Which Bungy Jump to do in Queenstown
Queenstown is the home of bungy jumping in New Zealand. It is where the worldâs first commercial bungy jump opened, and since then it has become one of the most popular activities to do in Queenstown.
There are two bungy jumps to choose from in Queenstown. The Kawarau Bridge is the original bungy and the place where it all started, while the Nevis is the much bigger jump.
My first ever bungy was at the Kawarau Bridge and from there I was hooked. I booked the Nevis that night and eventually went on to work at AJ Hackett Bungy. Since then, I have done more jumps than I can count, as well as the different swings and rides on offer.
So if youâre trying to decide which Queenstown bungy to do, youâre in the right place. From massive heights to water touches and backflips, Iâll take you through the different options and what you can expect from each one.
Why is Queenstown the best place to bungy jump?
Queenstown is know as the home of bungy. In 1988 AJ Hackett and Henry Van Asch teamed up and created the worlds first commercial bungy jump, the Kawarau Bridge, located in Queenstown.
It essentially launched the small town as the adventure capital and has since brought millions of people to the area.
Since then, bungy jumping has become a popular activity world wide and there and now many jump sites all around the world. But Queenstown will always be the home of bungy.
There are now not just three different bungy sites, but each location also has other adrenaline filled activities you can do. They include swings, ziplines and catapults.
It is pretty fair to say there really is no better place to bungy jump than Queenstown.
What are the bungy jump options in Queenstown?
There are two bungy jumps to choose from in Queenstown, the Kawarau Bridge and the Nevis. The Kawarau Bridge is the original bungy, while the Nevis is the big one if you are after a bigger thrill.
There used to be a third jump at the Ledge, but unfortunately this has now closed.
The Kawarau bridge – Queenstown’s original Bungy jump
The Kawarau Bridge Bungy was the worlds first commercial bungy jump, and is the most popular of all the bungy sites in Queenstown. This was the first ever bungy jump I did and despite being nervous to start, I absolutely loved it and I booked my second jump at the Nevis later that day.
Located over the Kawarau river, jumpers are treated to a view of turquoise blue water as they leap off the platform toward the river below.
Being only a 43 meter high jump, it is the smallest bungy jump in Queenstown. However, what it lacks in height, it certainly make up for in epic extras you can’t do at any of the other three sights.
A water touch one of the highlights here. How much you go into the water is up to you, whether it be a hand touch or a full dunking, it is certainly a unique bungy experience. Please note, that water touches are dependent on good weather conditions, so the option may not be available on some days.
The Kawarau Bridge bungy also has the option to tandem jump. This is where two jumpers are attached together and jump in a pair. Being able to enjoy this experience with someone close to you is a big draw card and is something the other two sites don’t offer.
Another bonus is the accessibility of the jump site. Located a 30 minute drive from Queenstown centre, the Kawarau Bridge bungy is a great option for people who want their family to come and watch them jump.
There is a great viewing platform with plenty of space where spectators can watch, take photos and encourage the jumpers when it’s time to take the leap.
The Nevis – Queenstown’s highest bungy jump
Not only is the Nevis the highest bungy jump in Queenstown, but it is also the highest in the southern hemisphere. At a massive 134 metres off the ground, this experience is for those thrill seekers who want to go big or go home.
Due to the large height of the Nevis bungy, the free-fall time is a long 8.5 seconds. This really gives you time to take in what you are actually doing, unlike the other two jumps which are over pretty quick. I definitely had a “OMG I’m still falling” moment.
Getting to the Nevis jump site is an experience in itself. Unfortunately you can’t drive out there on your own as the entrance is through private land.
AJ Hackett Bungy provides transport up the narrow gravel roads in their 4WD bus. Sit on the left hand side of the bus on the way in if you want to look down at the sheer drop at the edge of the road.
This also means the spectators can’t make there own way out there to watch you. However, there is an option for them to pay a small fee to come for the ride out on the bus as well. This is a great option for those who may want a bit of support for their jump.
What other activities are available at AJ Hackett bungy?
Maybe bungy jumping is not quite your thing, or you wan to get more out of your bungy experience, well, there are a few other things you can do at the Queenstown sites other than bungy jump.
Swings
There are now two AJ Hackett swings to choose from in Queenstown, the Nevis Swing and the Kawarau Swing. The Nevis Swing is the bigger and more well-known option, with a huge 300m arc over the Nevis Valley.
You can go by yourself or with someone else, and there are a few different ways to do it. Forwards, backwards or upside down, you can choose how you want to take on the swing. I have done it forwards, backwards and upside down, and they all give you a slightly different experience.
