The 6 Paragliding & Parasailing in New Zealand That Go Early

1.Tandem Paragliding Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 180 reviews · 1h 30m · from $208Our pick

You will ride from central Queenstown to Coronet Peak, New Zealand’s highest commercial paragliding launch point. Your English-speaking pilot handles the takeoff, flight, tricks if you want them, and landing. Pilots such as Jayden, Tugi, John, Tai, and Mona are known for calm briefings and friendly care. The flight lasts about 12 to 15 minutes, with photos and video available for an extra NZD 90.

“Excellent experience. Had a great time with my pilot. Strongly recommend.!!!”

Check availability →Read our full review

2.Queenstown Tandem Paragliding from Coronet Peak

★★★★★★★★★★4.5 · 127 reviews · from $222

Fly tandem with an experienced SkyTrek pilot from Coronet Peak above the Wakatipu Valley. You will receive a helmet, harness, safety briefing, and return transport from Queenstown. Pilots including Burak, Sedat, Jack, and Pat have been praised for calm instruction and friendly company. Allow about 90 minutes, with photos and videos sold separately.

“Cheaper & much higher (Coronet Peak) with longer flight time & a pilot who was able to give me the experience I was looking for”

Check availability →Read our full review

3.Tandem Paragliding Experience

★★★★★★★★★★4.9 · 93 reviews · 1 hour · from $208

Fly tandem from Treble Cone’s Pub Corner with a certified English-speaking pilot, then glide 10 to 20 minutes above the Matukituki Valley, Lake Wanaka, Mt Aspiring, and the Twin Waterfalls. Choose a calm scenic ride or ask for turns and roller-coaster-style moves. Transport, helmet, harness, and safety briefing are included.

“Fantastic flight. Really clear meeting info, clear instructions for the flight, friendly yet professionnal. Highly recommend & am looking forward to paragliding again 😄”

Check availability →Read our full review

4.Bay of Islands: Parasail, Paihia and Russell

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 37 reviews · from $73Best value

Meet the Bay of Islands Parasail team at Paihia wharf, climb aboard a purpose-built boat, and rise gently beneath a bright Smiley parachute. You will fly for 10 to 12 minutes at the end of a 1,300-foot towline, with tandem and triple flights available. An optional $50 GoPro package records the ride.

“I shouted my son and fiancé for their engagement. They thoroughly enjoyed the experience especially with having the go pro recording, was an awesome experience for them both.”

Check availability →Read our full review

5.Tandem Hang Gliding Experience

★★★★★★★★★★5.0 · 21 reviews · 2 hours · from $208Top rated

Meet the SkyTrek team at the Ziptrek Ecotours shop, then head toward Coronet Peak for a tandem hang-gliding flight with a certified English-speaking pilot. You will be strapped into a lightweight glider, receive clear instructions, and fly above Queenstown’s mountains, forests, and lakes. The two-hour experience suits fit participants who want real flight, not a sightseeing ride.

“Den var helt i top. jeg forventede at skille flyve over Queenstown, men blev glædeligt overrasket over at vi skulle køre ud til er negrt højere bjerg og derved fik en længere flyvetur. Jeg er vildt begejstret 😄😄”

Check availability →Read our full review

6.Tandem Paraglide – Winter – Coronet Peak 5400ft

★★★★★★★★★★4.8 · 16 reviews · from $216

Meet Skytrek in central Queenstown, ride a shuttle and chairlift to Coronet Peak, then launch with an English-speaking pilot from New Zealand’s highest commercial paragliding site. Your 15 to 20 minute flight ends on the valley floor. Small groups are limited to five, and pilot Tai may even let you take the controls.

“Everything went like clockwork. My driver was super nice and my flight attendant was awesome It was an unforgettable experience.”

Check availability →Read our full review