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A thrill-seeker free-falls from a cliff, harnessed to a rope, with crashing waves below and rocky terrain surrounding.

Bungee Jumping in Queenstown: The World’s Adventure Capital

Charlotte Whitaker May 7, 2025

The Heartbeat of High Adrenaline

Imagine standing on the edge of a suspension bridge, the wind in your hair, a bungee cord strapped to your ankles, and 160 metres of open air beneath you. Your heart pounds. The countdown begins. Three, two, one—you leap. For a split second, you’re flying, falling, living.

Welcome to bungee jumping in Queenstown, New Zealand, the birthplace of commercial bungee and a global icon for adrenaline sports. If you’re a thrill-seeker, this vibrant lakeside town is your playground. And even if you’re not, Queenstown’s unique charm and incredible scenery will tempt you to take the plunge.

In this article, we’ll take you through what makes Queenstown the world’s adventure capital, how to choose your jump, what to expect from the experience, and how to prepare mentally and physically. If you’re looking for the ultimate extreme jump, this guide has your back.

Why Queenstown is Synonymous with Extreme Sports

Birthplace of Commercial Bungee

It all started in 1988 when AJ Hackett, a Kiwi innovator and daredevil, opened the Kawarau Bridge Bungy. What was once a niche pursuit became a global phenomenon, and Queenstown hasn’t looked back since.

Today, it’s home to some of the most famous and tallest bungee jumps in the world. Think vertical drops, river canyons, and panoramic alpine backdrops.

Unmatched Scenery

You don’t just jump. You jump into a view. Surrounded by snow-capped mountains and overlooking Lake Wakatipu, every leap in Queenstown is backed by an unbeatable backdrop. It’s not just a sport—it’s an experience.

A Hub of Adventure Variety

From skydiving to whitewater rafting and mountain biking, Queenstown offers the full adventure suite. For many, bungee is the gateway drug to a full-blown adrenaline addiction.

Want more thrills? Head to How to Stay Safe During Extreme Sports Activities for essential safety tips across all adventure sports.

The Top Bungee Jumping Spots in Queenstown

Two performers in traditional attire dangle from ropes, gracefully twisting against a bright blue sky with fluffy clouds.

1. Nevis Bungy (134m)

New Zealand’s highest bungee jump
Takes place from a suspended pod over the Nevis River Valley
The freefall lasts an incredible 8.5 seconds

Ideal for: Hardcore thrill-seekers who want the biggest, boldest drop.

2. Kawarau Bridge Bungy (43m)

The original commercial bungee site
A beautiful leap over the Kawarau River
Water touches are optional

Perfect for: First-time jumpers wanting a mix of heritage and thrill.

3. The Ledge Bungy (47m)

Located on Bob’s Peak, accessible via the Skyline Gondola
Unique freestyle harness allows for flips and twists
Night jumps available

Best for: Those who want to spice things up with urban views and style.

What the Jump Feels Like: A Personal Snapshot

“I’ve done skydiving, ziplining, and canyon swings, but nothing quite prepares you for that split-second decision to leap. The world goes silent, your stomach drops, and then… freedom. The Nevis jump was like falling into the sky.” — Tom, 31, Manchester

If that sounds dramatic, it’s because it is. Bungee jumping is not just a physical act—it’s a mental milestone.

What to Expect on the Day of Your Jump

A shirtless climber hangs mid-air from a rock face, gripping a rope, with rugged cliffs and a vast landscape in the background.

1. Check-In & Weigh-In

Arrive at the site, check in, and get weighed. Your weight determines the bungee cord calibration.

2. Gear Up

You’ll be strapped into a safety harness and ankle cords. All equipment is double-checked.

3. Safety Briefing

A trained guide will explain the jump process, positioning, and recovery. Ask any questions—they’re there to help you stay safe and confident.

4. The Jump

Time to step to the edge. Don’t overthink it. Listen for the countdown and go!

5. Recovery & Photos

You’ll be either pulled back up or lowered down (depending on the site). Collect your video footage, grab a celebratory photo, and bask in the glory.

Mental Preparation: Facing the Fear

It’s okay to be nervous. The fear is real, but it’s manageable.

Here’s how to cope:

Focus on your breath: Calm, slow inhales and exhales
Don’t look down too soon: Keep your eyes on the horizon
Trust the professionals: These jumps are conducted with surgical precision
Remember your why: Whether it’s conquering fear or ticking off your bucket list, hold onto it

Physical Requirements and Restrictions

To ensure safety, most operators follow strict guidelines:

Minimum age: 10–16+, depending on site
Weight limits: 35kg to 127kg (varies by jump)
Medical restrictions: Pregnancy, epilepsy, recent surgeries, or spinal conditions may disqualify

Always consult your doctor if in doubt, and be honest in your waiver.

Booking Tips & Pricing

Prices range from NZD $205 (Kawarau) to $275+ (Nevis)
Packages available for multiple jumps or combo deals (e.g., swing + bungee)
Photos and video packages add $45–$60
Peak times: Book early in summer (Dec–Feb)

Look for discounts or early-bird offers, especially if booking online.

Bungee Jumping vs. Skydiving: What’s More Intense?

A tandem skydiver descends through fluffy clouds, with a view of land and water below, capturing the thrill of freefalling from above.

While skydiving offers longer flight time, bungee gives you instant, pure intensity.

Here’s a quick comparison:

Experience	Bungee Jumping	Skydiving
Freefall Duration	5–8 seconds	30–60 seconds
Altitude	Up to 134m (from the platform)	Up to 15,000ft (from plane)
Fear Factor	Very high	High
Gear Involvement	Minimal (cord + harness)	Full (parachute + helmet + altimeter)

Curious about diving through the clouds? Explore Skydiving in Interlaken: Europe’s Ultimate Freefall Experience for a different kind of rush.

Safety Standards and Reputation

AJ Hackett and other providers in Queenstown follow stringent global safety protocols.

Including:

Regular cord stress testing
Dual safety checks
Certified jump masters
Comprehensive insurance coverage

To date, Queenstown boasts a stellar safety record. You’re in some of the safest hands in the world.

Capturing the Moment

Operators offer professional footage packages.

Including:

Multiple camera angles
Slow-motion replays
High-res photos
Digital delivery via USB or online link

Wear a bold colour and avoid loose accessories.

What to Do After the Jump

Don’t just ride the high—celebrate it:

Grab a drink at a lakeside bar
Take a jet boat ride on Lake Wakatipu
Soak in Onsen Hot Pools with a view
Explore Arrowtown for history and coffee

Queenstown is the gift that keeps giving.

Eco-Friendly Adventure

Many operators are now embracing sustainable practices, such as:

Using energy-efficient transport to sites
Offsetting carbon footprints
Supporting local conservation efforts

If sustainability matters to you, ask your operator about their green initiatives.

Conclusion: Dare to Leap

Bungee jumping in Queenstown isn’t just a sport—it’s a rite of passage. It challenges your limits, electrifies your senses, and delivers a story you’ll tell for years. With world-class sites, top-tier safety, and jaw-dropping scenery, there’s no better place on Earth to jump.

So, are you ready to take the leap? The edge is closer than you think.

Your Turn

Have you jumped in Queenstown or are you planning to? Drop your thoughts, fears, or bucket-list dreams in the comments. Share this post with your daredevil friends or bookmark it for your next Kiwi escape.