If you’re torn like I was with choosing between skydiving over Fox Glacier or Franz Joseph Glacier, don’t worry, you can have the BEST of both worlds: skydive Fox Glacier and take a heli ride over Franz Joseph! Luckily, they’re only a 25-minute drive from each other.
How To Get Around New Zealand:
To Fox from Queenstown, it’s a 4.5 hour drive, so it’s best to stay nearby, otherwise you’ll be waking up early to get there.
Renting A Car: This is a MUST while visiting New Zealand, as most of its sights are far apart. Be sure to rent/bring a GPS, especially if you won’t have wifi on your phone. For 2 weeks, we rented a car for about $600USD (around $40USD/day). Note: New Zealanders drive on the opposite side of the road as Americans, so be careful!
RV Rental: Many people rent a camper van/motor home and utilize that as both their transport and accommodation (we’ll be doing this next time!). Juicy Rentals is by far the most popular in town. A standard camper van will cost about $1470USD for 2 weeks (around $105USD/day). Don’t forget to factor in the cost of gas.
Where To Skydive:
With a backdrop of the Southern Alps, glaciers, rainforest and the ocean, it’s hard to imagine a better place to skydive and the BEST company is Skydive Fox Glacier. My tandem had performed over 2,000 jumps.
Cost To Skydive :
$249NZD(172USD) for 9,000 fee- 30 second free fall
$299NZD (200USD) 13,000 feet-50 second free fall (our choice)
$399NZD (275USD) 16,500 feet-65 second free fall
Freefall Photos: $95NZD ($65USD)
Freefall Video: $149NZD ($100USD)
Photo & Video Combo: $179NZD (123USD)
Notes:
If this is your first time skydiving, you MUST spend the extra money to get the photos and video…it’s PRICELESS! A GoPro camera is worn by your tandem. You will receive a full refund if the dive is cancelled due to weather.
Where To Stay Near Fox Glacier:
Airbnb:
There are a lot of accommodations in both Franz Joseph and Fox, but we opted to stay in an Airbnb at the nearby beach town of Okarito, a 50 minute drive from Fox, which I’d highly recommend. It’s a quiet, small town (population 30!), right on a beautiful beach. Many people camp/park their RV’s there as well. The night sky is so dark and clear, it’s absolutely perfect for star gazing.
For $55 off your first Airbnb booking, click HERE!
Lake Matheson Motel:
Lake Matheson Motel is centrally located. This basic accommodation has great service. Cost is around $95USD/night.
Where To Eat Near Fox Glacier:
Cook Saddle Cafe & Saloon:
Cook Saddle Cafe & Saloon is located just across the street from Skydive Fox with delicious food. Be sure to order the sampler for two with calamari and ribs. Yum Yum Yum!
Matheson Cafe:
Lake Matheson Cafe is in a great location facing the mountains, with great pizza, sandwiches and breakfast!
The Last Kitchen:
The Last Kitchen:
The Last Kitchen has amazing steaks, salmon and pork belly with friendly staff and a great outdoor atmosphere.
My Feelings About Skydiving:
Honestly, I was scared out of my mind to sky dive, but once you’re inside the (tiny) plane and climbing altitude, all fear fades away as you’re totally taken by the breathtaking scenery. I felt super comfortable and confident with my tandem. Much to my amazement, I WAS IN LOVE with the whole experience and I’ve never felt more alive in my whole life! I can’t wait to do it again!
Looking For More Info On Other Cities In The South Island, New Zealand? Check Out My Other Blog Posts!
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Thank you SOOOO much for stopping by!
XOXO The Traveling Blondie
Peace ✌ Love ❤ Travel ✈
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