Best Adrenaline Experiences in Auckland: Thrilling Things to Do

The 18,000ft experience is the highest option and gives you the longest possible freefall at Skydive Auckland.

What can you see while skydiving in Auckland?

The scenery is a major part of the experience. From thousands of feet above the ground, you can see across Auckland’s west and east coasts, beaches and islands, including Waiheke Island and Great Barrier Island. On a clear day, you may even be able to see as far as Mt Ruapehu.

The drop zone is located in Parakai, West Auckland, approximately 45 minutes from Auckland City Centre. That makes it possible to add a skydive to an Auckland itinerary without travelling to another part of New Zealand.

Can you skydive if you’ve never done it before?

Yes. Tandem skydiving is designed for first-time jumpers, so you don’t need any previous skydiving experience. You’ll be attached to a qualified tandem instructor who handles the technical aspects of the jump while you enjoy the experience. Before your skydive, you’ll receive a safety briefing and instructions on what to expect during the jump.

How long does a Skydive Auckland experience take?

The skydive experience takes approximately three hours, or around 5.5 hours including Auckland City return transport. Free return transport from Auckland City is available for eligible direct bookings, subject to availability.

[Find out more about tandem skydiving with Skydive Auckland]

2. Auckland Harbour Bridge Bungy

The Auckland Harbour Bridge is one of the city’s most recognisable landmarks, and you can experience it from a very different perspective with a bungy jump. The jump takes place from a platform beneath the bridge, with the Waitematā Harbour below. It’s a popular option if you want a short, intense adrenaline experience while staying close to central Auckland.

3. Ziplining on Waiheke Island

Waiheke Island offers more than beaches and vineyards. Visitors can also experience the island from above the forest canopy on a zipline. Ziplining takes you through native bush while offering views across the surrounding landscape and coastline. It can also be combined with a day trip to Waiheke Island.

4. Tree Adventures

Located in Woodhill Forest, Tree Adventures features aerial obstacle courses, suspended bridges and zip lines through the forest canopy. There are different courses available, with varying levels of difficulty. It’s a good option if you’re looking for an active outdoor challenge surrounded by forest rather than a single adrenaline rush.

5. Canyoning in the Waitākere Ranges

Canyoning in the Waitākere Ranges combines hiking with activities such as swimming, climbing and abseiling through natural waterways and waterfalls. It’s one of the more physically demanding adventure options around Auckland and offers a very different experience from the city’s height-based activities.

6. Jet Boating

Jet boating takes place on Auckland’s waterways, combining high speeds with sharp turns and rapid changes in direction. It’s a good choice if you want an adrenaline experience on the water and would rather stay closer to sea level than jump from a height.

7. Quad Biking and Off-Road Adventures

Auckland and its surrounding regions also offer opportunities to explore the landscape on four wheels. Quad biking and other off-road experiences can take you across beaches, farmland, forests and rugged terrain. These are generally longer outdoor adventures, making them a good option if you want to spend several hours exploring rather than having one short adrenaline rush.

Which Auckland Adrenaline Experience Should You Choose?

The right experience depends on the type of adventure you’re looking for.

Want altitude, speed and freefall?

Tandem skydiving gives you all three. Skydive Auckland offers jumps from up to 18,000ft, with up to 75 seconds of freefall.

Want an adventure in the forest?

Tree Adventures and Waiheke Island ziplining combine physical activity with Auckland’s natural environment.

Want a physical challenge?

Canyoning combines hiking, swimming, climbing and abseiling.

Want speed on the water?

Jet boating offers a fast-paced way to experience Auckland’s waterways.

Want an outdoor adventure on four wheels?

Quad biking and off-road experiences let you explore Auckland’s wider landscapes from a different perspective.

Why Choose Skydiving for Your Auckland Adrenaline Experience?

Auckland has plenty of activities that will get your heart racing, but tandem skydiving offers a combination of altitude, speed, freefall and scenery that few other experiences can match.

At Skydive Auckland, you can choose an altitude of 13,000ft, 16,000ft or 18,000ft, with up to 75 seconds of freefall from the highest option.

During freefall, you’ll travel at speeds of more than 200 km/h before your parachute opens and you begin your descent back towards the ground.

You’ll also get a completely different perspective of Auckland, with views across the region’s coastline, beaches and islands from thousands of feet above the ground.

The location makes the experience particularly convenient for visitors. Skydive Auckland is based in Parakai, approximately 45 minutes from Auckland City Centre, and free return city transport is available for eligible direct bookings, subject to availability.

For travellers looking for one major adrenaline experience to add to their Auckland itinerary, tandem skydiving offers an experience you’ll remember long after your trip.

Other Things to Know Before Skydiving in Auckland