New Zealand has countless adventures for adventure junkies, but nothing is as popular as bungy jumping in New Zealand. And nowhere on earth has so many places to bungee jump as New Zealand.
Bungee jumping was commercialized in Queenstown by AJ Hacket where the first commercial bungy jump site happened at the Kawarau Suspension Bridge. So if you are going to try taking a leap of faith once in your life, this is the place. AJ Hackett has the market cornered on Bungee Jumping in New Zealand and rightfully so! They are the original.
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Where Bungee Jump New Zealand
Now, you may wonder what’s up with bungy and bungee. Well, in New Zealand, it is spelled bungy jumping, and since bungy jumping was commercialized and brought to the masses in New Zealand, I am going to say they are probably correct. But, we all know it as bungee jumping, so I can’t decide what to do, so throughout this post, you are going to see it both ways. I try to please everyone because hey – I am Canadian.
Regardless of how you spell it, nowhere on Earth is as exciting to jump as it is in New Zealand. So let’s get started! Read more: 14 Cool and Fun Facts About New Zealand
Bungy jumping is one of those once-in-a-lifetime experiences and if you are going to try it anywhere, New Zealand is the place to do it!
AJ Hackett Bungy in Queenstown NZ
AJ Hackett Bungy is the pioneer of bungy jumping in New Zealand and has been giving visitors an adrenaline rush since 1988. It has its headquarters in Queenstown with three different bungee jumping sites and gorge swinging options!
Bunjy jumping originated on the island of Vanuatu where they had the tradition of land diving. It was then adopted by the Oxford University Dangerous Sports Club in the 1970s. It was then that Hackett and friends saw a video and vowed to figure it out.
Queenstown, New Zealand is considered the adventure capital of the world, and if you want to do a lot of bungy jumps in one place, this is a super town to start! Check out all the places to bungee jump around Queenstown.
1. Nevis Bungy
The Nevis is the highest bungee jump in New Zealand. It was once the highest Bungy Jump in the world! It may have lost its title to China, but the AJ Hacket, Nevis Bungy Jump in Queenstown, New Zealand is no less thrilling!
It was once the highest Bungy Jump in the world! It may have lost it’s title to China, but the AJ Hacket, Nevis Bungy Jump in Queenstown is no less thrilling!
Getting there is part of the thrill. The 40-minute drive from Queenstown takes you to a steep and winding access road. Once you reach the turn-off, the journey goes up a private mountain access road. One wrong turn and you will plunge off the edge. (Something to get your nerves ready for the big jump) To make the jump more terrifying, you have to take a cable car out to the centre of the gorge where you jump from another cable car dangling high above the river below.
- At 134 meters, this is a monster of a Jump
- Location: Just outside of Queenstown
- Getting there: You have to book a tour as it’s all offroad once you get tout of town.
- Cost $290 – 345 NZD (1 USD = 1.69 NZD)
2. Kawarau Bridge Bungy Jump
It is the original bungy jump in New Zealand and while it is lower, it is no less thrilling. The 43 metre drop into the Kawarau Gorge where you will dip your head in the river below. If the bungy is too much for you, they offer a less terrifying zipride, or you can simply watch the thrill seekers. Regardless of what you decide to do, you can’t miss stopping to see the OG of Bungee jumps!
- 23 minutes from Queenstown on Highway 6 in Gibbston Valley
- 43 meter drop
- Can drive or book a tour
- Cost $220 – $265 NZD (1 USD = 1.69 NZD)
3. The Ledge
Note the Ledge is temporarily closed due to staff shortages, hopefully it will open again soon. However, paragliding is a great alternative that we did in Queenstown and it’s awesome!
The Ledge Bungy is located above Queenstown with the most magnificent of views. Take a Skyline Gondola up the mountain where you’ll take a leap of faith over the edge with one last look at Queenstown below! It’s up to you how you want to jump off the 47 meter drop. Upside down, backward, straight on? It doesn’t matter, the Ledge is pure freestyle.
- 400 meters above Queenstown with a 47 meter drop
- Location: Queenstown
- Getting there: Go up the Skyline Gondola or hike up the mountain.
- Cost $205
4. Nevis Swing
The Nevis Swing is the most famous swing in the world. Located at the same location as the Nevis Bungy, you can combine your ticket with the swing, or just do the swing alone. This 300 meter arc is a thrill of a lifetime that you can do alone or in tandem with a friend. You choose which way to fall as well. Do you want forward, backward or upside down? It’s all up to you.
