13,000 feet is a long way down, and the view is the point of this tandem skydive over Franz Josef Glacier. I like that you do it tandem, with your instructor taking care of the steps, so you do not need previous experience. You also get an eye-popping sweep from high mountains to the coast, framed by ice fields and rainforest.

One consideration is that the whole plan hinges on weather, since poor conditions can mean a reschedule or a full refund. If you are short on time and locked into a single date, keep your expectations flexible.

Key Points Before You Go

• 13,000ft tandem jump with an instructor handling the jump so you can focus on the experience
• Freefall around 200 kph (120 mph) followed by a calmer, scenic parachute glide
• Franz Josef Glacier views that stretch from mountains to the rugged coast
• Convenient meeting point in Franz Josef Village at 63 Cron Street
• Shared transfer and full gear provided including helmet, gloves, goggles, and jumpsuit
• Optional photos and videos after your jump, if you want a keepsake

What a 13,000ft Tandem Jump Feels Like Over Franz Josef Glacier

This is one of those rare trips where the main attraction is also the one part you can actually plan for. Once you are up in the air, your world becomes small and sharp, plane sounds fade, and you trade nerves for pure sightlines over New Zealand’s glaciers and mountains.

At about 13,000 feet, you will jump in a tandem setup with an instructor. The freefall is the big event, around 200 kph (120 mph), then you switch from vertical speed to a floating glide under the parachute, giving you time to really take in the view.

The thing I think you will remember most is the way the scenery changes as you drop. Mountains give way to ice fields, and then you get that rugged sense of coastline and sea-level scale that is hard to grasp from the ground.

Getting From Franz Josef Village to the Plane (3 Hours Total)

Plan for roughly 3 hours for the whole outing. You start at 63 Cron Street, Franz Josef (Waiau 7886), and the day is set up so you do not have to worry about figuring out transport or gear logistics.

You also get round-trip shared transfer from the booking office to the airport area, as long as there are no special COVID-related restrictions. Even if the group ride adds a little waiting time, it is a relief to have someone else handle the movement.

There is a practical upside to this structure: it keeps the experience simple. You show up, get geared up, follow the staff instructions, then get on with the jump.

Franz Josef Glacier Views: Mountains, Ice, Rainforest, and the Coast

The jump area is set over Franz Josef Glacier, and the views are the heart of the package. The area is famous for dramatic terrain, and from the air you see it in layers: mountains up high, ice fields and glacier surfaces below, then the rugged coast and Tasman Sea feel at the edge of it all.

One of the best parts is that the scenic range is not one-note. You are not just staring at a single peak or one patch of ice. Your aerial path runs from mountaintops down toward sea level, so the horizon keeps changing.

If you love New Zealand’s “big outdoors” but you want it without a multi-day hike, this gives you a rare perspective. It turns a tough-to-access environment into a clear, moving postcard.

Safety Briefing That Keeps Your Brain Quiet

Tandem skydiving works because the complex decisions happen once, before you jump, with your instructor taking the lead. The operator provides equipment and guides you through what to do, so you are not trying to learn skydiving while you are strapped into it.

In the guest feedback I saw, an instructor named Danny gets specifically called out for bringing courage and support during the experience. That matters because your goal is to enjoy it, not fight panic in your own head.

The practical way to approach the briefing is simple: listen, follow instructions, and focus on the next step. The better you cooperate, the more the entire experience feels like a smooth sequence instead of a checklist that never ends.

The Step by Step Flow on Jump Day

While your exact timing can vary with weather, the rhythm of the day is consistent.

First, you meet at Cron Street and get organized with the crew. Next comes the kit: you use the skydive equipment and you are fitted with helmet, gloves, goggles, and a jumpsuit. Those essentials matter because they keep you comfortable and protect you during the jump and landing.

Then you head up for the flight. Once you reach the jump altitude, it becomes a quick moment between calm and the start of freefall. After that, you shift into parachute mode and you will have time to enjoy the view instead of just surviving speed and wind.

When you are back on the ground, the day usually feels fast. It’s the kind of activity where you think you will process it slowly, but the adrenaline often keeps you talking for hours.

Gear, Clothing, and What to Wear (So You Are Comfortable)

You will be provided key skydiving gear: helmet, gloves, goggles, and a jumpsuit. That means your clothing job is mainly about staying warm and wearing safe shoes.

