Experience breathtaking aerial views of ice and mountains with a helicopter tour and skydiving combo in New Zealand’s Southern Alps—an adventure that combines awe-inspiring scenery and adrenaline rushes. Read on to discover why this trip is unforgettable.
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Difficulty
challenging
Duration
4–6 hours
Fitness Level
Participants should have average fitness and be comfortable with heights and physical activity.
Wildlife
History
The Tasman Glacier was formed during the last Ice Age, over 20,000 years ago, and is a key feature of New Zealand’s glacial landscape.
Conservation
INFLITE prioritizes environmentally sustainable practices, including minimizing noise and respecting the glacier and surrounding ecosystems.
INFLITE - West Coast
Experience breathtaking aerial views of ice and mountains with a helicopter tour and skydiving combo in New Zealand’s Southern Alps—an adventure that combines awe-inspiring scenery and adrenaline rushes. Read on to discover why this trip is unforgettable.
INFLITE - West Coast operates from Franz Josef / Waiau on New Zealand’s West Coast and offers helicopter sightseeing, glacier landings, alpine picnics and tandem skydives across the Southern Alps. The business provides a range of guided aerial experiences that showcase Franz Josef, Fox and Tasman Glaciers, as well as views of Aoraki/Mount Cook and surrounding peaks.
INFLITE’s program includes 30-minute scenic flights such as the Tasman Experience, extended circuits like the Franz Josef, Fox & Tasman Glaciers Grand Circle, and private glacier landings for picnic experiences on the Tasman Glacier. For adrenaline seekers, INFLITE offers tandem skydives at multiple altitudes — options include 10,000ft, 13,000ft, 16,500ft and 18,000ft — plus combo packages that pair a helicopter glacier landing with a 13,000ft skydive.
All operations are based in Franz Josef / Waiau and focus on delivering aerial sightseeing and tandem skydive experiences in the Westland and Aoraki/Mount Cook regions. Trip itineraries cover glacier overflights, ice landings, and scenic approaches that reveal lakes, rainforests and alpine terrain. Specific durations and freefall times vary by jump altitude (for example, the 13,000ft skydive includes about a 45-second freefall and the 18,000ft option includes about an 85-second freefall). Prospective guests should review official trip listings for current availability, altitude options, and booking details.
Location
Franz Josef / Waiau
Based on New Zealand’s West Coast
Glacier Landings
Tasman Glacier
Private glacier landings and picnics
Featured On
The Adventure Collective
Listed travel experiences
Skydiving Altitudes
10,000–18,000 ft
Multiple tandem jump options
Select a Tasman Glacier picnic, Grand Circle scenic flight, or a 13,000–18,000ft tandem skydive — check availability and book online to secure a West Coast adventure.
Dress in layers
Layered clothing helps you stay comfortable during the flight and jump, especially as temperatures vary with altitude.
Book early
High demand means early reservations are recommended to secure your preferred dates.
Listen to instructions
Pay close attention to safety briefings for a secure and enjoyable experience.
Bring a camera
Capture the stunning views but ensure your camera is securely attached for the jump.
Comfortable layered clothing
Appropriate clothing ensures comfort during the flight and jump.
spring|summer|fall|winter
Secure camera or GoPro
To capture your experience from the air and during freefall.
Closed-toe shoes
Necessary for safety on the helicopter and during the activity.
Sunscreen and sunglasses
Protect against sun exposure at higher altitudes.
summer