Bungee Jump in New Zealand

Some bucket-list ideas, once they’re in your head, refuse to leave. If bungee jumping is one of yours, New Zealand is the place to scratch that itch. This is where the sport began, and the people who run it have spent decades getting every detail right.

Bungee is over in seconds, and it’s the minutes before you step off the edge that stay with you. Nearly everyone we talk to who has done it says the same thing: the nerves are real, the leap is a blur and the grin afterwards lasts all day.

Kawarau Bridge: Where it all started

If you’re only going to do one, we’d make it the original. The Kawarau Bridge, a short drive from Queenstown, is the site of the world’s first commercial bungee operation, opened by A.J. Hackett and Henry van Asch in 1988. That’s more than 35 years of people launching off the same spot.

At 43 metres, it isn’t the highest jump in the country, and that’s part of its appeal. It’s high enough to make your stomach flip, and approachable enough that first-timers feel they can do it. The setting is beautiful, with the deep blue-green water of the Kawarau River below and steep gorge walls all around. You can even choose to dip your head in the water, which is a great photo.

If you’d like company, Kawarau Bridge is one of the few places in Queenstown where tandem jumps are offered. Jumping with a friend, partner or sibling is a brilliant way to share the moment, and a lovely way to mark a special occasion.

The Ledge: Bungee with a view

Queenstown is New Zealand’s adventure capital, and in winter it’s one of the country’s best-known ski and snowboard resorts. So you won’t be short of things to do once your feet are back on the ground. White-water rafting, jetboating, mountain biking and paragliding are all on offer, set against the Remarkables mountain range and Lake Wakatipu.

When you need a slower pace, head to the Gibbston Valley, close to the Kawarau Bridge. It’s one of the best-known wine-growing areas in Central Otago, famed for its Pinot Noir. A glass of red as the sun goes down over the mountains is a very good way to calm the post-jump adrenaline. We’d recommend leaving the wine until after your jump, not before.

Explore more on our Queenstown & Fiordland page, or browse our adventure holidays.

The Sky Swing: For those who want a bit extra

If a straightforward drop doesn’t quite satisfy you, the Sky Swing adds a swooping, swinging element to the freefall. It’s a different sensation entirely: you fall, then the motion changes as the swing takes over. It isn’t for the faint-hearted, but it’s an exhilarating alternative to a classic jump.

The Nevis: New Zealand's highest

If you want the ultimate, there’s the Nevis. At 134 metres, it’s the highest bungee in New Zealand, with a freefall of around eight and a half seconds. That’s a very long time when you’re falling.

It’s remote as well as high. You’ll be taken by 4WD vehicle to a pod suspended over the Nevis Valley, south-east of Queenstown, and the journey to get there is part of the fun. We’d be honest with you: if you have a serious fear of heights, this probably isn’t the one to start with. But if you’re after something unforgettable, it’s hard to beat.

Bungee in Auckland

Bungee isn’t just a South Island thing. If you’re starting your trip in Auckland, you can jump from the Auckland Harbour Bridge, a 40-metre drop with the city skyline and the Waitemata Harbour as your backdrop. The bridge climb is a separate experience, taking you up and over the steel structure, and many visitors do both. It’s a great way to start a New Zealand trip with a bang.

Read more about the city on our Auckland page

A few honest tips before you book

• Weather matters. Jumps can be delayed or cancelled in bad conditions, so don’t plan your only free day around it.
• Book ahead in peak season. Summer and school holidays are busy.
• Check the rules. Operators have age, weight and health requirements, so confirm them before you set your heart on it.
• Don’t overthink it. Most people find the waiting harder than the jump.

Ready to take the leap?

We’ve been helping UK travellers plan their New Zealand adventures for over two decades, and we can build bungee into a wider itinerary so everything fits together. A few ideas:

• Explore our South Island tours
• Combine both islands on the Classic New Zealand Self-Drive
• Travel with others on a small group tour
• Celebrating something? See our honeymoons
• Request your free New Zealand travel guide

Frequently Asked Questions

Where was the world’s first commercial bungee jump?
The Kawarau Bridge near Queenstown, in 1988. It’s still operating today and remains one of the most popular places in the world to jump.

What is the highest bungee jump in New Zealand?
The Nevis, at 134 metres, with a freefall of around eight and a half seconds.

Can you do a bungee jump with a friend?
Yes. The Kawarau Bridge offers tandem jumps, which are a fun way to share the experience.

Is bungee jumping safe?
New Zealand’s operators are well established and follow strict safety standards, and the equipment and procedures are checked closely. Follow the staff’s instructions, and let them know about any health conditions before you book.

When is the best time to go bungee jumping in New Zealand?
Summer (December to February) has the warmest weather and the longest days, but jumps run throughout the year. Winter jumps can be spectacular too, with snow-capped mountains all around.