Skydive Auckland: The Highest Tandem Skydive in New Zealand
Skydive Auckland offers tandem jumps from up to 18,000ft, the highest tandem skydiving altitude available in New Zealand. We also offer jumps from 13,000ft and 16,000ft, but the 18,000ft skydive is by far our most popular and sought-after option. It’s the only place in the North Island where you can jump from this altitude, and one of only a small number of places nationwide.
Why choose Skydive Auckland?
- New Zealand’s highest available tandem skydive: at 18,000ft, with unmatched views across both of Auckland’s coastlines, Waiheke Island, Great Barrier Island, and Mt Ruapehu on a clear day.
- Award-winning operation: TripAdvisor Travellers’ Choice Best of the Best, Westpac Business Awards Overall Supreme Business and Excellence in Marketing winner (2020, North West Auckland region), finalist in the Qualmark 100% Pure New Zealand Experience Awards (2021), and winner of the North West Country Business Awards in the Recreation and Leisure category (2022), highly commended in the same category in 2025.
- Gold Qualmark rated: New Zealand tourism’s official quality assurance mark for safety and quality.
- A 17-seat turbine plane: large enough for bigger groups to jump together on the same flight, ideal for birthdays, work events, and family bucket-list trips.
- An onsite viewing deck: friends and family who aren’t jumping can watch you land.
- Beyond tandem: an Accelerated Free Fall (AFF) course is available for anyone wanting to progress from tandem jumps to solo skydiving.
- Strong, consistent reviews: a near-perfect TripAdvisor rating and a 98% recommend rate across more than 1,700 Facebook reviews.
How high can you jump at Skydive Auckland?
Skydive Auckland offers three altitude options, each based out of Parakai, a 45-minute drive from Auckland City Centre:
| Altitude | Freefall Time | Speed |
|---|---|---|
| 13,000ft | 45 seconds | Up to 200km/h |
| 16,000ft | 60 seconds | Up to 200km/h |
| 18,000ft | 75 seconds | Up to 200km/h |
The 18,000ft option gives you the longest freefall of the three, along with the widest scenic flight, taking in both of Auckland’s coastlines, Waiheke Island, Great Barrier Island, and Mt Ruapehu on a clear day.
Why does altitude matter?
The higher the jump, the longer the freefall and the wider the view. Jumping from 18,000ft rather than 13,000ft adds roughly 30 seconds of additional freefall time and a longer, more panoramic scenic flight on the way up. For first-timers deciding between altitude options, freefall time and budget are usually the two deciding factors, since the parachute ride back down is a similar length regardless of altitude.
Is Skydive Auckland safe?
Skydiving in New Zealand is regulated by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA), and every tandem jump pairs you with an instructor certified through the New Zealand Parachute Industry Association (NZPIA). Skydive Auckland holds a Gold Qualmark rating and over 20 years of operating history in the industry.
How Do You Choose Your Altitude?
The higher you jump, the longer your freefall. It’s also why our 18,000ft skydive is our most popular option, since it’s the highest tandem skydive available in New Zealand.
When deciding which altitude is right for you, consider how much freefall time you want, your comfort level with altitude, the duration of your scenic flight, and how it fits your budget.
At 13,000ft, you’re looking at around 45 seconds of freefall and great views over Auckland’s west coast, perfect for budget travellers or anyone who just wants a taste of freefall. Step it up to 16,000ft and you’ll get around 60 seconds of freefall. Go all the way to 18,000ft and that’s New Zealand’s highest tandem skydive, up to 75 seconds of freefall, with views over both coastlines, Waiheke Island, Great Barrier Island, and Mt Ruapehu on a clear day.
If you’re still not sure which one, here’s a fairly reliable rule: nobody ever lands wishing they’d jumped from lower! If you’re unsure which altitude suits you or have any questions, our friendly team can offer recommendations and advice.
Who is the 18,000ft jump best for?
- First-timers wanting the full experience: the longest freefall and widest scenic flight of the three altitude options.
- Thrill-seekers and repeat jumpers: the maximum available freefall time in New Zealand, at 75 seconds.
- Groups and celebrations: the 17-seat plane means larger groups can jump together, and the viewing deck lets non-jumping friends and family watch the landing.
Who can do the 18,000ft Jump?
- Weight range: 30kg to 100kg
- No upper age limit for jumpers over 18
- Anyone under 18 needs parental or guardian consent
- 18,000ft jumps specifically are limited to those 12 years and over
- Let us know in advance about any relevant medical conditions so our team can confirm you’re suitable to jump
18,000ft is the highest tandem skydiving altitude currently offered in New Zealand, available at Skydive Auckland.
Skydive Auckland, based in Parakai, roughly 45 minutes from Auckland City Centre, offers the 18,000ft altitude with free return transport available from the city.
Approximately 75 seconds, compared to around 45 seconds from 13,000ft and 60 seconds from 16,000ft.
The higher altitude adds a longer freefall and higher views. With 75 seconds of freefall, 18,000ft is our most popular option if the extra cost is within your budget.
Yes. Skydive Auckland offers an Accelerated Free Fall (AFF) course for those wanting to move beyond tandem jumps into solo skydiving.