Taking a Leap with Skydive Wanaka
There are many great things to do in Wanaka, which is just an hour's drive from Queenstown in the magnificent Southern Alps on New Zealand's South Island. While famed for its peace and outstanding natural beauty, if you are looking for some real excitement, Wanaka also offers the opportunity to experience the ultimate New Zealand Skydiving experience.
SkyDive Wanaka is a family run business which has been operating for over 17 years. They offer an exhilarating tandem skydiving experience which will undoubtedly be the highlight of your holiday. Wanaka has been described as the best place for skydiving in New Zealand, and the super friendly and experienced staff at Skydive Wanaka will make your visit a truly memorable event.
New Zealand’s’ best view? Skydiving above the majestic Southern Alps (Photo credit: SkyDive Wanaka)
Their custom built X-STOL plane, called ROK, leaves from the Wanaka airport, just outside of the town, and takes 15-20 minutes to reach jumping altitude. Whether this is your first jump, or if you have previously experienced skydiving in New Zealand, or elsewhere, you will be awed by the spectacular scenery. As the plane climbs you will be enchanted with the impressive views of several of New Zealand's highest and most majestic mountains, with glaciers and river valleys full of dense forest, and six glistening pristine lakes. Flights are offered year round and this is one of the most popular NewZealand winter activities, offering even greater beauty when the mountains are clad with snow.
All the family can enjoy the experience with no upper or lower age limits, but jumpers must weigh under 220lbs (100kg). Before take-off, there's a safety talk and everyone is kitted out with hat, goggles, gloves and a jumpsuit. Wear closed footwear which will not fall off and wrap up warm. There are no set flight times and your take-off time can be arranged to suit. Wanaka has a generally good climate but weather conditions can change fast and in the event of strong winds or complete cloud cover your jump may need to be rescheduled, so try to have a flexible schedule if possible.
You can jump from an altitude of 12,000-ft (3,650-metres) which will give you 45 seconds of freefall or from 15,000-feet (4,575-metres) which will give you 60-seconds of exhilaration. Although called free falling the sensation is not at all like falling, it's much more like flying or floating on a bed of air. It’s a unique, exciting and liberating feeling, unlike anything you have ever experienced before. There is just one warning, it is highly addictive!!
With over 17 years’ experience, you can jump with confidence at SkyDive Wanaka (Photo credit: SkyDive Wanaka)
Skydive Wanaka uses state of the art parachutes especially designed for tandem skydiving. You jump securely strapped to an experienced tandem master who has complete control over the parachute which is extremely manoeuvrable and gives a gentle and controlled landing. Each parachute is individually packed by an expert packer and the company has an outstanding safety record, which has helped to make it one of the most popular Wanaka attractions.
To impress your friends, be sure to take advantage of the different filming options. Your tandem master can film a video or take still shots with a wide-angled lens camera mounted on his wrist, or a camera flier can jump alongside the tandem pair. He has a video camera mounted on his helmet, which is perfect for appreciating the scenery as well as the expression on your face. Shortly after landing your video is edited and you can choose your soundtrack, so you can relive your skydiving experience time and again, and you also get a USB with more than 40 digital stills.
Take the plunge, and enjoy an unforgettable Wanaka activity and attraction at Skydive Wanaka. To get there from Queenstown, pick up your Queenstown hire car from Omega Rental Cars two local branches and enjoy a one our scenic drive down Crown Range Road and Cardrona Valley Road.