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

Franz Josef gives you a rare view of New Zealand from above: glaciers, rainforest, mountains, and the coast spread below as you fall from up to 18,000 feet. The highest option gives you 85 seconds of free fall, while the 13,000-foot jump keeps the commitment shorter.

I like the choice of three heights, and I like the calm, friendly instruction reported throughout the experience. Names including Danny, Dani, and Lauren have been singled out for making nervous first-timers feel secure and well looked after. The main catch is weather: bad conditions can delay your jump, so book early in your Franz Josef stay and keep another day open.

Key points before you book

• Three jump heights: Choose 13,000, 16,500, or 18,000 feet, with 45, 65, or 85 seconds of free fall.
• Franz Josef views: Look down on glaciers, temperate rainforest, high mountains, and the coast during the descent.
• A strong first-time option: Tandem skydiving pairs you with an experienced instructor and requires no previous experience.
• Weather controls the schedule: Your exact time may change, and poor conditions can postpone the jump.
• Age and weight rules matter: Ages 13 to 16 may use only the 13,000-foot option. People over 100 kilograms may pay a surcharge.
• Plan for three hours: The experience includes preparation, safety instruction, the flight, free fall, and parachute descent.

Why Franz Josef is such a good place to free fall

Many skydives offer one big view. Franz Josef gives you several at once.

From the aircraft, you can look across the Southern Alps, down toward bright glaciers, and over thick temperate rainforest. The descent ends near the coast, with the landing area roughly 300 feet above sea level. That change in height gives the experience a sense of scale that is hard to match from the ground.

The setting also makes this more than a quick adrenaline hit. The free fall is intense, but the parachute section lets you slow down and take in the scene. You move from a loud, fast rush to a quiet float above one of the South Island’s most dramatic corners.

I would choose Franz Josef specifically for the view. If your only goal is the longest possible free fall, the 18,000-foot option makes sense. If you want the scenery but feel unsure about the commitment, 13,000 feet is the sensible starting point.

Meeting the instructor and getting ready

The experience begins with your skydiving instructor and a safety briefing. You receive the equipment, learn what to do during the jump, and prepare for the aircraft flight.

That briefing is important, especially if this is your first time. Tandem skydiving is designed for beginners because your instructor manages the technical parts of the jump. You still need to listen carefully and follow instructions, but you do not need prior experience.

The strongest part of the feedback about this experience is the human side. First-time participants repeatedly describe the staff as friendly, patient, professional, and reassuring. That matters when you are standing in a harness and waiting for a plane. A calm instructor can turn nerves into excitement.

The local team has included people such as Danny, Dani, and Lauren. Danny has been praised for his relaxed manner in the air, while Lauren has been noted for helping at the airfield and sharing local information. Dani has also been associated with especially reassuring instruction and strong media results. Staff can change, of course, but the pattern is clear: personal attention is a major part of the experience.

Do not bring a drone or selfie stick. These are not allowed. Food and drinks are also not included, so plan those separately around the three-hour schedule.

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

The height you choose changes the amount of time you spend in free fall.

Jump height

Free-fall time

Best for

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—:

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13,000 feet

45 seconds

Nervous first-timers and eligible younger jumpers

16,500 feet

65 seconds

A longer rush without choosing the highest option

18,000 feet

85 seconds

The longest free fall and biggest commitment

At 13,000 feet, you still get the full experience: aircraft flight, free fall, parachute descent, and Franz Josef views. This is also the only height available to children aged 13 to 16.

The 16,500-foot option adds 20 seconds of free fall over the lowest jump. That may not sound like much on paper, but during the jump it gives you more time to settle into the sensation and look around.

The 18,000-foot option is the headline choice. It gives you 85 seconds before the instructor opens the parachute, and several first-time jumpers have said they were glad they chose the highest height. Others wished they had gone higher after selecting a lower option.

