Bungy in Queenstown
Where can you bungy in Queenstown?
Three AJ Hackett sites: Kawarau Bridge (43m, the original from 1988, NZD 255), the Nevis (134m, NZD 365 — NZ's tallest), and the Ledge (47m above Queenstown at the gondola top, NZD 215). The Kawarau is the iconic choice; the Nevis is for the truly committed.
The world’s first commercial bungy jump — and why Queenstown still does it best
On 12 November 1988, AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch launched themselves off the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, 43 metres above the Kawarau River, and changed adventure tourism permanently. What started as a single bridge jump in a remote South Island canyon is now a global brand with sites across the world — but the original bridge still runs, the same location, and it remains the most historically significant bungy jump you can do anywhere on earth.
Queenstown has three AJ Hackett sites, each with a different character, elevation, and price. The monopoly position of AJ Hackett means there’s no meaningful price competition between operators — you’re choosing between their own products. The honest verdict: if you’re only doing one, the Kawarau Bridge gives you history and setting; if you want pure adrenaline, the Nevis is in a completely different category; and the Ledge is best if you want a bungy within the Queenstown townscape rather than a remote canyon.
The three sites compared
| Site | Height | Price (NZD) | USD | EUR | Setting | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kawarau Bridge | 43m | 255 | 153 | 140 | Gorge, river below | History, photos, first-timers |
| The Nevis | 134m | 365 | 219 | 201 | Remote canyon, cable car access | Maximum adrenaline, serious jumpers |
| The Ledge | 47m | 215 | 129 | 118 | Gondola top, city views | Night jumps, urban setting, lower cost |
All prices include a certificate and digital photos; video packages are extra (NZD 40–80 / USD 24–48 / EUR 22–44).
Kawarau Bridge — the original
The Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge is 23 km east of Queenstown on SH6. A dedicated visitor centre sits above the bridge, with viewing platforms that let non-jumpers watch the action for free — the platform fills up, and the atmosphere is part of what makes Kawarau the best experience for groups where only some members are jumping.
The jump itself is 43m. You can choose a water touch (your hands or feet graze the river at the bottom of the arc) for no extra charge — a classic option that adds a sensory element to the fall. The single jump costs NZD 255 / USD 153 / EUR 140.
The Kawarau Gorge is beautiful — schist rock walls, clear green river, old stone bridge against the canyon. The setting is genuinely scenic rather than industrial. Most first-time bungy jumpers should start here: the height is significant but not overwhelming, the infrastructure is excellent, and the history adds meaning to the experience.
The Nevis — New Zealand’s tallest bungy
The Nevis Bungy is 134m above the Nevis River — more than three times the height of the Kawarau Bridge. To reach the jump platform, you take a 4WD shuttle from Queenstown to the canyon rim, then a cable car across to the platform, which hangs suspended in the gorge. The whole outing takes 3–4 hours including transport.
At 134m, freefall takes approximately 8.5 seconds — which sounds brief but is significantly longer than anything you experience at 43m. The sensation of weightlessness is qualitatively different from lower bungy jumps. There is no gentle way to describe the Nevis: it is one of the most intense legal thrills available anywhere in New Zealand, and if you haven’t jumped before, you should start at Kawarau rather than here.
The Nevis Bungy and Swing combo combines the 134m bungy with the Nevis Swing (300m arc) on the same outing — NZD 520 / USD 312 / EUR 287. This is the highest-value single-day extreme sports package in Queenstown if you’re committed to the Nevis experience.
For the full Nevis complex, the Nevis Thrillogy bundles the bungy, the swing, and the Nevis Catapult — NZD 615 / USD 369 / EUR 340. Only for those who want to extract maximum adrenaline from a single canyon location.
The Ledge — city views and night jumps
The Ledge is at the top of the Skyline Gondola, 400m above Queenstown. The gondola ride to the top costs extra if you’re not already a luge ticket holder (gondola admission NZD 35 / USD 21 / EUR 19 separately). The bungy itself is 47m — only 4m more than the Kawarau Bridge, but the setting is completely different: you’re jumping over the rooftops of Queenstown with Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables as backdrop.
The Ledge runs at night, which no other Queenstown bungy site does. A night jump at the Ledge — looking out over the illuminated town and lake — is a genuinely different experience from a daytime canyon jump. If you’ve already done a bungy elsewhere and want something distinctive, the Ledge at sunset or after dark is the correct choice.
Price: NZD 215 / USD 129 / EUR 118. Gondola access sold separately unless you’re already there for the luge.
What it actually feels like
The approach is worse than the jump for almost everyone. Standing on the platform, looking down at the river or canyon floor, the brain registers something that evolution has hardwired as very wrong. The jump itself is a decision you have to make actively — there’s no mechanism that tips you forward.
