Franz Josef?

I would book it if skydiving is high on your list and Franz Josef weather fits your schedule. The tandem format keeps it beginner-friendly, and the glacier setting turns the jump into more than just a thrill. You are getting aerial views that feel specific to this part of New Zealand, plus an option to purchase photos and video so the experience sticks.

If you hate weather uncertainty, you can still book, but you should pick dates with some breathing room. If the day has to shift, you want somewhere to go in the meantime.

In short: if you want a controlled, instructor-led jump over one of the most dramatic backdrops in New Zealand, this is a strong fit.

FAQ

How high is the tandem skydive from Franz Josef?

The jump is from 13,000ft.

Do I need any prior skydiving experience?

No. This tandem skydiving experience is designed for first-timers, with you jumping with an instructor.

What speeds and sensations should I expect?

You will experience freefall at around 200kph (120mph), then you will float safely to the ground under a parachute.

What is included in the price?

Included items are round-trip shared transfer from the booking office to the airport (except under covid restrictions), use of skydive equipment, and use of helmet, gloves, goggles, and a jumpsuit.

What is not included?

Photo and video options are not included, but you can purchase them after. T-shirts and hoodies are also available for purchase.

Where do I meet for the experience?

You meet at 63 Cron Street, Franz Josef (Waiau 7886), New Zealand, and the experience ends back at the meeting point.

What happens if the weather is poor?

If cancelled due to poor weather, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.