Taupo Tandem Skydiving
Taupo Tandem Skydiving
5
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Monday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Tuesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Wednesday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Thursday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Friday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Saturday
8:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 8:00 PM
Full view
About
Experience the freedom of freefall in the home of skydiving with Taupo Tandem Skydiving! Operating for over 25 years, we're the original tandem dropzone in NZ - we've thrown over 200,000 crazy people out of our planes! A skydive with TTS is unforgettable - you'll see volcanoes, coast-to-coast views of the North Island and the incredible shores of Lake Taupo. Choose from our four heights – 9,000 ft, 12,000 ft, 15,000 ft or 16,500 ft for up to 75 seconds in freefall. We have the lowest-priced skydive in New Zealand and even offer complimentary pickups within Taupo and Rotorua. We've got plenty of amazing camera options to capture your skydive so you can take it home to show all your friends and family. We are a Qualmark Gold rated dropzone in which means your experience, safety, and our environmental impact are incredibly important to us. But most of all, we want to make sure you have the most fun ever!
Taupo, New Zealand
Awards
Travelers' Choice
2024
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
5.0
3,248 reviews
Excellent
3,172
Very good
60
Average
5
Poor
4
Terrible
7
Michaela J
2 contributions
Mar 2020 • Solo
I didn’t actually end up skydiving as I had a problem with my ears and they advise not skydiving with sinus problems. I was quite conflicted about what to do, so one of the instructors spoke to me about it and he was so incredibly kind. I also recommend this company because in my opinion they have the most jump heights for the best value. If you decide to skydive with this company, you WILL be looked after. If I go ever back to Taupo hopefully I will be able to skydive and I will definitely go with this company again.
Written April 12, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wow, what a kind review you have left us.
Thank-you for being so amazing, and understanding that safety is something skydiving can't operate without! We would have loved to jump with you and remain hopeful to see you in the future :)
Written May 23, 2020
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Jnine
1 contribution
Feb 2021
This was my very first time skydiving. I had decided that if I was going to do a skydive I was going to go big, so I did the 18500ft with 75sec free fall. Well what can I say, it was fantastic. My tandem master was Damian Malkin. He was really great, good at cracking jokes, very professional and the whole time I felt very safe with him. I highly recommend Taupo Tandem Skydiving.
Written February 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We definitely recommend the higher jumps for your first jump because you just can't quite put it into words until you do it ! Damo is so good and calming the nerves and making you feel safe :)
Thank you so much for your recommendation and review! #blueskies
Written February 21, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Rodr69
New Plymouth, New Zealand27 contributions
Jan 2021
If you are hesitant about skydiving Just do it. Did my first tandem jump today with my daughter and it was the most exciting thing I have ever done. Have done numerous bungy jumps but this is next level. I would be lying if I said I wasn’t nervous about jumping out at 18500ft but David Du Plessis was so awesome, told me exactly what would happen and how we would do it and it was perfect. I definitely felt 100% safe with him in control. Taupo Tandem are so professional, everyone we meet were fantastic, can’t recommend them enough.
I would have no hesitation doing another jump with them. The view over lake Taupo was just amazing and is one that I will never forget. Thank you all for an absolutely awesome experience.
I would have no hesitation doing another jump with them. The view over lake Taupo was just amazing and is one that I will never forget. Thank you all for an absolutely awesome experience.
Written January 4, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Spot on advice right there - definitely if you're thinking about it just do it otherwise you'll never know!!! Super glad you had a great experience skydiving with us and David took good care of you :-) #blueskies
Written January 6, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Prakash
Walsall, UK52 contributions
Jan 2023
My wife and I had never been skydiving before and if we were to do it again I doubt we could have a better time. The service for the entire experience was outstanding as was the efficiency of everything getting into a plane less than an hour after we first arrived. We felt safe at all times being looked after by highly professional though always welcoming team.
There is clearly a cost to doing something like skydiving but for the incredible experience and with astounding views on offer of Taupo and its surroundings while in the air, I doubt you could get any better value for money. We've been left with some lovely photos and videos of the experience which we will always cherish. Thank you for a thrilling afternoon.
There is clearly a cost to doing something like skydiving but for the incredible experience and with astounding views on offer of Taupo and its surroundings while in the air, I doubt you could get any better value for money. We've been left with some lovely photos and videos of the experience which we will always cherish. Thank you for a thrilling afternoon.
