What to expect when you tandem skydive at Skydive Mount Cook

Arriving at Skydive Mt. Cook

Upon arrival, you will be greeted by one of our front-of-house staff members. They will ask you to sign a risk disclosure form to ensure you are in good health to proceed with your skydive and will take your weight. All details will go into our manifest (the digital system with all confirmed customer & flight details)

They can also assist you in selecting a video & photography package to help you remember this day forever!

Getting Assigned to Your Instructor

Once the check-in process is complete, our manifest team will assign you to your instructor and determine where you’ll be seated in the plane. This seating arrangement is based on everyone’s weight, including the instructors, their equipment, the pilot’s weight, and the fuel weight.

During this process, feel free to enjoy some tea or coffee in the lounge. After everything has been organized and approved by the pilot on duty, your skydive experience can commence.

Meet Your Instructor & Learn How to Tandem Skydive

Your instructor will review the manifest and call your name. You will then follow them to the hangar, where you’ll be asked to store all your belongings in a locker. Afterward, they will provide you with a jumpsuit to wear over your clothes.

Once you’re all set, they will fit the harness, adjusting it for safety and comfort. After putting on your harness, hat, and goggles, your instructor will guide you through the skydive basics and how to be an excellent tandem passenger with your instructor.

Get in the Plane and Enjoy the Ride

Once you have learned how to skydive, your instructor will grab a parachute, double-check your harness and complete final safety checks. When you’re both ready, they will consult the manifest to find your seat in the plane. You’ll then walk to the aircraft and board.

As the plane takes off, you’ll begin your ascent to altitude. Be sure to look out the window; the views are stunning and will distract you from any normal feelings of nervousness.

From your window seat, you can admire the vivid blue waters of Lake Pukaki, Lake Tekapo, Lake Ohau, Lake Benmore, and our local gem, Lake Ruataniwha. Just at the end of Lake Pukaki, you’ll be able to spot the majestic peak of Aoraki/Mount Cook.

Free Fall

The moment you’ve been waiting for finally arrives. Once you reach altitude, your instructor will open the door of the plane and shuffle you to the edge. One, two, and out you go!

During free fall, remember to breathe and fully embrace the experience. Take in the breath-taking views, the un-real sensation of floating in the sky, and the adrenaline rushing through you. Your instructor will ensure you enjoy a 360-degree view of the beautiful Aoraki/Mount Cook landscape.

Canopy Ride

Once you reach the correct altitude, your instructor will open the parachute. Here, you can take a deep breath and enjoy the serene flight under canopy. You’ll be gliding and likely starting to process what you just accomplished!

Landing and Returning to the Hangar

You’ll then enter the final stage of your skydive: the landing. Your instructor will ask you to lift your legs, and you will glide gently to the ground. After a few moments to catch your breath, and high-five your instructor you’ll board what we affectionately call the “party van” to return to the hangar. Once back, our staff will assist you in getting out of your gear.

Watch the Video at Home with Family & Friends and Relive the Experience

Since skydiving is an exhilarating, rewarding and full-throttle experience, it’s great to have a videos & photos to watch at home with your friends and family as proof of your bravery!

These are sent straight to your inbox for you to download, share, and enjoy revisiting the day you jumped out of a plane and came the closest a human can get to actually flying!!