Franz Josef Parachute Jump from 13,000 or 18,000 Feet
Franz Josef Parachute Jump from 13,000, 16,500 or 18,000 Feet
You have finally finished exploring Franz Josef, the out of this world glacier paradise on New Zealand’s South Island. You’ve been going trekking, captured millions of photos in every spot, and unleashed the inner Bear Grylls in you. But wait, there’s one thing left to do—the ultimate adrenaline rush, the grand finale, the moment where your courage is tested against gravity itself. That’s right: skydiving. And not just any skydiving—jumping out of a perfectly good airplane from 13,000, 16,500, or a ridiculous 18,000 feet.
Decisions, Decisions: How High is Too High?
First things first: how high do you want to go? 13,000 feet is great if you’d like to dip your toes into the skydiving experience without completely questioning your life choices. It offers about 45 seconds of freefall, which is just enough time to scream, question your sanity, and then start enjoying yourself before the parachute deploys.
16,500 feet? That’s for the mildly unhinged, thrill-seeking enthusiast who wants an extra 15 seconds of freefalling chaos. By the time the parachute opens, you’ll have experienced a full 60 seconds of gravity laughing in your face.
And then there’s 18,000 feet. The pinnacle of insanity. The highest legal jump in New Zealand. With oxygen masks required at this altitude (yes, it’s that high), this choice is for those who believe “too much adrenaline” is a myth. A full 75 seconds of plummeting towards Earth—enough time to contemplate every decision you’ve ever made.
A Quick Pep Talk (Before You Consider Backing Out)
If you’re feeling nervous, congratulations—you’re human. But don’t worry, Franz Josef’s skydiving instructors are absolute pros. They’ll reassure you, make you laugh, and keep you so busy getting suited up that you won’t have time to reconsider your entire life’s choices.
As you ascend in the plane, the view is so spectacular that for a brief moment, you might forget that you’re about to be tossed out like yesterday’s leftovers. Snow-capped peaks, lush rainforests, and endless ocean—New Zealand is flexing hard, and you’re front row to the show.
The Jump: A Masterclass in Screaming and Sudden Enlightenment
The door opens. The wind howls. Your tandem instructor scoots you forward, and suddenly you’re dangling over the edge of the plane like a cartoon character who just realized they ran off a cliff. Then, before you can say, “Wait, I changed my mind,” you’re out.
For the first few seconds, your brain refuses to process what’s happening. Are you flying? Falling? Regretting every decision that led you to this moment? But then, something shifts. Your body relaxes, your mind clears, and you realize… this is incredible. The wind rushes past you, the world stretches out in every direction, and for a brief moment, you feel like you own the sky.
Parachutes: A Great Invention, 10/10 Would Recommend
Just as you start thinking, “I could do this forever,” your instructor pulls the chute. Suddenly, everything slows down. The adrenaline fades into pure awe as you drift gently over Franz Josef’s spectacular landscape. This is the part where you can actually take in the beauty, chat with your instructor, and feel a deep sense of victory (and relief).
Landing and the Aftermath: You’re Officially a Legend
Feet back on solid ground, your heart still pounding, and your smile stretching wider than ever, you realize—you did it. You conquered fear, defied gravity, and now you have a story that will make all your future vacation tales sound boring in comparison.
Will you ever skydive again? Maybe. Maybe not. But one thing’s for sure—you’ll never look at Franz Josef the same way again.
So, if you’re ready to turn your trip to Franz Josef into something truly legendary, go ahead. Pick your altitude, strap in, and prepare to scream, laugh, and possibly ugly-cry your way to an unforgettable adventure.