- 300 meter pendulum swing is massive
- Location: Just outside of Queenstown
- Getting there: You have to book a tour as it’s all off-road once you get out of town.
- Cost $245 – $280 NZD ((1 USD = 1.69 NZD)
5. Taupo Bungy
Located on Lake Taupo, this town on the north island of New Zealand packs a punch when it comes to adventure activities. We had a skydiving trip planned for here, that was unfortunately canceled due to weather, but the great thing about bunjy jumping is you can do it in nearly all types of conditions.
It’s the only cliff jump in New Zealand so you can add another bungy jump to the bucket list. Jump 47 meters off the platform over the Waikato River. Like all of the over-the-water bungy jumps in New Zealand, you have the option to dip your head in the water. And you can do this one in tandem if you need some moral support from a friend. There is the Taupo Swing there as well that you can do for $170 – $210 depending on the day.
- 47 Meter drop over the water
- Location: 202 Spa Road in Taup?
- Getting there: Drive or Public Transit
- Cost $195 – $235 NZD (1 USD = 1.69 NZD)
7. Auckland Bridge Bungy
New Zealand’s largest city has a couple of great bungee jumping locations in New Zealand. One minute you can be swinging off a bridge or skyscraper, and the next you can be sipping champagne and eating oysters on the waterfront.
The Auckland Bridge Bunjy is a 40 meter bunjy takes off from a bungy pod under the Auckland Harbour Bridge
You can do a solo jump, or tandem jump and you have the option to do an ocean touch. This thrilling bungee jump offering fantastic views of the city of Auckland and Waitemata Harbour.
If the bungee jump is too much for you, take the more relaxing tour of the Auckland Bridge walk.
- 40 Meter drop over water
- Location: Auckland Harbour Bridge
- Getting there: Book your tour in advance downtown Auckland
- Cost $175 – $210 NZD (1 USD = 1.69 NZD)
8. Auckland SkyJump
Stand tall over the heart of downtown Auckland on the city’s most recognizable landmark, the Auckland Sky Tower. Plunge from New Zealand’s highest building for 11 seconds of pure adrenaline. At 192 metres high, it is higher than the Nevis, but this is a controlled jump reaching speed of 85km per hour.
If you are wanting to try your hand at bungee jumping, this may be a good start! If you don’t want to jump, they have a skywalk as well. It’s similar to the Edgewalk in Toronto and is another amazing thrill in New Zealand.
- 192 Meter controlled drop
- Location: Downtown Auckland
- Getting there: at the Auckland Sky Tower
- Cost: $235 (1 USD = 1.69 NZD)
9. Hanmer Hot Springs
Christchurch doesn’t have any places to go bunjy jumping in town, but there is a spot 90 minutes out of town at Hanmer Hot Springs. Read: 21 Things to Do in Christchurch
Located 90 minutes from Christchurch, Hanmer Hot Springs is a smaller jump of only 35 meters over the Waiau River. But that’s high enough for me! The jump takes off from the historic Waiau Ferry Bridge and gives you the option of jumping with an ankle harness or full body. It’s your choice.
- 35 Meter Jump
- Hanmer Springs Road
- Getting there: 90 minute drive from Christchurch
- Cost $169 NZD
- You can book this bungy in advance here
10. Rotorua Bungy
Rotorua Bungy is located in the region of Rotorua on the north island of New Zealand. It offers thrill-seekers an unforgettable experience as they plunge from a 43-meter high tower, amidst a scenic backdrop of verdant landscapes and geothermal wonders.
This bungy jump location is renowned for being situated in an area steeped in Maori culture and geothermal activity, providing jumpers not only with an adrenaline rush but also with a rich cultural and visually stunning experience. The rush of leaping into the void is matched by the surrounding views of the sparkling lakes, geysers, and other geothermal features unique to the Rotorua region.
Additionally, the professional and supportive staff at Rotorua Bungy ensure that jumpers feel safe and confident as they take the daring plunge, making it a must-visit destination for adrenaline junkies exploring the North Island of New Zealand.
- 43 Meter
- Location: Rotorua
- Getting there: You can book this in advance and book a shuttle from Rotorua city center at Viator
- Cost: $175 (1 USD = 1.69 NZD)
11. velocity Valley Swoop Rotorua New Zealand
If you want to try something different, this attraction catapults visitors into the air, allowing them to experience the sensation of swooping through the sky at high speeds. Participants are securely fastened into a harness before being lifted to a height of 40 meters, where they release themselves into a thrilling swing that reaches speeds of up to 130km/h.