Bring warm lightweight clothes, and wear secure shoes with laces if possible. The goal is traction and comfort during any walking, stairs, or standing time while you wait.

If you tend to get cold easily, err on the warm side. The air and wind can feel sharp once you are up, and being uncomfortable is the easiest way to make a thrilling experience stressful.

Price and Value: What $276.60 Actually Covers

At $276.60 per person, this is not a “cheap thrill,” but it does cover the expensive parts that make skydiving work. You get the tandem jump, instructor-led experience, and the essential gear plus round-trip shared transfer.

What is not included is your memory package: photo and video options are available to purchase after the jump. You can also buy a t-shirt and hoodies separately, if you want wearable proof you jumped a glacier.

So the value question becomes: do you want the keepsakes? If you are on the fence, it can help to know that one guest described getting multiple video files and 300+ photos within hours after the jump. That is the kind of detail that makes it easier to justify the add-on if you know you will want a lasting record.

If you hate extra spending, you can treat this as a pay-for-the-jump-only day and decide later. You still get the full aerial show either way.

When Weather Changes the Plan, Here Is What Happens

Skydiving in Franz Josef is weather-dependent, and that is not a gimmick. If conditions are not favourable, the operator can cancel the jump and offer you an alternative date or a full refund.

This matters for how you plan your trip. If Franz Josef is a stopover and you have flexible days, you can usually roll with it. If your schedule is rigid, try to build in some buffer so you are not stuck with one locked-in day and a sky full of clouds.

The practical upside is that the staff can keep you informed. In one experience, the desk team provided regular updates during the waiting period, which makes weather delays feel less like uncertainty and more like a managed pause.

Photography and Video After the Jump

You have the option to purchase photos and video, but it is separate from the base price. If you want to relive the freefall, this is the easiest way to do it, because your hands and attention are not focused on holding a camera.

The add-on is also structured, not just one generic clip. One guest shared they received three different videos and more than 300 photos soon after, which suggests the coverage can be thorough.

My advice is to think of it like this: if you will show friends and family what you did, the video often becomes the centerpiece. If you are more interested in the moment than the paperwork, you can pass and just enjoy the experience live.

Who This Tandem Skydive Suits Best (and Who Might Rethink It)

This is ideal if you want the thrill of skydiving without prior experience. The tandem format means you get the jump with guidance, and you can keep your focus on the experience rather than learning how to do it.

You should also have moderate physical fitness. The data does not set a strict athletic profile, but it does suggest you should be comfortable with standing, getting into gear, and managing basic physical effort on the day.

It fits well for:

• First time thrill seekers who want a guided, low-stress setup
• People who love glaciers and want a view you cannot get any other way
• Couples and friends who want one unforgettable shared moment

It may be less ideal if you have a very inflexible schedule due to weather, or if tight timelines are your top priority.

Should You Book This Tandem Skydive Over Franz Josef Glacier?

I would book this if glacier scenery is a priority and you are ready for a weather-based outdoor experience. The tandem setup keeps it approachable, the 13,000ft height makes it properly dramatic, and the aerial range from mountains toward coast gives you real variety.

The choice is mostly about how you handle uncertainty. If you can stay flexible for rescheduling, you are likely to get an experience that feels like a bucket-list switch gets flipped instantly.

If you are on a tight, one-day schedule, build in a backup plan and keep your expectations adaptable. That one consideration is the difference between a smooth win and a trip that feels frustrating.

FAQ

How high is the tandem skydive?

The jump is from 13,000 feet above Franz Josef.

Do I need any previous skydiving experience?

No experience is required. It is a tandem jump with an instructor.

How long does the experience take?

It takes about 3 hours.

Where do I meet for the skydive?

You meet at 63 Cron Street, Franz Josef / Waiau 7886, New Zealand.

What is included in the price?

Inclusions are a round-trip shared transfer (unless restrictions apply), use of skydive equipment, and helmet, gloves, goggles, and a jumpsuit.

What is not included?

Photo and video options are not included (they are available to purchase). T-shirts and hoodies are also not included.

Will the skydive happen in any weather?

It runs only in favourable weather conditions. If it is cancelled due to poor weather, you will be offered an alternative date or a full refund.

What kind of clothing should I wear?

Wear warm lightweight clothes and secure shoes, ideally with laces.

Is there a fitness requirement?

Yes, it requires a moderate physical fitness level.

What is the group size limit?

The maximum group size is 70 travelers.