Skydiving Over the Glaciers: Franz Josef and Fox for Campervan Travellers
Quick summary: On a campervan trip to the West Coast, a tandem skydive over the glaciers combines one of the world’s great views with the ultimate adrenaline rush. From Franz Josef or Fox Glacier, small planes climb above the rainforest until the Southern Alps, the glaciers, Aoraki/Mount Cook and the Tasman Sea are all in view, then you freefall with an instructor before floating down under the parachute. The drop zones are close to the townships, and the whole experience takes around half a day.
| At a glance | |
|---|---|
| Where | Franz Josef and Fox Glacier |
| Type | Tandem skydive with an instructor |
| Time | Around half a day, including briefing and the flight |
| What you see | Glaciers, the Southern Alps, Aoraki/Mount Cook, rainforest and sea |
| Experience needed | None |
| Tours | Skydive tours |
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Why skydive over the glaciers?
Because few skydives anywhere combine snow-capped mountains, glaciers, rainforest, lakes and the ocean in a single view. On the climb to altitude, the plane gives you a scenic flight in its own right, and the freefall and parachute ride give you time to take in the whole landscape before landing near the township.
What happens on a tandem skydive?
- Check in and briefing at the operator’s base, where you’re fitted with a harness and jumpsuit.
- The climb in a small plane, with views of the glaciers and mountains.
- The freefall, attached to your instructor, lasting from several seconds to around a minute depending on the height.
- The parachute ride, floating down for several minutes with views of the coast and mountains.
- Landing at the drop zone near the township.
Operators offer different heights, with higher jumps giving longer freefall. Photos and videos are usually available.
Do you need to be fit?
No experience is needed, and most people in reasonable health can take part. Operators set weight limits and health requirements, so check when booking. You’ll need to be able to lift your legs for the landing.
How does the weather affect skydiving?
Skydives need clear skies, and on the West Coast, cloud and rain can cause delays or cancellations. Operators normally rebook or refund. Book early in your stay, and keep a spare morning. See our guide to weather and spare days.
Can you plan a skydive and an RV drive on the same day?
It’s better to keep the skydive day free of long drives. Delays for weather are common, and after the adrenaline you’ll want to relax rather than tackle a winding road. Stay an extra night in Franz Josef or Fox, and drive on the next morning. Avoid scuba diving or flying immediately before a skydive, and check the operator’s guidance.
What else can you combine with a skydive?
- A glacier flight on another day. See helicopter flights and snow landings.
- The hot pools in Franz Josef, to relax afterwards.
- Lake Matheson at Fox, at dawn or dusk.
Where can you book?
Browse skydive tours from Franz Josef and Fox Glacier.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Yes. Tandem skydives from Franz Josef and Fox Glacier fly over the glaciers, the Southern Alps and the coast.
No. Tandem skydives are with an experienced instructor, and no experience is needed.
Around half a day, including check-in, briefing, the flight, freefall and parachute ride.
Yes. Aoraki/Mount Cook and the high peaks of the Southern Alps are often in view on clear days.
Operators normally rebook or refund if conditions are unsuitable. Keep a spare morning.