I’ve dreamed of skydiving for years, always captivated more by the idea than the actual jump. But there’s something about New Zealand that pushes you towards thrills—whether it’s skydiving, bungee jumping, or any other extreme sport. Skydiving wasn’t on my South Island agenda until I met Eric in Queenstown. He was keen to jump but wanted a buddy, so we decided to give it a go. Unfortunately, poor weather foiled our plans twice in Queenstown, and again at Franz Josef Glacier. Determined and running out of time, I was resolved to make it happen.
With some free time on my hands, I decided to explore Abel Tasman Park and check on skydiving options for the next day. At the skydiving center in Motueka, they explained that jumps depended on weather and available jumpers, so I said I’d be back the following day. The next morning, I returned, hopeful but nervous. The center felt like a skydiver’s fraternity—complete with foosball tables, couches, and a relaxed vibe.
It was late in the day, but they squeezed me in for the last jump. As I waited, I chatted with some friendly folks, including Fiona and David, both Brits working at the center. Out of sheer coincidence, David was moving to a small town next to my hometown in the U.S. The serendipity of travel never ceases to amaze me.
Finally, it was my turn. Dressed in my skydiving gear, I handed over my belongings and tried to stay calm. After a brief introduction to my tandem instructor and photographer, we headed to the plane. It was a tube-like craft, just big enough for a few people. As we ascended, the stunning New Zealand landscape unfolded below us, bathed in the changing colors of the sunset.
At 13,000 feet, I was given oxygen, making me even more aware of our impending jump from 16,500 feet. The door opened, and the photographer exited first. Dangling my legs over the edge, I felt the rush of air and my heart pounding. With one last look at the camera, we were out the door. The initial leap is a blur, but I remember the ground rushing up and the thrill overcoming my nerves.
Free-falling for what seemed like an eternity, I could barely process everything. Screaming with excitement, I felt like time had slowed down. The canopy deployed, and we glided peacefully towards the drop zone, giving me a chance to take in the breathtaking scenery and chat with my instructor.
Touching down perfectly, I was on an adrenaline high, euphoric and in awe of the experience. After grabbing my DVD of photos and the video, I headed back to Nelson. Oddly enough, I’ve only viewed the photos once and have never watched the video. Hopefully, one day those disks will resurface, letting me relive that incredible adventure.