FRANZ JOSEF / WAIAU SKYDIVE FIELD GUIDE
45+ Seconds Above Glaciers: Tandem Skydive 13,000ft Over Franz Josef
A tandem 13,000ft skydive over Franz Josef’s glaciers, mountains and braided rivers — this guide explains what to expect on the jump day and how to plan for it.
45+ Seconds Above Glaciers: Tandem Skydive 13,000ft Over Franz Josef.
Launch from 13,000 feet above the West Coast and drop toward one of New Zealand’s most dramatic landscapes: Aoraki/Mt Cook and Westland, glowing glaciers, temperate rainforest, mirror lakes and braided riverbeds that sit within the Te Wahipounamu World Heritage Area. The Franz Josef skydive pairs you with an experienced tandem master for a short climb to altitude, a sustained freefall and a calm canopy flight back to earth.
Highlights
Outing Highlights
Up to 45 seconds of freefall
A tandem descent delivers up to 45 seconds of freefall at roughly 200 kph — the signature rush of the 13,000ft Franz Josef jump.
Glaciers, mountains and the Tasman Sea
The drop and canopy flight sweep across Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and the surrounding alpine and coastal scenery that helped secure this region’s World Heritage status.
A measured climb, a calm canopy
Expect about a 15-minute flight to altitude followed by a 3–5-minute parachute flight under canopy — plenty of time to drink in the scale of the landscape.
What the day feels like
How the jump unfolds
The experience is compact and intense: a short pre-jump briefing and pairing with your tandem master, a roughly 15-minute climb to 13,000ft, up to 45 seconds of freefall at around 200kph, then a 3–5-minute canopy flight before landing — a sequence designed to deliver maximum exposure to the landscape in a single, controlled run.
THE FALL
Up to 45 seconds of freefall
A tandem descent delivers up to 45 seconds of freefall at roughly 200 kph — the signature rush of the 13,000ft Franz Josef jump.
THE VIEWS
Glaciers, mountains and the Tasman Sea
The drop and canopy flight sweep across Franz Josef and Fox Glaciers and the surrounding alpine and coastal scenery that helped secure this region’s World Heritage status.
THE FLIGHT
A measured climb, a calm canopy
Expect about a 15-minute flight to altitude followed by a 3–5-minute parachute flight under canopy — plenty of time to drink in the scale of the landscape.
Suitability
Who it's for
Who this jump suits — and who should pay attention to the limits.
Practical planner
Details to review before reserving
Allow around 2–3 hours for the full experience, from arrival and briefing to landing.
Dress for variable alpine and coastal weather and wear comfortable, close-toed shoes; the operator provides the skydive equipment and harnessing.
Meet at Franz Josef Glacier Base, 63 Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier Base, Franz Josef, 7886.
The jump is operated locally by INFLITE - West Coast; check availability and book in advance through the operator.
Review cancellation policies before reserving.
Frequently asked questions
Planning Your Outing
How long will the overall experience take?
The operator advises allowing around 2–3 hours for the entire experience.
Where do I meet on the day?
Meet at 63 Cron Street, Franz Josef Glacier Base, Franz Josef, 7886.
How long is the freefall and what are the flight times?
The jump includes up to 45 seconds of freefall, about a 15-minute flight to altitude, and roughly a 3–5-minute parachute flight under canopy.
Is there a weight limit for tandem jumps?
The maximum weight is 100 kg; guests can usually be accommodated up to 105 kg at the Tandem Master’s discretion and a surcharge may apply.
Where can I find more pre-jump information and weather guidance?
See the operator’s comprehensive FAQ page for details on what happens on the day, weather concerns and other common questions: https://www.skydive.co.nz/faq/