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 believed. 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 questioned whether or not I had made an enormous mistake.
Ultimately, I’m glad I went via with skydiving, though the subject is in fact a bit extra nuanced than that. For those who’re in the identical boat (aircraft?) as I used to be—should 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 worth 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 corporations in Queenstown (or no less than there have been, earlier than coronavirus), however all of them provide principally the identical expertise, at primarily the identical worth. Two of them are literally positioned 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 employees. Is New Zealand good for skydiving? Definitely, it’s adequate that you simply don’t must waste your time purchasing round.
No matter which New Zealand skydiving store you go to, you’ll have many selections for the place you soar. In style choices embrace Wanaka and over Queenstown itself, in addition to a spot known as Glenorchy, which I’d by no means heard of previous to getting into the shop. The girl behind the counter was adamant that it was her favourite, nevertheless, so I ended up reserving a drop over Glenorchy at her suggestion.
The main points of your soar will probably change
The following morning, nevertheless, a girl (one other girl) known as simply after the first light, to inform me that climate situations over Glenorchy (specifically, upper-level winds) weren’t appropriate for leaping—I might cancel, or change to Wanaka. I briefly thought-about canceling, however ended up deciding within the second to go forward and soar 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 employees additionally “upgraded” me (from 9,000′ to fifteen,000′) without spending a dime, though I believe 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 photograph/video bundle–I solely checked out it as soon as. A part of this was as a result of my hair seemed terrible and my brow was so wrinkled I’m now contemplating botox; at any charge, if I had to return and pay for it, I in all probability wouldn’t.
You would possibly 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 trip up was a bit uneasy; however I used to be between the legs of a really engaging man, which assuaged most of my worries. Despite this (possibly due to it?) the feeling of leaping out of the aircraft took me without warning. that feeling you’ve when water rushes up your nostril? That’s what it felt like for me, besides it was chilly air and it lasted for your complete freefall. For a second, I believed I’d suffocate!
Does Skydiving in New Zealand Reside 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 way in which down, and attributable to the truth that I want I had executed 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 unbelievable.
However whereas Queenstown skydiving deserves its status 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 provide in Wanaka or Glenorchy. My tandem companion himself, as our aircraft ascended, informed 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 soar will solely final a couple of minutes, it is best to dedicate a complete day to your New Zealand skydiving expertise. Or two: Relying on wind and climate situations within the higher environment, it’s potential 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 corporations provide a wide range of packages, however normally it is best to plan on spending at least 300 NZD (a bit lower than 200 USD) in your skydiving expertise. Clearly, you’ll must pay extra for bells and whistles like customized photograph and video packages, which the “base” charge by no means consists of.
The place is the perfect place to skydive in New Zealand?
As a common rule, most individuals (and positively, most first timers) get pleasure from their first skydiving expertise someplace close to Queenstown, whether or not over Queenstown itself, or close by locations reminiscent of Glenorchy and Wanaka. Nonetheless, your complete nation is nice for skydiving, together with the North Island. My skydiving teacher really helpful 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 reminiscent of “CNNGo” and “Shanghaiist” alongside the way in which. His weblog, Go away Your Each day Hell, offers a mixture of journey recommendation, vacation spot guides and private essays protecting the extra esoteric elements of life as a traveler.