In 1986 a kiwi daredevil by the name of A J Hackett dived off Greenhithe Bridge in Auckland with little more than a big elastic band tied around his ankles for safety. Soon after, Hackett opened the world’s first commercial bungee jumping site on the Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown, New Zealand. Fast forward to today, and Queenstown has become something of a mecca for adventure seekers where there’s barely a precarious ledge or frighteningly high bridge in the town that hasn’t got a bungee jump or gorge swing site attached to it. From the hair-raising to the utterly terrifying, here are the best places to take the plunge in Queenstown.
The Most famous Bungee Jump – Kawarau Bridge
Opening for business in 1988, The Kawarau Bridge bungee jump was the world’s first bungee site to open to the public. Over the years, Kawarau Bridge has been superseded many times over by higher, crazier, and generally more nerve-wracking jumps. However, the jump’s 43 metre dive toward a raging river is still a hair-raising experience and a highly popular activity with thrill seeking tourists in Queenstown.
Most Scenic Bungee Jump – The Ledge
Reached by gondola and offering incredible views over Lake Wakitipu and the surrounding mountains, the Ledge bungee jump is one of the most scenic bungee sites in the world. However, absorbing the stunning view is probably one of the last things on the minds of many a terrified jumper as they launch themselves into the sky, 400 metres above the town.
Night Bungee Jump – The Ledge
Those not content with jumping by day can do a night bungee jump at the Ledge. Needless to say, plunging into the black of night with only the moon and the glittering lights of Queenstown below to illuminate the descent adds a whole new element of excitement to the proceedings.
Highest Queenstown Bungee Jump – Nevis Bungy
An 8.5 second free fall toward the rugged Nevis river landscape below awaits the adventurous who brave the scary Nevis bungee jump. Of all the adrenalin fuelled activities on offer in Queenstown, this is probably the most daunting and challenging. Hugely liberating and utterly terrifying at the same time, this is not an activity for those of a truly nervous disposition.
Canyon Swings in Queenstown
An exhilarating take on the bungee is canyon swinging (or gorge swinging). Here are three options for a thrilling canyon swing experience in Queenstown.
Scariest Canyon Swing – Shotover Canyon Swing
Adventure seekers searching for a serious adrenalin rush should make a beeline for the Shotover Canyon Swing. From a cliff face platform 360 feet above the Shotover river, the extremely brave face a 60 metre free fall toward the rocky riverbed before being smoothly swung out in an arc across the canyon at up to 150kph. Depending on one’s disposition, it’s either 200 metres of pure exhilaration or 200 metres of utter terror.
Best Views – The Ledge Sky Swing
For those who fancy a seriously good view to go with their adventure, the Ledge Sky Swing delivers in abundance. Thrill-seekers can enjoy fantastic views over Queenstown as they plummet toward the ground before arcing 400 feet out above the stunning landscape. For an added thrill, night swings are also available at the Ledge.
World’s Highest Gorge Swing – Nevis Arc Swing
This is one for true adrenalin hunters as the Nevis Arc is the highest swing in the world. Anyone brave enough to have a go can expect to fly in a 300 metre arc through the rugged canyon at a truly frightening speed. Pure adrenalin packed fun.
Cost of Bungee Jumping in Queenstown
Prices for bungee jumping in Queenstown start from around $250 NZD. Packages for groups and families are offered which can cut the costs considerably as can adventure combo deals for various activities. These include deals for combining various bungee jumps or combing a jump with other activities such as white-water rafting.
