The hubby had had the most extraordinary experience in New Zealand and it’s more than just for thrill-seeking fun. I encouraged him to share it. Here’s his account:
Photo credit: Taupo Tandem Skydiving
“Why Did You Do It?”
“Is It Safe?”
These are the two most common questions I get when I show friends and family my skydiving photos from our recent trip to New Zealand. Many have visited New Zealand, but not many have seen it from 15,000 feet. So, why did I do it? Honestly, it was about more than just chasing a thrill.
Video highlights of my jump with footage from Taupo Tandem Skydiving
Embracing the Adventure of Being Human
We live in a world where everything is planned, scheduled, and automated – mapping our routes to crafting perfect email replies. Thanks to ‘the internet of things, life can sometimes feel too structured, too predictable, almost like we’ve lost a piece of our humanity. Sometimes the spirit of being human derived from the exploration of the unknown within us can be lost if we do not go along the path less taken.
For me, adventure is about breaking free from that predictability. At 50+, with good health and the opportunity to try new things, I refuse to take life for granted. This year, I had so much to celebrate: my wife and I achieved our BMI goals after years of focusing on health and wellness, we marked our 25th wedding anniversary, I successfully resolved a prostate issue, and as a proud parent, I watched my eldest ace her O-Levels with results she was truly proud of.
2024 was already a milestone year—how could I not cap it off with an unforgettable experience? With one experience that goes beyond myself?
Not Bungy, But…
Initially, my plan was to try bungy jumping—alongside my daughter, no less. But after my prostate surgery, my doctor strictly forbade anything involving a “pull and jerk” effect. To my surprise, however, he gave me the green light for skydiving! So, as the good doctor ordered, I signed up for Taupo Tandem Skydiving to top off an already extraordinary year.
Seeing New Zealand from 15,000 feet! (Photo credit: Taupo Tandem Skydiving)
Choosing Taupo Tandem Skydiving
Taupo Tandem Skydiving is the original pioneer of skydiving tourism in Taupo, with over 25 years of experience and more than 200,000 successful jumps. Ranked #1 on TripAdvisor for skydiving in the whole of New Zealand, their reputation was enough to ease my nerves.
From the moment I pre-booked my jump two weeks in advance, their warm and friendly confirmation email reassured me that I was in good hands. The slight nervousness I felt was quickly overtaken by excitement!
The Big Day
The morning of my skydive, I received a call confirming that the weather was good and my jump was a “go.” The anticipation built as a bright yellow, topless limousine pulled up to my Airbnb for my complimentary ride to the drop zone. How cool is that?
Upon arrival, I completed the final admin steps—choosing my jump package and signing the indemnity forms. Reality started to sink in: I was about to skydive for the first time! I purchased the 15,000-feet “Skydive & Guru Package,” which included an external videographer/photographer with a 1-minute Freefall experience captured in HD Video AND Photos. If I was going to do this, I wanted every second captured from an epic angle!
Also, why 15,000 feet? Because it’s higher than the 10,000 feet our Red Lions (our local commandos) jump from on Singapore’s National Day—and it comes with a full 60 seconds of freefall!
Me and my excellent Tandem Master – Nathan. (Photo credit: Taupo Tandem Skydiving)
Photo credit: Taupo Tandem Skydiving
After a quick safety briefing, I met Nathan, my tandem master. His warm personality and confident presence instantly put me at ease. In less than an hour from my arrival, I was suited up and walking towards the plane.
I. Am. Skydiving.
Photo credit: Taupo Tandem Skydiving
The Jump
The small propeller plane lifted off, and as we climbed higher, I got my first breathtaking view of Lake Taupo—Australasia’s largest lake, about the size of my home country Singapore—set against the backdrop of Mount Ngauruhoe (a.k.a. Mount Doom from The Lord of the Rings). Seeing it from a plane was one thing; knowing I was about to jump into that view was something else entirely.
Then, it was time.
Nathan securely attached himself to me and ran through the safety procedures one last time. Before I could fully process it, I was first in line to jump.
There was no time to think or feel…just follow instructions and go! (Photo credit: Taupo Tandem Skydiving)
With a deep breath, I shuffled to the open door, flashed a quick smile at the camera, curled up my legs, arched my head back as instructed—and we were out.
Headfirst. A somersault out of the fuselage.
OH. WOW!!!
I can’t even describe it. Every word I know—”epic,” “incredible,” “mind-blowing”—pales in comparison. For 60 seconds, I freefell at 200 km/h, the wind roaring past me as I spread my arms, soaking in the vast, stunning landscape below.
This wasn’t just a thrill ride. This was a celebration of life itself. The rediscovery of what it means to be human!
Photo credit: Taupo Tandem Skydiving
Even now, two months later, just thinking about it brings a huge smile to my face. There’s simply no way to put into words what it feels like to leap from a plane at 15,000 feet, surrounded by some of the world’s most stunning scenery, with nothing but sky and wind around you. But I do know this—if my children (and one day, my grandchildren) remember me as someone who embraced life this way, then I’ve lived well.
The Descent
Once Nathan deployed the parachute, we transitioned from adrenaline-pumping freefall to a slow, peaceful glide. If the rush of the jump was unforgettable, this part was equally magical.
Forget high-definition screens—this was reality in its purest, most beautiful form. A panoramic masterpiece of deep blue sky, crystal-clear lake, and towering mountains, all spread out beneath me as I drifted down. Seeing New Zealand from this perspective is indescribable.
Photo credit: Taupo Tandem Skydiving
At one point, Nathan let me take control of the parachute, guiding me on how to steer left and right. For a brief moment, I felt like James Bond, gliding effortlessly through the sky.
Photos credit: Taupo Tandem Skydiving
The Landing
With a final smooth maneuver, we landed safely on the ground. The skydive was over, but the experience? Life-changing.
After removing my harness, I received a certificate, a scarf, and a T-shirt to commemorate the jump. Later that evening, a link arrived in my inbox with all my photos and a professionally edited video. And, of course, my ride back to my Airbnb? The same funky yellow topless limo.
Photo credit: Taupo Tandem Skydiving
Final Thoughts
Skydiving over Taupo wasn’t just about checking off a bucket list item. It was a deeply personal way to celebrate a momentous year—my health, my family’s achievements, and the sheer joy of being alive, being human.
So, if you ever find yourself in New Zealand wondering whether to take that leap—do it. Not just for the adrenaline rush, but for the indescribable feeling of being fully, gloriously alive.
Because some experiences aren’t just unforgettable—they redefine you.
And this experience with Taupo Tandem Skydiving? This was one of them.
Video highlights of my jump with footage from Taupo Tandem Skydiving.
Angie: The Hubs had an exceptional experience to remember our New Zealand trip and we have the folks at Taupo Tandem Skydiving to thank for their excellent service, professionalism and keeping the whole experience safe yet massively enjoyable!
Leave a Reply