It’s a roller coaster ride, they said. Feel a myriad of emotions as you first look forward to your bungee jump, arrive at the location seeing other people fall and finally harness-up to make your way to the edge. It’s going to be a mixture of anticipation, excitement, fear and thrill. To give us a little history, the first bungee jump was believed to have happened on 1 April 1979 from the 76 m (249-foot) Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol. A few years later in 1986, a New Zealander named AJ Hackett successfully made his first jump from Auckland’s Greenhithe Bridge and continued with a number of other jumps from bridges and structures. The most notable jump happened In 1987, where he jumped from the Eiffel Tower illegally! But due to this, a bungee jumping revolution was launched. Later, the world’s first permanent commercial bungee site, the Kawarau Bridge Bungy at the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge near Queenstown in New Zealand, opened and we will look into the details later. Hackett remains one of the largest commercial operators with a presence in Australia, China, Russia, France and Singapore. We can’t think of a better place than to bungee jump in the place where it kind of all started. It’s even easy to find a place to stay here — from humble abodes to high-end hotels. If you want to give it a go, here is our guide to the best places for bungee jumping in New Zealand.
1. The Nevis Bungy and Swing (from USD 308.55)
It’s time we inject some fun into bungee jumping by incorporating the world’s most famous swing ride. You’re looking at creating probably a once-in-a-lifetime memory by bungee jumping at New Zealand’s highest bungee jump site, which is 134 m (440 ft) high. The free fall off the Nevis Bridge at Queenstown is approximately 8.5 seconds, the longest we’ve seen thus far. As the saying goes, “once you have tasted the sky, you will forever look up”, and in our case, once you’ve tasted the freedom of falling, you will say “onto the next!”.
At this cable car bungee jump site in New Zealand, you can choose to go solo or tandem on the Nevis Swing which flies up to 120 kph (74 mph) over the Nevis River and is a jaw-dropping 160m (525 feet) below. Swing forwards or backward for a more thrilling experience. Top-it-off with a 15-minute helicopter ride as you fly from Queenstown to the Nevis site in style and take in a 10-minute landing on The Remarkables, a mountain range and ski-field in Otago in the South Island of New Zealand. The helicopter accommodates four to six participants at a time. Bus transfers from Queenstown AJ Hackett office are available if you do not want to ride the helicopter. The first bus leaves at 8:40 am, with the last bus departing at 2:40 pm. There’s a 40-minute waiting time between the two mentioned times. If you’re at least 13 years old with a weight that’s between 45 kg to 127 kg, you’re safe to take part in the activity. Signed parental consent is required for children 14 years old and below.
Nevis Bungy & Swing Combo
Duration: 5hrs - 6hrsDuration
2. Rotorua Bungy
Looking to head to a place where you can combine all the fun in one location? Welcome to Velocity Valley in Rotorua. Rotorua is located 230 km (142 miles) from Auckland and it is renowned for its Maori culture and for being one of the best bungee jumping areas in New Zealand. To get here, you can take an eight to ten-minute drive from the CBD or hop on the free shuttle bus from all of Rotorua central locations, including hotels, motels and backpackers. However, it is an on-demand service so do call them at +64 7 357 4747 (telephone) or 0800 949 888 (freephone) to make a reservation. You can also email them too for reservations.
The Rotorua Bungy is 43 m (141 feet) in height and you will experience a speed of up to 60 kph (37 mph) during your free fall. Solo and tandem jumps are available and one has to be at least 10 years of age to participate. Velocity Valley provides various packages so you will find something that fits your interest and schedule. The bungy jumping itself costs 149 NZD (98 USD) but if your budget calls for it, then consider the VIP combo at 249 NZD (165 USD) where you can enjoy bungy jumping at four other rides.
Rotorua Bungy
Address: 1335 Paradise Valley Road, Ngongotaha, Rotorua 3040, New Zealand
Website: Rotorua Bungy
Email: reservations@velocityvalley.co.nz
Opening hours: 9am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 149 NZD (98 USD)
3. The Ledge Bungy
We like how the website writes “slightly crazy decisions make great stories”. But to be honest, bungee jumping in Queenstown, off a 47-meter (154-foot) height isn’t that crazy. Ledge Bungy encourages and provides opportunities for freestyle bungee jumping in New Zealand, so you might want to have a think about including some moves like Jagger. Located up at Skyline Queenstown, driving to the location wouldn’t be possible. You may go hiking along the available trails but it isn’t recommended during the winter season. Tickets for the Grandola ride can be purchased at the Skyline ticketing office at the top of Brecon Street, a five-minute walk from downtown Queenstown. Located in the vicinity, there are also other adventures to be explored - Coronet Peak Tandem Paragliding and Hang Gliding, KJet Queenstown, Hydro Attack, Odyssey Sensory Maze Queenstown and Flyboard Queenstown. Not sure where’s best to go or where to stay? Make a trip down to Real Journeys Visitor Center, a tourist information center just a km away from AJ Hackett Bungy Ledge Bungy and Swing, to have your queries solved!