My practical advice is simple. If you are already keen and the extra cost fits your budget, choose 18,000 feet. If fear is the main barrier, choose 13,000 feet and enjoy completing the challenge rather than spending the whole morning worrying about the extra seconds.

People under 18 need written consent from a parent or guardian. Ages 13 to 16 can only use the 13,000-foot jump, while people over 16 may choose any height. Anyone weighing more than 100 kilograms may face a surcharge on the day, and every participant must pass the tandem master’s assessment at the drop zone.

The flight, the exit, and the first seconds

After the briefing and equipment check, you board the aircraft for the climb to your chosen flight level. The supplied details do not specify the aircraft type or exact seating arrangement, so you should think of the flight mainly as the build-up to the jump and the chance to see Franz Josef from above.

The exit is the sharpest mental moment. The aircraft door, the height, and the countdown make the first few seconds feel very different from anything on the ground. One participant described those opening seconds as especially scary, which is entirely understandable. Your instructor is attached to you and controls the technical sequence, but your body still knows it is leaving an aircraft.

Once you are in free fall, the fear often gives way to the sensation of speed and open air. You will have 45, 65, or 85 seconds before the parachute opens, depending on your selection. Try to follow the instructor’s directions and keep your attention on the view rather than trying to analyze every second.

This is where the 18,000-foot option earns its place. The extra time gives you more room to settle down, register the mountains, and enjoy the fact that you are above the clouds and glaciers. It also means a longer period of intense sensation, so the highest option is not automatically the best choice for every person.

Floating over glaciers and rainforest

When the parachute opens, the mood changes. The rapid free fall ends, and you float toward the landing area at a much slower pace.

This is the part when Franz Josef’s scenery becomes easier to appreciate. You may see the pale glacier ice, thick rainforest, steep mountains, and the coast in one broad view. The exact visibility depends on the weather, but clear conditions can produce the kind of wide view that makes the wait worthwhile.

One useful detail comes from a participant who disliked the parachute portion and asked the instructor to land as soon as possible. The instructor responded to that request. This is a good reminder to communicate clearly with your tandem partner. If you feel anxious at any point, tell the instructor rather than trying to hide it.

The landing area is approximately 300 feet above sea level. The activity description does not promise a specific landing surface or landing style, so listen to your instructor for the final approach. The descent under canopy is your chance to take in the scenery, but it is also the time to stay focused on instructions.

Weather is the biggest practical issue

All jumps depend on favorable weather. Franz Josef is surrounded by high mountains and exposed to changing conditions, so a clear morning does not guarantee that your selected time will go ahead.

I strongly recommend booking this for your first available day in Franz Josef. Keep an alternative day free if your trip allows it. This gives the operator room to move your jump without forcing you to rebuild the rest of your itinerary.

Your requested date or time may change. The local operator confirms the exact flight time by email after booking, so check your messages and do not treat the initial time as final.

If the weather prevents the jump and you cannot arrange another date, you receive a full refund. You can also cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option helps if your route is still taking shape, though you should still allow enough time for a weather delay.

The three-hour duration is a useful planning figure, not a promise that you will be in the air for three hours. It covers the briefing, equipment preparation, waiting, aircraft flight, free fall, canopy descent, and landing. A delay can make the activity take longer, so do not place a tight bus connection or another fixed booking immediately afterward.

Is the listed price good value?

The supplied price is $25 per person. That figure is unusually low for an 13,000 to 18,000-foot tandem skydive, so I would confirm the final price, currency, taxes, and any booking charges before treating it as the complete cost.

The value depends on what is included. The listed package covers the skydive, safety briefing, instructor, and equipment. Food and drinks are not included. A media package is an extra cost, and the feedback is mixed on value: the experience itself receives strong praise, while the media price has been described as expensive. Some people still felt the photos or video were worth buying afterward.

If this is a once-in-a-lifetime activity, media can be useful because you cannot photograph yourself during the free fall. On the other hand, if the price feels high, the jump itself remains the main product. Decide before the day how much you are willing to spend on photos and video, and ask about the package cost when you confirm your booking.

