If you’ve always wanted to take a death-defying leap out of a plane, you’ll find plenty of places to do it in New Zealand. After the initial adrenalin rush of freefall, the gentle drift back to earth allows lots of time to enjoy the country’s magnificent scenery from a unique perspective. The most popular way to get started is a tandem jump, where you’re strapped to a qualified instructor who takes care of all the technicalities while you just enjoy the ride. A tandem jump costs about $245, depending on the location and the height from which you jump. If you can’t get enough of the sensation, you can take a series of lessons designed to have you solo jumping in safety. Several operators offer the internationally accepted Accelerated Freefall (AFF) programme for beginners. The New Zealand Parachute Industry Association (NZPIA) website (www.nzpia.co.nz) has links to operators.