It’s been nearly 4 years since I jumped out of a aircraft over New Zealand’s South Island, however it feels prefer it might’ve been 4 minutes in the past. I’ll always remember the sensation—which, if I’m sincere was a lot scarier than I assumed. Because the propellor aircraft ascends (a lot sooner than I anticipated) and it got here time for me (fortunately, with a “grasp” actually strapped to me) to leap, I puzzled whether or not I had made an enormous mistake.
In the long run, I’m glad I went by way of with skydiving, though the subject is after all a bit extra nuanced than that. For those who’re in the identical boat (aircraft?) as I used to be—when you’re asking your self “is New Zealand good for skydiving?”, or some related query—then I do hope you’ll proceed studying.
Why I Waited So Lengthy to Skydive
As was the case with visiting New Zealand normally, I needed to attend to go skydiving till the time was proper. A part of my rationale for each of those was sensible: I couldn’t actually afford a correct journey to New Zealand in my youthful years; though I noticed the value of skydiving, at 34, as a nominal expense, it might very nicely have bankrupted me, had I taken the plunge at 24.
Issues to Know About Skydiving in New Zealand
All the businesses are principally the identical
There are three skydiving firms in Queenstown (or at the very least there have been, earlier than coronavirus), however all of them supply principally the identical expertise, at primarily the identical value. Two of them are literally situated proper subsequent door to 1 one other on Shotover Road; to my eye, the one distinction between the 2 workplaces was that one has a Chinese language-speaking member of workers. Is New Zealand good for skydiving? Actually, it’s adequate that you simply don’t have to waste your time purchasing round.
No matter which New Zealand skydiving store you go to, you’ll have many selections for the place you leap. Widespread choices embrace Wanaka and over Queenstown itself, in addition to a spot referred to as Glenorchy, which I’d by no means heard of previous to getting into the shop. The lady behind the counter was adamant that it was her favourite, nonetheless, so I ended up reserving a drop over Glenorchy at her advice.
The main points of your leap will probably change
The following morning, nonetheless, a lady (one other girl) referred to as simply after the first light, to inform me that climate circumstances over Glenorchy (specifically, upper-level winds) weren’t appropriate for leaping—I might cancel, or change to Wanaka. I briefly thought of canceling, however ended up deciding within the second to go forward and leap over Wanaka. That is a part of the rationale you shouldn’t be too emotionally connected to the drop zone you select!
Along with the drop zone for my skydive altering, the workers additionally “upgraded” me (from 9,000′ to fifteen,000′) free of charge, though I think they find yourself doing this for everybody, since I doubt a given aircraft actually ascends to 3 separate altitudes. Moreover, since I’m a blogger, in addition they threw in a free picture/video package deal–I solely checked out it as soon as. A part of this was as a result of my hair regarded terrible and my brow was so wrinkled I’m now contemplating botox; at any price, if I had to return and pay for it, I most likely wouldn’t.
You may really feel such as you’re suffocating
I didn’t really feel very nervous about skydiving at any second main as much as the dive. The aircraft journey up was a bit uneasy; however I used to be between the legs of a really enticing man, which assuaged most of my worries. Regardless of this (perhaps due to it?) the feeling of leaping out of the aircraft took me without warning. that feeling you may have when water rushes up your nostril? That’s what it felt like for me, besides it was chilly air and it lasted for the complete freefall. For a second, I assumed I might suffocate!
Does Skydiving in New Zealand Dwell As much as the Hype?
Sure as a result of the surroundings is excellent, and the expertise was actually like something I ever might have anticipated. No, primarily due to feeling like I used to be suffocating on the best way down, and resulting from the truth that I want I had finished extra analysis earlier than I jumped. Don’t get me unsuitable: Seeing the Southern Alps on the horizon, and Lake Wanaka beneath me was completely unimaginable.
However whereas Queenstown skydiving deserves its fame as being one of many world’s most stunning spots for its, I later realized that significantly better choices exist. A person I met in Franz Josef jogged my memory, for instance, that skydiving there provides the ocean to the mountain/lake surroundings on supply in Wanaka or Glenorchy. My tandem associate himself, as our aircraft ascended, instructed me his favourite spot was the Bay of Islands, a vacation spot within the North Island I by no means even knew existed till that second.
Different FAQ About Skydiving in New Zealand
How lengthy does skydiving take Queenstown?
Though your leap will solely final a couple of minutes, it’s best to commit a complete day to your New Zealand skydiving expertise. Or two: Relying on wind and climate circumstances within the higher ambiance, it’s attainable that your morning dive could possibly be delayed till afternoon, or certainly {that a} Monday dive could possibly be delayed till Tuesday.
How a lot is skydiving in NZ?
New Zealand skydiving firms supply a wide range of packages, however normally it’s best to plan on spending a minimum of 300 NZD (a bit lower than 200 USD) on your skydiving expertise. Clearly, you’ll have to pay extra for bells and whistles like customized picture and video packages, which the “base” price by no means contains.
The place is one of the best place to skydive in New Zealand?
As a basic rule, most individuals (and definitely, most first timers) take pleasure in their first skydiving expertise someplace close to Queenstown, whether or not over Queenstown itself, or close by locations akin to Glenorchy and Wanaka. Nevertheless, the complete nation is nice for skydiving, together with the North Island. My skydiving teacher advisable that I strive the Bay of Islands subsequent!
Robert Schrader is a journey author and photographer who’s been roaming the world independently since 2005, writing for publications akin to “CNNGo” and “Shanghaiist” alongside the best way. His weblog, Depart Your Each day Hell, supplies a mixture of journey recommendation, vacation spot guides and private essays protecting the extra esoteric points of life as a traveler.