The Kawarau Swing is located at the famous Kawarau Bridge, so you can combine it with the original bungy site. It is a great option if you want to experience a swing but don’t want to make the trip out to the Nevis.
Both are great choices, but if you are after the bigger swing, the Nevis is the one to go for.
Zipride
The Kawarau Zipride is a great option for the whole family with kids as young as 8, able to join in on the fun. At 130 meters long and getting up to speeds of 60 kmh, the Zipride is the perfect amount of adrenaline for those who may find a bungy jump a bit too much.
Another great thing about the this experience is that are the many ways you can enjoy this ride. The option to go tandem (in a pair), is a great choice for young ones or those that are a bit nervous.
There are also lots of ways to be harnessed into the ride, with the superman style being the most popular.
Catapult
The Nevis Catapult is by far the most unique experience AJ Hackett Bungy has to offer. Not only was it the first of its kind, but it is also the biggest human catapult in the world.
Propelling you out 150 meters at 100kmh this ride gives that extra burst of adrenaline for those looking for something more.
Taking off from the same platform as the Nevis Swing, you will be harnessed in to a superman position. A bungy chord is then tightened in front you before you are released and launched out into the Nevis Valley.
The Catapult is a bit of a mix between a bungy and a swing, and a unique experience that you might not get to try anywhere else in the world.
How much does a bungy jump cost? – are there any deals?
The cost of a bungy jump varies on which Queenstown site you go to. The Ledge is always your cheapest option followed by the Kawarau and then the Nevis.
Prices range from around $100 up to $395 including discounted prices for children and students. These prices can vary depending on the time of year, as the bungy sites are at their busiest during summer, so always double check when you book.
There are also many different combo options if you want to do more than one bungy or activity.
You can do a few different activities at one of the sites or you can combine multiple sites and do all of your favourites if you can’t just pick one. Check out the full range of combos on the AJ Hackett Bungy website.
How do I get to the the Queenstown bungy Jump sites?
The ways to get to both of the Queenstown bungy jump sites are different and depends on public accessibility. There is either the bungy bus or making your own way there to choose from.
The Kawarau Bridge is the only jump you can make your own way too. Only a 30 minute drive from Queenstown this is the best way to bring along your support team to watch you bungy jump.
The Bungy bus is a good choice for the Kawarau Bridge Bungy and is the only way to get to the Nevis Bungy. Experienced drivers will take the hassle out of making your way to these sites by providing rides for guests and providing a little bit of knowledge to get you prepared.
The buses leave at set times throughout the day from the Station Building in the middle of town. You will be advised what time you need to be there when you book.
What are the Photo and Video options?
Once you have done your bungy, you want to be able to brag about it right? AJ Hackett Bungy has both photo and video options so you can show off the bungy jump you did in Queenstown to you friends and family.
There are multiple cameras operating at each of the sites that capture as much of your experience as possible. Each bungy and activity have cameras that have been strategically placed and get the best angles and facial expressions that are well worth purchasing.
You have the option to buy both the photos and video or just one of the two. These can be purchased at the time of booking or after you have completed your jump.
There are screens available at each of the sites where you can check out your photos and decide from that what you want to buy.
Is bungy jumping safe?
It is quite common for people to wonder if it is safe to bungy jump and it can often put someone off doing it.
However, it is important to remember that while there is always going to be an element of risk involved, there are very high safety standards that activity providers in New Zealand need to abide by.
AJ Hackett Bungy has been in opperation since 1988, and throughout that time they have had an immaculate safety record.
They are the most experienced bungy company in the world and routinely complete safety checks on all the activities and equipment used for them.
You can do your part to keep yourself safe by correctly filling out the waiver form given to you prior to doing your chosen activity. It is important that you disclose any injuries or pre existing medical conditions as more often than not, the Bungy crew will be able to adjust a few things for your jump to make it more comfortable for you.
There are some cases where you may not be permitted to jump such as pregnancy, and other instances where a doctors certificate is required. If you are unsure you can call the bungy call centre and chat with your doctor as well.
What will you choose?
Getting to experience a bungy jump in Queenstown is something not to be missed. While all three bungy jumps are quite different, they are all great choices and you can’t really go wrong no matter which one you pick.
There really is no better feeling than the adrenalin rush and the sense of accomplishment you get after you jump. Add a bungy jump to the top of your bucket list and discover why Queenstown is the adventure capital of New Zealand.
