EN
Home / Guides / Queenstown vs Wanaka

Skydive Queenstown or Wanaka?

NZONE in Queenstown and Skydive Wanaka are sister companies with the same prices. The choice comes down to the view, the travel time and where you are staying.

Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables at golden hour with a distant parachute
Queenstown's jump looks over Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.

Booking choice: The NZONE Queenstown skydive, from $217 per person. Check dates Compare the options below

If you are based in Queenstown, the obvious jump is NZONE's, minutes from town. Skydive Wanaka is the alternative over Lake Wanaka, and from 19 October 2026 it runs return transfers from Queenstown.

Both list three heights at the same NZ$ prices. Here is how they differ.

The quick answer

Choose Queenstown for convenience: check in on Shotover Street and be back in about 3.5 hours. Choose Wanaka if you are staying there, or want a different view over Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea and the Southern Alps and have a free day: from Queenstown the transfer makes it a trip of up to 6 hours.

A tandem skydiver under a drogue chute above a deep blue lake
Both drop zones jump over lakes and mountains.

How do the two skydives compare?

Same heights and prices; Queenstown is quicker from town, Wanaka is a longer trip from Queenstown.

Queenstown (NZONE)Wanaka (Skydive Wanaka)
Heights9,000 / 12,000 / 15,000 ft9,000 / 12,000 / 15,000 ft
Price (NZ$)379 / 469 / 575379 / 469 / 575
From QueenstownCoach from 35 Shotover St, about 20 minTransfer about 1.5 h each way (NZ$20 extra)
Time to allowAbout 3 to 3.5 hoursUp to 6 hours from Queenstown
ViewsLake Wakatipu, the RemarkablesLakes Wanaka and Hawea, Southern Alps
Viator rating4.7 (1,476)4.6 (102)

Staying in Queenstown? Check dates for the NZONE jump with the coach from town.

Check dates for the NZONE Queenstown skydive

Which has the better view?

Both are spectacular; Wanaka shows more lakes and peaks, Queenstown puts you right above Lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables.

Skydive Wanaka points to Lake Wanaka, Lake Hawea, the Clutha River and, on a clear day, Mount Cook. Queenstown's flight crosses the Wakatipu basin with the Remarkables beside the drop zone.

A tandem pair in freefall above lakes and mountains
Freefall above lakes and mountains.

How does the Queenstown transfer to Wanaka work?

You meet at the NZONE centre at 35 Shotover Street and ride about 1.5 hours to Wanaka Airport; transfers run from 19 October 2026.

Skydive Wanaka lists transfers from 6:45 AM on Mondays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Sundays, and with transfer the jumps cost NZ$399, NZ$489 and NZ$595. On Viator, select the Queenstown transfer option when you book, or the transfer is not included.

Skydive Wanaka with Queenstown Transfer

Fancy the lakes? Book the Wanaka jump and pick the Queenstown transfer option.

★ 4.6 102 reviews · 3 hours · from $217

Explore Skydive Wanaka

Which is better if the weather is unsettled?

Neither is weather-proof, so keep a spare day whichever you choose.

Both operators move you to another slot if the weather stops the jump, or refund you if you cannot rebook. See what happens when the weather cancels.

Which suits families and groups?

Both take children from 6; Queenstown is the easier day out with kids because there is no long drive.

NZONE's minimum weight is 40 kg and children 12 and under jump from 9,000 ft only; Skydive Wanaka's minimum weight is 30 kg. Both planes carry groups, and NZONE says it does its best to keep groups together.

A tandem skydiver in freefall over farmland
The plane takes up to nine tandem customers.

What is the verdict?

Based in Queenstown with limited time: NZONE. Staying in Wanaka, or have a day to spare: Skydive Wanaka.

  • Short on time: Queenstown.
  • Staying in Wanaka: Wanaka, no transfer needed.
  • Want a road trip and a different view: Wanaka with the Queenstown transfer.
  • Travelling with kids: Queenstown.

Made up your mind? Check your date before planning the rest of the week.

Check dates for the NZONE Queenstown skydive

Frequently asked questions

Are NZONE and Skydive Wanaka the same company?

They are sister drop zones: NZONE calls Skydive Wanaka its sister drop zone, and the Wanaka transfer leaves from NZONE's centre in Queenstown.

Can I drive myself to Skydive Wanaka?

Yes. The drop zone is at Wanaka Airport, 14 Mustang Lane; there is also a shuttle from the Wanaka i-SITE.

Is Wanaka cheaper?

No. The jump prices are the same; the transfer from Queenstown adds NZ$20.

Ready to book

Choose your jump

Free cancellation up to 24 hours before on every option. Prices are from-prices in USD and move with the season.

NZONE Skydive Queenstown: 9,000 to 15,000 ft

NZONE Skydive Queenstown: 9,000 to 15,000 ft

★ 4.7 1,476 reviews · 3.5 hours

  • Tandem skydive with a jumpmaster from 9,000, 12,000 or 15,000 ft
  • Safety briefing and all equipment: jumpsuit, goggles, hat and gloves
  • Courtesy coach from 35 Shotover Street to the drop zone and back
From$217per personCheck dates
Skydive Wanaka with Queenstown Transfer

Skydive Wanaka with Queenstown Transfer

★ 4.6 102 reviews · 3 hours

  • Tandem skydive with a certified Tandem Master
  • Safety briefing and all safety equipment
  • Optional shuttle from the Wanaka i-SITE, or return transfer from Queenstown (select that option)
From$217per personCheck dates

Plan your date before you go

Tandem freefall over Lake Wakatipu from 9,000 to 15,000 ft, with the coach from town and free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

Check dates for the NZONE Queenstown skydive