Written July 3, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thanks for jumping with us, we're so happy to hear you had such a thrilling experience! We hope to jump with you again soon :)
Written October 4, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Mobile102869
11 contributions
Jan 2022
Damian Malkin has reassurance skills out of this world. His obvious experience, not only jumping but relaxing his tandem jumper is so damn cool!! He kept me in the loop from ground to air to ground and literally cradled me through the entire experience. Huge! amazing individual
Written January 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you for your review, Damo is one of our most experienced Tandem Masters and just a really great guy! Thank you for jumping with us and hope to see you again!
Written February 13, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Riria P
Hastings, New Zealand19 contributions
Oct 2022
Amazing professional and friendly service from the time we arrived to the time we left. They even managed to squeeze my son in law in to jump with less than 24 hours notice they were very accommodating. The weather played its part, I couldn’t have asked for better conditions.
Andrew Godfrey was my Tandem Master for my 12,000 feet jump on Sunday 23rd October, he is a very knowledgeable and seasoned jumper and it showed as he was very reassuring and positive throughout my whole experience as this was my first ever jump.
He was also our cameraman. The video is well worth spending the extra on, it was amazing to watch, and to feel those emotions again as we jumped out of the plane. Great job by the pilot too, thanks Terina for the one way flight!
These guys know their stuff, I will definitely be jumping again! Taupo Tandem are a well oiled machine, I just can’t speak highly enough of the great experience they provide.
Andrew Godfrey was my Tandem Master for my 12,000 feet jump on Sunday 23rd October, he is a very knowledgeable and seasoned jumper and it showed as he was very reassuring and positive throughout my whole experience as this was my first ever jump.
He was also our cameraman. The video is well worth spending the extra on, it was amazing to watch, and to feel those emotions again as we jumped out of the plane. Great job by the pilot too, thanks Terina for the one way flight!
These guys know their stuff, I will definitely be jumping again! Taupo Tandem are a well oiled machine, I just can’t speak highly enough of the great experience they provide.
Written October 23, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for your feedback, Riria! You're right - Andy is one of our most experienced tandem masters! We love that you felt reassured during your jump. And Terina will be thrilled you enjoyed the plane ride too :D Thank you so much for coming in, again! We are really looking forward to the next time you jump with us!!! Summer is on its way so should be bringing the good weather soon!
Written November 6, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Sonya E
Awhitu, New Zealand12 contributions
Feb 2023 • Family
First of all . I am so scared of heights but I had the most amazing experience with an instructor that made me feel so comfortable that my fear of heights has now diminished. He talked me thru everything before we jumped and made sure I was ok the whole way thru. When it came to jumping we flew out that door so fast I hardly had time to think of my fears. I felt like I was floating rather than falling. I so highly recommend this experience to anybody that has such a fear of heights because right now I am buzzing . Can’t wait to go again and next time it will he higher. Thanks Tom. Your a legend
Written March 2, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Tom is a legend. We are humbled to hear that you were able to overcome your fear of heights by going up high in our plane then jumping out of it as it reached the top! Looking forward to seeing you again for your next jump!!
Written March 8, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Alex C
4 contributions
Nov 2022
If you have a chance to skydive in New Zealand, do it with Taupo Tandem Skydiving. Outstanding service and experience. Had to reschedule over 3 days due to weather and then request a last minute camera man upgrade.... they handled it and made the experience even better. My tandem pro, Elad, was a rock star and the camera man captured everything on video and photos. Freaking amazing!!!!
Written November 16, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Aww, you are going to make everyone blush. So awesome to hear you had a good time!!! Blue Skies :)
Written November 16, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Stay48070326959
1 contribution
Jul 2023 • Solo
Kia ora,
Skydiving was on my bucket list until my bithday yesterday. I was debating whether to go to Bay of Islands or Taupo for skydiving. I made the right choice in booking Taupo Tandem Skydiving. From their scheduling, despite the weather to the safety, and the consideration of their customers whatever be their background, showed their professionalism tempered by their enthusiasm.
My tandem buddy, Ian Tomkinson, clearly has done this plenty times as was evident from how he ran through the checklist of different straps and knots and buckles. Taupo Tandem Skydiving safety standards are high as shown when Ian's work was double check and triple-checked by a different instructor in case he missed something. But Ian's work was on par!
Now for the JUMP: Ian's enthusiasm is infectious! Man, it was the most exhilarating experience. Made more so by the instructor, who took care to jump at the right point of time when there was a break in the clouds. Ian repeated the instructions though I had a chance to watch the video. It is a good thing in case someone had wandering minds and had not paid attention. He is a marvellous combination of both carefullness and enthusiasm. It made for an AWESOME experience.
I would rate this experience as the highest point of my birthday! And definitely recommend Taupo Tandem Skydiving. Ask for Ian Tomkinson!
Nga mihi mahana,
Thiagaraj Siva Sankara Sundaramahalingam.