With the listed price, the experience would be exceptional value. With a higher final price, it can still be worthwhile for a first jump over glaciers and mountains, but compare the total cost with other paid activities in your South Island itinerary.

Who should choose this experience?

This is a good match for you if you want a major adrenaline activity with a strong natural setting rather than a jump over a built-up area. It also suits first-timers who want an instructor handling the technical work.

I would recommend it to:

• First-time skydivers who want clear safety guidance
• Couples or friends looking for a shared challenge
• Older children and teenagers who meet the age and consent rules
• Visitors who can keep a spare day free for weather
• Anyone who values views as much as the thrill

It is less suitable if your schedule is fixed to the hour, if you cannot tolerate the possibility of weather delays, or if you want a quiet sightseeing trip with no major physical or emotional challenge.

The experience has a 4.9 rating from 113 reviews, and 93 percent of ratings for the transport element are perfect. The strongest praise focuses on safety, kindness, clear communication, and the Franz Josef views. That combination is more useful than a high score alone: you are choosing both a serious thrill and a team that appears to put first-timers at ease.

Small details that can save you trouble

Check the meeting point carefully. One booking noted that the actual starting point was not the location shown in the original booking information. Confirm where you need to go, and allow time to reach it.

Keep your day flexible. The exact flight time is confirmed by email, and the operator may move it because of weather or operational needs. If you are driving through the West Coast, avoid planning a long transfer immediately after the activity.

Wear what allows you to follow the equipment and safety instructions comfortably. The supplied information does not give a detailed clothing list, so ask the operator if you need precise guidance before arrival.

Most important, tell your instructor how you are feeling. Some people need a steady voice before the exit. Others want to get through the parachute descent quickly. The team can only respond if you speak up.

Should you book the Franz Josef skydive?

Book it if you want one of the South Island’s biggest thrills and can protect a spare day for weather. The 18,000-foot option is the clear choice for maximum free fall, while 13,000 feet offers a more manageable introduction and is required for ages 13 to 16.

I especially like the combination of experienced tandem instruction and scenery that changes from mountains to glaciers, rainforest, and coast. Confirm the real price, check the meeting point, and decide in advance if you want the media package. With those details sorted, this is a strong choice for an unforgettable Franz Josef experience.

FAQ

How long does the Franz Josef skydive take?

The activity lasts about three hours. This includes the safety briefing, equipment preparation, aircraft flight, free fall, parachute descent, and landing.

Which jump heights are available?

You can choose 13,000 feet, 16,500 feet, or 18,000 feet.

How long is the free fall?

The 13,000-foot jump includes about 45 seconds of free fall. The 16,500-foot option includes about 65 seconds, and the 18,000-foot option includes about 85 seconds.

Do I need previous skydiving experience?

No. Tandem skydiving is intended as a first-time option, with an experienced instructor attached to you and responsible for the technical parts of the jump.

What is included?

The package includes the skydive, safety briefing, instructor, and all required equipment.

Are food and drinks included?

No. You need to arrange your own food and drinks.

Can children take part?

Children aged 13 to 16 can jump only from 13,000 feet. Anyone under 18 needs written parental consent.

Can I choose any jump height if I am over 16?

People over 16 may skydive at any of the available heights, subject to the operator’s requirements and tandem master assessment.

What happens if the weather is bad?

The jump can be postponed because all skydives depend on favorable weather. You should book for your first available day and keep another day free. If you cannot rearrange the activity, you receive a full refund.

Can I cancel my booking?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. The reserve-now, pay-later option lets you hold a place without paying immediately.

Are drones and selfie sticks allowed?

No. Drones and selfie sticks are not allowed.

Could there be an extra charge based on weight?

People weighing more than 100 kilograms may incur a surcharge on the day. All participants are also subject to assessment at the drop zone.