The blend of adrenaline, speed, and the stunning scenic backdrop of Rotorua’s landscape makes Velocity Valley Swoop a memorable once-in-a-lifetime adventure.
- 40 Meters
- Location: Rotorua
- Getting there: You can book this in advance and book a shuttle from Rotorua city center at Viator
- Cost: $55 (1 USD = 1.69 NZD)
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Bungy Jumping is one of the best entertainment spot. I always use to jump top of the Rock. last time i jumped in Rishikesh rock in India, I really love it…
Thanks
Wait…. you have to pull a rip cord after the second bounce?? Why? What happens if you don’t? That sounds like some serious responsibility to handle when you’re bouncing around in the air, lol.
Hi Christy, sorry for the late reply. Yes you have to pull the rip cord on the second bounce to release your feet. Otherwise you are stuck bouncing and then hanging upside down. The guy after Dave didn’t pull his rip cord and was pulled back up hanging upside down. It is a bit more of a challenge getting back into the cable car that way:)
Twice I went there, and twice I didnt do it…. Its not only the height, also the price that was a bit to much. Maybe I will actually jump instead of watching others do it the third time I make it over there 🙂
You are right Tijmen, the price is steep. but after talking to many people in New Zealand, Ajay Hackett has an exceptional safety record. They change the bungy chord regularly and take all precautions possible. Plus the cost of leasing that canyon must be astronomical. They have a 100% safety record and they are the first to do it in the world. We thought it was over priced at first until we saw what goes into a bungy rope. Maybe you will jump the 3rd time. It is always a charm after all:)
This is completely insane! Bungee jumps are one of those things that are so easy to talk about doing, but when you actually think about it, standing on the edge and looking down, suddenly it becomes a terrifying thought. Would love to do one, but might need some Dutch courage! Hats off to Dave – he’s a braver man than me!
He is braver than me too. I have no desire to bungy jump and I don’t know if I ever will. It is just something I can’t make my brain say yes too. Skydiving is okay, bungy is freaky.
I would not have the guts to do this! My girlfriends daughter just did bungee jumping in New Zealand and I watched her video and say pictures. NO Way Jose!
Looks like you enjoyed it though!
Hey… you were sitting later… I haven’t seen that before. I remember when I jumped ages ago, you stayed with your head down & that was no fun at all! All that blood pumping in your head. I didn’t like that, but remember the jump. That one was awesome! 🙂
That would have sucked having to have your head down. It helped to have to look up into the camera.
Ah yes, you pull the rip cord now. It is much more civilized. Except you have to pull it yourself on the second bounce to make it come off. fun!
I about peed my pants just looking at that… but you’ve convinced me that it is worth trying out. Any advice on how to keep calm right before? I have a feeling I would want to back out right at the last minute:)
Hey Bjorn, I listened to the music and concentrated on that. It helped a lot.
Yeah, I guess any distraction at that moment would help… I liked the guy who was trying to keep things lighthearted and jovial right before the big jump:) Quite the talent set!
I think that is a pre requisite in the interview process. You better have sarcasm and whit to distract the terrified souls that are about to jump.
“What the hell am I doing up here?” — LOL. It looks terrifying even from the pictures. And the perspectives on your video cannot make it look even more terrifying, haha! Must have felt great when you guys finally made the jump though!
Only Dave made the jump. I am not that crazy. But I will be joining him as we jump out of a plane in a few days:)
That looks terrifying. I would rather jump out of an airplane than go bungee jumping. On a recent trip to Costa Rica I did a Tarzan swing thing, which involved a 40-meter free fall, and that was scary enough, but I’m really not sure I could jump 134 meters. Did Deb jump too?
No, I didn’t jump. Only Dave. I can’t step off a ledge:) But I am skydiving next week. That is far more sane:)
Good for you for doing the tarzan swing. The Swings are just as exciting. Deb didn’t jump. She is like you, a skydive is fine, but not a bungy.
The paragon of undertasdning these issues is right here!
you would never, ever get me to step off anything, EVER! LOL. everytime we go, i am the camera man. my hubs done the whole shebang;)
That is exactly what I did. I was the camera man. But AJ Hackett did such a great job with photos, I wasn’t even needed for that. I went out there with Dave and was nervous just watching.
I can’t step off a bungy either. I am trying to work up the nerve one day, but for now it is just Dave that does the jumps. I’ll do anything else. Just please don’t make me bungy. I am going to practice jumping off the high dive at the public pool
:-)baby steps I say.