Skydiving was on my bucket list until my bithday yesterday. I was debating whether to go to Bay of Islands or Taupo for skydiving. I made the right choice in booking Taupo Tandem Skydiving. From their scheduling, despite the weather to the safety, and the consideration of their customers whatever be their background, showed their professionalism tempered by their enthusiasm.
My tandem buddy, Ian Tomkinson, clearly has done this plenty times as was evident from how he ran through the checklist of different straps and knots and buckles. Taupo Tandem Skydiving safety standards are high as shown when Ian's work was double check and triple-checked by a different instructor in case he missed something. But Ian's work was on par!
Now for the JUMP: Ian's enthusiasm is infectious! Man, it was the most exhilarating experience. Made more so by the instructor, who took care to jump at the right point of time when there was a break in the clouds. Ian repeated the instructions though I had a chance to watch the video. It is a good thing in case someone had wandering minds and had not paid attention. He is a marvellous combination of both carefullness and enthusiasm. It made for an AWESOME experience.
I would rate this experience as the highest point of my birthday! And definitely recommend Taupo Tandem Skydiving. Ask for Ian Tomkinson!
Nga mihi mahana,
Thiagaraj Siva Sankara Sundaramahalingam.
Written August 1, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We are so glad to hear that you had such a wonderful and memorable birthday and were able to tick something off your bucket list!
Ian is a true legend of skydiving. It warms our heart to hear such positive and magnificent feedback. We hope to jump with you again soon!
Written September 28, 2023
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Andreas D
8 contributions
Oct 2022 • Couples
I jumped with my girlfriend the 14/10/22
Everything was good and we had to wait for the weather to clear up ( ofc they don’t control the weather, so no problem )
We think that everything felt very superficial.
The 1 star rating comes because my girlfriend was jumping with Ian Tomkinson, and she had a really rough landing, and my question is why does the “professional” instructor not secure a better landing, and if he is uncertain about this because of the weather or whatever, why are people not on the ground ready with a soft landing spot ( a mattress, or some kind) my girlfriend has been pretty much in agony since we left earlier today. We have to visit the hospital tomorrow, because of this, and this might even ruin our last 3 weeks of our trip. My question is what is the excuse for this? I landed on a mattress ish thing my first time because the weather was windy.
Paying 400 dollars for ruining our trip, that is pretty much how I see it.
Unprofessional.
Everything was good and we had to wait for the weather to clear up ( ofc they don’t control the weather, so no problem )
We think that everything felt very superficial.
The 1 star rating comes because my girlfriend was jumping with Ian Tomkinson, and she had a really rough landing, and my question is why does the “professional” instructor not secure a better landing, and if he is uncertain about this because of the weather or whatever, why are people not on the ground ready with a soft landing spot ( a mattress, or some kind) my girlfriend has been pretty much in agony since we left earlier today. We have to visit the hospital tomorrow, because of this, and this might even ruin our last 3 weeks of our trip. My question is what is the excuse for this? I landed on a mattress ish thing my first time because the weather was windy.
Paying 400 dollars for ruining our trip, that is pretty much how I see it.
Unprofessional.
Written October 14, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Andreas,
I appreciate you letting us know about your experience here, I am disappointed that the outcome is not of a pleasant nature. This activity is traditionally a 'once in a lifetime' experience and our goal is to have every customer leaving with a big smile.
I apologise that this is not the case for yourself and Maja.
As we discussed the following day when you first notified us of discomfort, I advised the best option was to go directly to the hospital if there was some concern and that I was happy to facilitate the transport.
You later advised me that you had visited a medical centre with the medical practitioner diagnosing the soreness as nothing serious and not worthy of an x-ray, the result we were all hoping for.
We also discussed how there is a risk when it comes to skydiving, be it very minor, there is still an element of risk.
After reviewing the CCTV footage, it is visible that the landing was slightly harder than a traditional landing.
The reason for this is an extremely rare minor depressurisation of the parachute due to changing wind conditions, this in-turn can reduce the amount of 'flare' or braking of the canopy when approaching the ground.
We have wind/weather limitations to help ensure the safety of our customers and workers (this is why we needed to wait until taking off), during the landing these conditions were well below our maximum limitations.
Another discussion we had was regarding a mattress being thrown down under the jumpers, this is something I haven't heard of before. I have asked my team, researched online and asked experienced skydivers around the world if they had heard of this happening. The result is that others have also not heard of this happening (please contact and let me know where you experienced this). It is simply impractical and creates a 'landing snag' which now adds the added risk of an ankle/leg injury.