Once you’ve committed and gone over the edge: the first 1–3 seconds of freefall feel like nothing else. The wind, the visual information of the ground approaching, and the total absence of anything to hold all occur simultaneously. The rebound (the bungee cord stretching and contracting) extends the experience for another 20–30 seconds. Most people describe the experience as euphoric rather than terrifying after landing — the cortisol and adrenaline combination produces a specific high that’s difficult to replicate otherwise.
Booking ahead vs walking up
AJ Hackett strongly recommends booking online in advance, particularly for the Nevis (limited capacity) and in peak season (December–February, July–August). Online prices match walk-up prices for the Kawarau and Ledge, but the Nevis frequently sells out 2–3 days ahead in summer.
The Kawarau Bridge accepts walk-ups, and you can often get a same-day slot outside of school holiday peaks. Morning slots (first departure 9am) tend to have shorter queues and better light for photos.
Cost breakdown (NZD, USD, EUR)
| Item | NZD | USD | EUR |
|---|---|---|---|
| Kawarau Bridge bungy | 255 | 153 | 140 |
| Ledge bungy | 215 | 129 | 118 |
| Nevis bungy | 365 | 219 | 201 |
| Nevis bungy + swing combo | 520 | 312 | 287 |
| Nevis Thrillogy | 615 | 369 | 340 |
| Video package (add-on) | 40–80 | 24–48 | 22–44 |
| Kawarau photos (included) | — | — | — |
Exchange rate used: 1 NZD = 0.60 USD = 0.55 EUR (2026 snapshot).
Combos and packages
AJ Hackett offers multi-activity combos. The most rational if you’re spending a full day at the Nevis complex is the Thrillogy. If you want to combine a Kawarau jump with the Shotover Jet, note that these are separate operators and you’ll need to book independently.
The Nevis Swing and Catapult combo (NZD 430 / USD 258 / EUR 237) is worth considering if you want two distinct Nevis experiences but aren’t ready for the 134m bungy. The Catapult launches you forward rather than dropping you down — a different sensation from the swing.
Safety, age limits, weight limits
AJ Hackett has operated since 1988 with an excellent safety record. All equipment is inspected daily; the bungee cords are replaced on a strict rotation schedule.
Age minimums:
- Kawarau and Ledge: 10 years minimum (with parental consent for under-18)
- Nevis: 13 years minimum
Weight limits:
- Minimum: 35 kg (all sites)
- Maximum: 235 kg (Nevis), 230 kg (Kawarau and Ledge)
Medical exclusions: Recent surgery, heart conditions, epilepsy, back or neck injuries, pregnancy. If in doubt, contact AJ Hackett before booking — they are straightforward about medical suitability.
Frequently asked questions
Can you bungy jump in Queenstown without a booking?
The Kawarau Bridge accepts walk-ups throughout the year, though queues can be long in peak summer and ski season. The Nevis almost always requires advance booking — same-day availability is rare in summer. The Ledge can usually accommodate walk-ups on quieter days. Online booking guarantees your slot and takes the same amount of time as a walk-up.
What happens if I change my mind on the platform?
You can step back from the platform at any time before jumping. AJ Hackett does not give refunds for a change of mind on the platform — the booking is non-refundable once you’ve arrived at the site. This policy is standard across all commercial bungy operators. The guides are experienced at encouraging nervous jumpers without pressure.
Is the Nevis worth the extra cost over Kawarau?
If pure adrenaline is the goal, yes unambiguously. The Nevis is a categorically different experience from the Kawarau — the freefall time, the canyon isolation, and the height combine to produce something that 43m simply cannot replicate. If you’re a first-time jumper unsure if you’ll enjoy bungy, start at Kawarau (lower cost, lower commitment). If you know you want the most intense possible experience, go straight to the Nevis.
Is the Kawarau Bridge bungy worth doing if I’ve done one before?
The Kawarau Bridge’s value is primarily historical — it’s the original commercial bungy site, and the setting is beautiful. For experienced bungy jumpers it’s not the most thrilling experience, but doing it at the site that started the whole industry has its own appeal. If you’ve done similar heights elsewhere, the Nevis is the better choice for a new experience.
Can you watch bungy jumping at Kawarau without doing it?
Yes. The Kawarau Bridge visitor centre has free viewing platforms where you can watch jumpers for as long as you like. The coffee shop is reasonable. This makes Kawarau the best site to bring a mixed group of jumpers and non-jumpers.
What should I wear for a bungy jump?
Comfortable athletic clothing that won’t shift dramatically upside down. Closed-toe shoes are required. Avoid loose accessories. GoPro head mounts are permitted at some sites; check with AJ Hackett when booking. Glasses can be worn with a strap.
How does Queenstown bungy compare to Auckland Harbour Bridge bungy?
The Auckland Harbour Bridge bungy is 40m — similar height to the Kawarau Bridge — but the setting is urban rather than scenic. The Kawarau wins on scenery, history, and atmosphere. For those who can only do one NZ bungy, Kawarau is the correct choice. The Auckland Harbour Bridge bungy is worth doing if you’re based in Auckland and not making it to Queenstown, but it doesn’t match the iconic status or setting of the original.