Auckland: 13000, 16000, or 18000-Foot Tandem Skydive

The startling part comes when the plane door opens: you and your instructor leave the aircraft together, then fall at speeds of up to 200 km/h. From Parakai, about a 45-minute drive from Auckland City, the views can stretch toward both the East and West coasts.

I like two things in particular: you can choose among 13,000, 16,000, and 18,000 feet, and the parachute descent gives you time to take in the view after the fast freefall. The team’s calm, clear manner is another plus, especially if this is your first jump.

The main drawback is that weather can delay the schedule, sometimes by hours. You’ll also need to budget extra if you want photos or video, and the 100 kg weight limit rules out some people.

What to know before you book

• Choose your altitude: The available options are 13,000, 16,000, or 18,000 feet. The activity description promises up to 75 seconds of freefall.
• Expect a fast fall: You can reach speeds of up to 200 km/h before the parachute opens.
• Allow three hours: The visit includes a scenic flight, preparation, the jump, and landing. Weather can stretch that schedule.
• Look out toward two coasts: On a clear day, views may include Waiheke Island, Great Barrier Island, Mount Ruapehu, or Mount Taranaki.
• Photos and video cost extra: You can buy a one-on-one photo and video package on the day.
• Check the requirements: The weight limit is 100 kg, open-toed shoes are not allowed, and the 18,000-foot option is limited to people aged 12 and older.

From Auckland City to Parakai

Skydive Auckland is based in Parakai, around a 45-minute drive from Auckland City. That makes this a manageable outing from town, but it is not a city-centre activity. You’ll need to plan your own way to the meeting point at Skydive Auckland unless you have separately arranged transport.

The stated duration is three hours, which is useful when fitting the jump into a busy visit. Treat that as the planned time, not a firm promise: poor weather has delayed departures, with one scheduled morning jump not taking place until around noon. If you have a flight, tour, or dinner booking later that day, leave a generous buffer.

The wait can be frustrating, especially when you arrive ready to go. But weather is part of the decision-making for an activity that depends on a safe flight and parachute landing. Keep a snack and water with you; one jumper found there were no food options nearby at the time of their visit, though a café was said to be under construction. That situation may have changed, so don’t count on either the café or nearby food being available.

The flight up is part of the show

Your experience starts with a scenic flight to the altitude you booked. The plane climbs to 13,000, 16,000, or 18,000 feet, and the view changes as Auckland’s coast and offshore islands appear below. You may be able to pick out Waiheke Island or Great Barrier Island, and on a clear day the view can reach toward Mount Ruapehu or Mount Taranaki.

That wide view is a real part of the value here. A jump is not only the few seconds of freefall; the climb gives you time to see how much coastline and open country surround Auckland. What you can see depends on cloud and visibility, so treat the named landmarks as possibilities, not a guaranteed checklist.

As the plane reaches your booked height, the door opens and you leave the aircraft attached to your tandem instructor. You don’t need prior experience or to operate the equipment yourself. The instructor handles the jump and guides the descent, while you focus on following directions and taking in what’s around you.

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

All three options take you up for a tandem jump, but the altitude is the main choice you can make when booking. The listed price is $206 per person. Since the supplied price does not specify how it varies by altitude, check the current price for the exact option you want before confirming.

The 18,000-foot choice is the highest option offered here, and one jumper described it as worth choosing for the views and the overall sense of occasion. It is also the only option with a stated minimum age: you must be at least 12. The activity description promises up to 75 seconds of freefall, but it does not give separate freefall times for the three heights, so don’t assume an exact duration for each one.

If you’re unsure which height to choose, weigh the extra altitude against your budget and comfort level. The core appeal is the same at every height: a tandem freefall followed by a parachute descent. If the highest option matters to you, confirm its price and availability rather than guessing from the starting price.

Freefall, then a slower ride down

The freefall is the sharpest burst of the outing. Speeds can reach up to 200 km/h, and the sensation is very different from simply looking out of an aircraft window. The instructor stays attached throughout, leaving you free to experience the rush without managing the parachute yourself.

Once the parachute opens, the pace changes. You get a calmer stretch in the air with views in every direction before landing. That contrast is what makes the activity more than a short rush: there is the climb, the sudden acceleration, and then time to look around as you descend.