I would like address the comment on our instructor, I want to stand-up for my employee here and I hope you can understand the reasons for this. Ian has completed over 16,000 skydives and is one of our most senior team members. I have high confidence and respect for the work Ian does at our operation, he is a very skilled instructor and I also have full trust in him. To put it in context, I would happily have him jumping with my grandmother. The unfortunate harder than usual landing is not a reflection on Ian's ability, but instead the result of an extremely rare minor parachute depressurisation.
I again apologise for what has transpired, the last thing our team wants to see is an unhappy customer.
On a personal note, it saddens me to hear that this may have initially ruined your trip.
I ask that you please keep in contact with me if Maja was to receive a later prognosis more extensive than the initial diagnosis.
I wish you all the best Andreas and Maja.
Chris Clements,
CEO - Taupo Tandem Skydiving
Written October 28, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Kia ora. Is the experience between the 15,000 ft and 16,500 ft skydive worth the price differential? :)
Written October 20, 2023
김지영
Yangpyeong-gun, South Korea
Hi~~
From what age is it available?
Me and my son want to experience it .
But my son is 12 years old .
Do you have a limited height???
Written January 8, 2023
Taupo Tandem
Taupo, New Zealand
Hi!
We don’t have an age limit, however anyone under the age of 14 must be accompanied in the plane by a parent/guardian. As well as long as the child can fit into one of our children harnesses and the weather conditions (which will be determined by our safety officer) on the day are suitable, they will be able to do a skydive.
Also, anyone under the age of 18 will either need a permission slip signed by a parent/guardian, or a parent/guardian is there and can sign our waiver form.
Written November 19, 2023
jessica R
Australia
Hi all
Well I am terrified of heights and definitely planes but I want to do the jump. Looking into the responses about "enjoying the free fall" what do you mean by that? As I'm thinking between the 15000f and the 12000ft.
Hahah sorry I'm just imaging 60 seconds of not breathing and faiting
Just wanted to know your experiences for this part.
Thanks
Written December 15, 2022
Taupo Tandem
Taupo, New Zealand
Hey Jessica,
Great questions you have there! The free-fall is the greatest part of a skydive, yes you are falling very fast but you can still breath (as long as you remember to!) and if you have any questions about this they can be answered in store or give us a bell on 0800 826 336.
We find customers come down after their jump and wished they went higher, never the other way around! So we will always recommend going as high as you can!
Written December 15, 2022
What are the time slots for skydiving in late november? Do yo have late afternoon time slot?
Thanks
Written July 1, 2018
Hi Yohana,
Thank you for your question! Our office is open until 5pm but we run everything by booking times. Please email us or give us a call at 0800826336 for more information. Hope to speak to you soon!
Written July 1, 2018
Hi there,
Sure you can! With the 9,000ft you can get the ACE Selfiecam video or photos for $139 or the PRO Selfiecam video and photos for $179.
Hope this has helped
Written October 8, 2017
Is the difference in the experience of the 15,000 and the 12,000ft jump worth the price differential? Additionally, what is the cheapest photo or video option is? Thanks!
Written January 27, 2017
Hi Jessica! Thanks for the question, you've already had a few responses but we thought we would chime in too. The difference between the two heights is obviously the time in freefall, it's about 35-40 seconds from 12,000 ft and 60 seconds from 15,000 ft. While that doesn't sound like a big difference on the ground, it definitely does change the jump! The extra time in the air gives you a lot longer to get used to the feeling and to actually start enjoying the freefall. Also you can see from coast to coast from 15,000 ft. Hopefully that helps! Our cheapest camera option is the Exit Photo for just $25 and then the Selfie Photos for just $99. Cheers, Holly @ TTS
Written February 22, 2017
Hi may i check with you, where does your pick up cover?
If i am staying in auckland, is it too far for your pickup?
Written October 29, 2016
Hi there,
Thank you for your question. Unfortunately we dont pick up as far as Auckland but we would be more than happy to pick you up from Taupo, we also run a daily pickup service from Rotorua.
Dewi
Written November 8, 2016
Hi Hussain, you and your wife can definitely jump from the same plane together, but you will each be strapped to your own tandem master. I hope this answers your question, we look forward to seeing you both soon!
Cheers, Holly @ TTS
Written November 17, 2015
Looking to book a slot for dive on 30th August afternoon but website doesn't seem to be showing a slot anytime between 25th and 30th.
Written August 13, 2015
Hi montuzama, not sure why that is, it's working when we try? Might be best to email or call us directly and we can book you in. Unfortunately I can't put a link or a website into this answer but check our website - our email address and freephone number are on the Contact Us page. We look forward to having you jump with us!
Cheers, Holly @ TTS
Written August 14, 2015
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