Sky Dive, New Zealand

...I have always thought about Sky Diving.

I had only been in New Zealand for a couple of weeks when I entered a karaoke competition in the Bay of Islands, I am pleased to say that I won and the prize was a 241 Sky Dive!! Well with this fantastic offer how could I not give it a go!!

The price of a Sky Dive normally starts from $200 for 6,000ft drop, $245 for a 9,000ft drop or $295 for a 12,000ft drop. As I was getting ...
.../> The price of the Sky Dive doesn't however include any extras such as photos and DVDs you have to pay extra for these and they really do charge a lot for them.

Digital Photos Cost: $145
DVD: $165
Or both for: $195

I decided to get just the photos and I am glad that I did as it is a great thing to remember and has caused a great deal of laughter and excitement for the friends that have seen them.
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Firstly can I just say never in a million years could I imagine myself jumping out of a plane, but I did it and guess what!? I loved it!!

Before I went on my trip of a lifetime I knew that I would have to do something daring in New Zealand, I have never liked the thought of Bungee Jumping so that was out the window but I have always thought about Sky Diving.

I had only been in New Zealand for a couple of weeks when I entered a karaoke competition in the Bay of Islands, I am pleased to say that I won and the prize was a 241 Sky Dive!! Well with this fantastic offer how could I not give it a go!!

The price of a Sky Dive normally starts from $200 for 6,000ft drop, $245 for a 9,000ft drop or $295 for a 12,000ft drop. As I was getting it half price I decided to go with the 12,000ft drop!!

The price of the Sky Dive doesn't however include any extras such as photos and DVDs you have to pay extra for these and they really do charge a lot for them.

Digital Photos Cost: $145
DVD: $165
Or both for: $195

I decided to get just the photos and I am glad that I did as it is a great thing to remember and has caused a great deal of laughter and excitement for the friends that have seen them.

The cheapest place in New Zealand to Sky Dive is Lake Taupo where a 12,000ft jump will cost you just $219.

The Sky Dive:

Before the Sky Dive you are given a jump suite to wear, not the most attractive thing in the world but hey it has to be done! You are also given goggles to wear as well, it is best to wear casual clothes underneath and trainers.

The Sky Dive is a Tandem jump you are strapped to the instructor, this is a very up close and personal thing so bare this in mind, when in the plane you are literally sat on his lap. Going up in the small was the frightening part for me, the anticipation as you go up higher and higher is immense.

It doesn't help that the plane is tiny just big enough for the two of you to sit on the floor and another person to take the photos. All the way up I was getting more and more nervous, my palms were sweating and I felt sick. The instructor and photographer where every content in winding up saying things like ' I am sure that is the harness that broke last week' and 'yeah I think we were supposed to get it fixed, oh well never mind I am sure it will be fine' etc, they apparently do this to everyone they take up.
I just say sat their in shock, the only sound I made was a nervous giggle at their jokes.

The view from the plane was beautiful, looking over the Bay of Islands from that height was amazing, I am so glad I chose to do my jump their.

As the plane doors opened a gust of wind hit me in the face and that is when I realised I was about to fall out a plane, it really took my breath away. The photographer gave a wave and then he was gone, seconds later it was my turn, we shuffled forward to the edge of the plane my legs dangling over the edge and the next moment I was falling through the air.

The feeling is a hard one to put into words, it was a moment of complete fear, I was scared to death but high on the adrenaline rush it gave me also, I was trying to scream but no noise would come out of my mouth as it filled with the wind. All around and below me was a sea of white as I plummeted through the clouds at 200 mph, it felt like forever but in fact the free fall only lasted 45 seconds.

Suddenly I felt a jolt as the parachute came up and then I could relax and really take in the view, It really was amazing!! The Islands looked so beautiful, the parachute ride down took only 5 minutes but it felt a lot longer, at this point I was able to chat to the instructor as he span us around and pointed out all the sights to me.

The landing was funny, I had to put my legs out in front of me as the instructor landed on his bum with me on top of him. I was so overcome at the end I was crying with delight!! I was so pleased that I had done it and now I am going round recommending it to everyone who mentions wanting to do it!

It is a lot of money but it is also a once in a lifetime experience that you will never forget, I know I won't..

For your information £1 = 2.5 NZ$ 

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