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When the weather cancels your skydive

Skydiving only happens when the wind and cloud allow it. Here is what happens when your slot is grounded, and how to plan so you still get to jump.

A skydiving plane above a layer of cloud at sunrise with snowy mountains
Cloud and wind decide whether the planes fly.

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

Weather is the most common complaint in Queenstown skydive reviews: not the jump, but the waiting, the rebooking and, for a few people, the refund.

The good news is that the rules are clear. Here is how they work, from the operator's own FAQ and the Viator listing.

The quick answer

If the weather stops your jump, NZONE tries to move you to the next suitable slot. If you cannot rebook, you get a full refund from wherever you paid. Separately, Viator lets you cancel free up to 24 hours before. Book your skydive early in your trip and keep a spare day.

What happens if your skydive is cancelled for weather?

NZONE moves you to the next suitable slot; if that does not work for you, it refunds you in full from wherever you paid.

The operator makes the weather call, usually on the day. Weather and air traffic holds can also delay a jump that does go ahead, so the 3.5 hours you allow may stretch.

Book early in your stay so a weather day can be moved. Check dates now.

Check dates for the NZONE Queenstown skydive

Can you cancel yourself if the forecast looks bad?

Yes, for free on Viator up to 24 hours before the start time.

Inside 24 hours, a cancellation on your side is not refundable under Viator's policy; a cancellation by the operator for weather is handled as above. If in doubt, talk to the operator before you cancel.

When is the best time to book?

At the start of your trip, as the operator itself advises, with a backup day left free.

NZONE also recommends mornings for the views. If your first slot is grounded, an early booking leaves days to move it.

A jumper at the plane door above Lake Wakatipu
Booking early leaves room to move a grounded slot.

What do reviewers complain about?

Waiting and refunds after weather calls, rather than the jump.

One reviewer said they were refused a refund after a weather cancellation; others found the team easy to rebook with. Keep your booking confirmation and messages, and ask for the rebooking or refund in writing on the day.

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

Rated 4.7 from more than 1,400 reviews, with free cancellation up to 24 hours before.

★ 4.7 1,476 reviews · 3.5 hours · from $217

Explore the NZONE Queenstown skydive

Does Queenstown weather often stop skydiving?

It can happen in any season: skydiving needs suitable wind and cloud, and the decision is made by the operator.

NZONE flies seven days a week and operates throughout the day. A plan with flexible days beats trying to pick the perfect date in advance.

What can you do instead on a grounded day?

Indoor skydiving, or one of the AJ Hackett jumps that operate in all weather.

iFLY Queenstown has two one-minute flights in a wind tunnel on Brecon Street; and the AJ Hackett listings say the Nevis Bungy and Nevis Swing operate in all weather conditions. See skydive vs bungy.

The Nevis Swing cable car pod above a mountain canyon
The Nevis jumps operate in all weather conditions.

Is a back-up in Wanaka possible?

Sometimes: Skydive Wanaka runs its own drop zone, and from 19 October 2026 transfers from Queenstown.

Weather can differ between the two, but there is no guarantee. Compare them in Queenstown vs Wanaka.

Planning ahead? Lock in a slot early; you can still cancel free up to 24 hours before.

Check dates for the NZONE Queenstown skydive

Frequently asked questions

Do I get a refund if the weather cancels my skydive?

Yes, if you cannot rebook: NZONE refunds you in full from wherever you paid.

Who decides if the jump goes ahead?

The operator, based on wind, cloud and safety on the day.

Should I book my skydive for my last day in Queenstown?

No. Book it early so there is time to move it if the weather turns.

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
Shotover Jet Canyon Ride

Shotover Jet Canyon Ride

★ 4.8 2,874 reviews · 25-minute ride

Spins and rapids in the Shotover canyons

From$117per 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