Ledge Bungy
Address: Brecon Street, Queenstown 9300, New Zealand
Website: The Ledge Bungy
Opening hours: 10am - 4pm (daily)
Price: 205 NZD (135 USD)
You might be interested in these Airbnbs!
4. Taupo Bungy
Vacationing in a town near New Zealand’s North Island and looking for things to do? You’ve got to try Taupo Bungy. You will be jumping from 47 m (154 feet) high and can opt to do a water touch of the Waikato River. As with most bungy jumping operators, solo and tandem jumps are available. Make the best out of your trip by combining your bungee experience with a skydive, jetboat, and whitewater rafting. You can also opt for a package that lets you ride a helicopter and go bungee jumping for a price that’s pocket-friendly. Not to be missed is also Taupo Cliff Hanger, an extreme swing across the Waikato River, with speeds up to 70 kph (43 mph) at a 180-degree angle, 44 m (144 feet) high. Here, there are a lot of things to do alone or with a nice group of friends.
Taupo Bungy
Address: 202 Spa Road, Taupo, New Zealand
Website: Taupo Bungy
Opening hours: 9.30am - 4pm (during winter) & 9.30am - 5pm (during summer)
Price: 180 NZD (119 USD) (adult price)
5. Auckland Sky Tower
Think of Auckland and what comes to mind? For us, it’s the 328 m (1076-foot) high Sky Tower, the tallest structure and icon of Auckland’s skyline for 20 years. Here’s the place to go if you’re thinking of taking the leap with their SkyJump 53 stories high. You will plunge at a speed of 85 kph (52 mph) which will take you about 11 seconds. Need some warm-up? Start your heart pumping with their SkyWalk where you can take in the spectacular views of Auckland by walking around the 1.2 m (3.9-foot) wide platform 192 m (629 feet) high outdoors! A word of caution: there are no handrails.
SkyJump
Address: Auckland Sky Tower, Victoria Street West, Auckland CBD, Auckland 1010, New Zealand
Website: SkyJump
Opening hours: 10am - 5pm (daily)
Price: 225 NZD (148 USD)
6. Bungy Jump at Kawaru (from USD 126.0)
The Kawarau Bridge bungee jump will take place from the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, the world’s first commercial bungy jumping site. Similar to the previous experience Auckland, you will plunge 43 m (140 feet) in 5 seconds and can have the option to include a water touch or full immersion in the gorgeous Kawarau River. This experience will take place in Queenstown, New Zealand, a town in the South Island known for adventure sports. Choose to make your own way there or go along with the pick-up offered from The Station Building, corner of Shotover & Camp Streets in the center of Queenstown. Buses depart daily at 9.20am, 10.40am, 12.00pm, 1.20pm and 2.40pm. Tandem bungee jumps are also available but subject to availability on the day so do send in your request if that’s on your bucket list. Do note that the minimum weight is 35 kg and the maximum stands at 235 kg, a wider weight range than compared to Auckland’s. If you’re still mustering the courage to jump, join as a spectator first for free and prep your heart for it!
The Original Kawarau Bridge Bungy Jump in Queenstown
Duration: 2 hours 30 minutes
7. AJ Hackett Bungee Auckland
Welcome, folks! The adventure begins at Auckland Bridge Bungy. Take the Bungy Van that departs from the Auckland Sky Tower outside the AJ Hackett SkyJump SkyWalk Visitor Centre. Buses depart daily at 9.00 am, 10.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm, 2.30pm. If you’re planning to go bungee jumping in New Zealand’s most populous city and don’t have a booking in advance, simply take a five-minute drive from downtown Auckland. Many affordable Airbnbs and hotels are within downtown Auckland, so you don’t have to worry much about travel time. The Bungy Pod is attached underneath the bridge and you can even have the option to experience an ocean touch by dipping your head into the water or have a water splash all the way up to your waist. Experience a five-second free fall with incredible views over Waitemata Harbour. In fact, you may even choose to throw yourself backward or attempt a somersault as you launch yourself from the platform. At the end of it all, you will receive a jump certificate and a t-shirt as a souvenir.
Do note that in order to go bungee jumping at Auckland Harbour Bridge, one has to be at least 10 years old. Those below 14 years of age have to be accompanied by an adult. This is where tandem jumps take place. For tandem jumps to happen, the total weight difference must not exceed 30 kg, with the maximum combined weight at 150 kg. For solo jumps, one has to be at least 35 kg and must not exceed 150 kg, with a minimum height of 120 cm. Dress comfortably in flat, secure and enclosed footwear.
Auckland Bridge Bungy
Address: 105 Curran Street Extension, Westhaven Marina, Herne Bay, Auckland
Website: AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand
Opening hours: 9am - 4.30pm (daily
Price: 165 NZD (109 USD) for adults
An unforgettable experience
New Zealand’s exquisite views and infectious fervor is enough to promise an unforgettable experience. If you’re looking for a bit more intensity, a bit more of a thrill, then bungee jumping is definitely the answer. Consider our recommendations above for an experience worth cherishing.
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