How to Skydive in New Zealand

The spectacular landscapes of New Zealand offer a dramatic backdrop for a skydiving experience. The country has plenty of experienced instructors, while dozens of skydiving operators work out of small airstrips located near its scenic mountains, glaciers, and fjords. Experience is not necessary, as there are several schools that will teach you the rudiments of safe skydiving with a series of classes as well as one-on-one instruction.

• 1

  Find a certified skydiving school and attend a class. Skydiving classes will teach you the basics of body control, parachute mechanisms, tandem and freefall diving, radio-assisted landings, and turning techniques. They will also cover the basic climate and geography of New Zealand.

• 2

  Sign up for a tandem jump with the assistance of an experienced and qualified instructor. He or she will cover the basics before the jump, attach the two of you with a harness, control the jump from the aircraft, take control of the chute, and direct the landing. Schools and jumpmasters are at the North Island's Rotorua and at Queenstown, Wanaka and Te Anau in the Southern Lakes region of the South Island.

• 3

  Try a freefall jump, in which you assume sole control in the company of one or two instructors. With their help you can practice diving to an individual, turning, looping, and a more precise landing. Queenstown on the South Island is home to jump schools that can help you refine your skills, as well as several other adventure guides and outfitters.

• 4

  Freefall jump on your own or with friends, using the services of a certified skydiving operation. With certification and a permit you can do this just about anywhere in New Zealand outside of urban areas. After a series of classes and guided practice jumps, and experience of how your body can maneuver in flight, you will be a able to better control your own jump as well as your landing.