Joachim Devos, originally from the Netherlands but now living in Melbourne, accomplished a tandem skydive at Nzone Skydive in Queenstown last Wednesday.
"Twenty years ago I decided when I'm 80 I'll do it," Mr Devos said.
"You live longer when you want to do it."
Mr Devos is a former teacher who taught sport and business studies in Australia before retirement.
The birthday milestone was also inspired by World War 2.
A much younger Mr Devos witnessed an aeroplane crash near his home in the Netherlands and recalled seeing soldiers parachuting out of the falling plane.
Some did not survive.
Despite his age he was given approval from his Christchurch-born doctor in Australia.
"I see him so often and he mentioned Nzone in Queenstown.
"I've heard about Queenstown and the beautiful scenery. I've been to New Zealand but never Queenstown."
After a 25-minute scenic flight savouring the Wakatipu landscape, he and Nzone instructor Sasa Jojic jumped out of a plane at 4600m for a 60-second freefall before a slower paraglide back to earth.
The dive went smoothly and Mr Devos confirmed that it was the best birthday he had ever had.
"I wanted to do it for the experience. I made a goal for myself and I think I want to do it when I'm 80 ... and I'm here now.
"I may do it again when I'm 90."