Conditions can be cold at altitude, especially around cloud. One winter jumper encountered air below zero in the clouds and ice crystals hitting their face. You may not have the same conditions, but warm layers for the trip to the airfield and practical clothing are sensible. The provided rules specifically prohibit open-toed shoes.

A crew that helps with first-time nerves

A tandem jump asks you to trust an instructor with a lot, and the crew’s manner can make a real difference. People who were nervous before boarding have described staff members helping them settle, explaining the process, and making the day feel organized. Instructors named by jumpers include Owen, Aaron, James, Mitch, and Erin.

That does not mean you’ll stop feeling nervous. It means you should expect staff to guide you through the process and take care of the tandem setup. One jumper described a quick turnaround from being suited up to boarding, while others appreciated thorough explanations. The pace may differ with weather, aircraft schedules, and how busy the day is.

The landing is also part of the instructor’s job. One account praised instructors Simon and Owen for bringing the group safely to the ground while adding a few flips and tricks. Treat that as an example of what an instructor may do, not a feature promised to every participant.

What the $206 price does and does not cover

At $206 per person, the stated package includes your selected altitude and all equipment. For an activity that includes the aircraft flight, tandem instruction, and the jump itself, that is the core cost to compare. The exact amount may depend on which height you choose, so verify the total before booking.

Photos and video are not included. They are available to buy on the day, and a one-on-one package can give you a record of the jump from the instructor’s perspective. One couple who bought a photo and video combination said their files arrived within about 15 minutes of landing. That quick delivery is useful if you want to share the moment while it is fresh, but timing may vary.

Decide before the day whether a recording matters to you. It is easy to picture wanting proof afterward, but the add-on is optional and adds to the total. If keeping costs down matters more, you can take the jump without buying a package.

Who will enjoy this most

This is a strong fit if you want a major adrenaline activity with a clear view of Auckland’s coastline, and you’re comfortable spending several hours on an outing that may run late. It can also work for first-timers: the activity is tandem, and instructors take responsibility for the equipment and descent.

It is less suitable if you need a tightly timed schedule, are pregnant, or weigh more than 100 kg. You should also consider how you handle heights, cold, and uncertainty around weather. The 18,000-foot option is restricted to people aged 12 and older; people under 18 need a parent or guardian with them or a signed waiver.

The activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, but the supplied details do not explain what assistance or arrangements are available. If you have specific access needs, contact the provider before booking to confirm that the full process will work for you.

Should you book this Auckland jump?

Book it if you want a big, memorable burst of adventure and can keep your schedule flexible. The strongest reasons are the choice of three altitudes, the chance to see both coasts from above, and the slower parachute ride after the freefall. The crew’s reassuring approach is especially helpful if you’re doing this for the first time.

Think twice if the $206 price is only the start of what you want to spend, since photos and video cost extra, or if a weather delay would disrupt the rest of your day. Check your chosen altitude, eligibility, transport to Parakai, and any photo package costs before you commit. If those details work for you, this is a memorable way to see Auckland from an angle few visitors get.

FAQ

How long does the activity take?

The planned duration is about three hours. Weather delays can make the day longer, so leave room in your schedule.

Where do I meet the team?

Meet at Skydive Auckland in Parakai, about a 45-minute drive from Auckland City.

Which jump heights can I choose?

You can select 13,000, 16,000, or 18,000 feet, depending on availability and the option you book.

How long is the freefall?

The experience offers up to 75 seconds of freefall. A separate duration for each altitude is not specified.

How fast can I fall?

The stated maximum speed is up to 200 km/h.

What is included in the price?

The selected altitude and all equipment are included. Photos and video are optional extras that you can buy on the day.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The maximum weight is 100 kg, or 220 lb.

Is there a minimum age?

There is no general age limit stated. People under 18 need a parent or guardian or a signed waiver. The 18,000-foot option is limited to people aged 12 and older.

What should I wear?

Open-toed shoes are not allowed. Conditions at altitude can be cold, so practical clothing is a sensible choice.

Can I cancel or pay later?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. A reserve-now, pay-later option is also available.