Skydiving Mt Cook

Skydiving at Mount Cook means leaving a plane above the Aoraki Basin, with blue lakes and snow-clad mountains in view the whole way. Every jump is tandem, harnessed to a professional instructor, and the plane leaves from Pukaki Airport in Twizel rather than from Mount Cook Village.

How a jump near Mount Cook works

Every jump starts on the ground with a safety briefing or training session from your tandem master. You then board a plane for a scenic flight, climb to jump height, and leave when the door opens and the green light goes on. A jumpsuit, gloves and goggles are provided, so you only need comfortable clothing for the season and shoes that won't fall off.

Tandem means no experience is required. First-timers and experienced skydivers both jump this way, with the instructor handling the technical side.

Choosing a jump height

Jump heights here start around 10,000ft and reach 16,500ft. Higher jumps mean a longer scenic flight on the way up and a longer freefall on the way down, from up to a 30-second fall near the bottom of the range to up to a full minute at the top.

A jump like the 16,500ft tandem skydive is a popular choice for the length of the fall and a 20-minute climb. The 10,000ft tandem skydive suits anyone who wants a shorter flight and a first taste of freefall.

Photos and video of a Mount Cook skydive

Some jumps add a personal photographer who records your reaction in real time, which matters on a jump with scenery like this. The 13,000ft tandem skydive with a photographer is one example. Check the inclusions on the jump you pick to see what comes with it.

Skydiving and the rest of a Mount Cook trip

A jump pairs well with a day in the mountains. Other Mount Cook activities include glacier landings, skiing on the Tasman and a stargazing dinner at Lake Pukaki, and scenic flights and helicopter tours suit anyone who wants to see the mountains from the air without jumping into them. For a different drop zone, Queenstown skydiving offers its own range of jumps, and skydiving experiences across Australia and New Zealand are collected in one place.

Frequently asked questions

How high is a skydive at Mount Cook?

Tandem skydives at Mount Cook run from around 10,000ft up to 16,500ft over the Aoraki Basin. The higher jumps include a longer scenic flight on the way up.

How long is the freefall on a Mount Cook skydive?

A Mount Cook tandem skydive gives up to a 30-second freefall from the lower heights and up to a full minute from 16,500ft. Freefall time grows with jump height.

Where does skydiving at Mount Cook take place?

Skydiving at Mount Cook takes place from Pukaki Airport in Twizel, over the Aoraki Basin. The airport is a drive from Mount Cook Village, so allow for the trip when you plan the day.

Do you need experience to skydive at Mount Cook?

Tandem skydiving at Mount Cook needs no previous experience. A professional tandem master runs a training session before the jump and guides you through every stage.

Are there age or weight limits for skydiving at Mount Cook?

Skydiving at Mount Cook has age and weight rules. Jumpers aged 18 and under need a parent's or guardian's consent, children under 12 are assessed individually, and a weight limit applies that you confirm at booking.

Can you get photos of a Mount Cook skydive?

Some Mount Cook skydives include a personal photographer who records your reaction in real time. Check the inclusions on each jump, because photos are not part of every one.

What should you wear to skydive at Mount Cook?

Wear comfortable clothing for the season and shoes that won't fall off for a Mount Cook skydive. A jumpsuit, gloves and goggles are provided.

Skydiving at Mount Cook gives you the height, the lakes and a long look at the Southern Alps from above. Pick a jump height, then choose a date.