Strap yourself to a Beautiful Stranger in the best place to skydive in New Zealand

A review from Katherine Munroe from the UK about her skydiving experience in Wanaka - The best place to skydive in New Zealand

Strap yourself to a beautiful Stranger !... By Katherine Munroe, UK

My heart was pounding so loudly that I was sure that everyone could hear.  I had chosen to jump at Lake Wanaka because i had heard that it was the best place to skydive in New Zealand. ‘Strap yourself to a beautiful stranger’ said the brochure and they were not wrong! The day ( and instructor ! ) was beautiful with a light dusting of snow on the stunning Southern Alps that surround Lake Wanaka.

I arrived at the airport and after the usual paperwork I was given a jumpsuit and watched a briefing video inside a very special “Welcome Aboard” lounge that resembled the inside of a plane !  I was impressed with how friendly the crew was, my instructor helped my nerves to vanish whilst reassuring me that this was going to be the best experience of my life. I felt like Wonder Woman!

The plane flight to altitude really was a scenic extravaganza! Spread out below us were azure blue lakes, fast flowing rivers and the mighty snow capped Southern Alps, with mighty Mt Cook and Mt Aspiring in the distance. There was no time to be scared with all this mind blowing scenery. Then the serious stuff began; harness checks, gloves, hat and goggles on, the door opened and a blast of air came rushing in, as my friend moved to the door and was gone! My cameraman shook my hand before climbing out and hanging on the outside of the plane. I had to have something to show the ‘doubters’ back home!

“SMILE FOR THE CAMERA!!” my instructor yelled (yeah right – just the moment to dazzle!) as we sat in the door of the plane at 15,000ft. My heart felt like it was coming through my chest, and then a rush of air and we were freefalling! I screamed (still not sure if it was terror or sheer joy!) as this incredible feeling of freedom took over.

Blue skies, mountains and lakes all rushing towards us at 200kph! Our cameraman flew around us, shook my hands, and captured my smiling face on film for all of us to see. After the most amazing minute of my life, the parachute opened and the world was quiet. My instructor pointed our my friend under a rainbow parachute. The landing was soft and smooth and as I hugged my beautiful stranger, I knew I wanted to go straight back up and jump again!

Skydive Lake Wanaka definitely have New Zealand’s most breathtaking scenery, and made me feel very safe and special. My freefall video and photos were absolutely cool, and such a great record of the whole experience.

My advice to anyone reading this? JUST DO IT at Lake Wanaka!