Kawarau Bridge Bungy: what it’s really like to jump off a bridge in New Zealand

I’ve always loved the idea of doing a bungy jump because I’m obsessed with the idea of flying. As a relatively sane person, I realise this isn’t really possible, so don’t worry, I’m not fashioning myself wings out of bird feathers and cardboard. But if someone started granting superhero wishes to regular citizens, I’d be front of the queue asking for the ability to fly.

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Granted, bungy jumping isn’t as much flying as it is safely plummeting toward the earth with an extremely high chance of survival, but it’s a great way to get that flying buzz. So, when we started planning our trip to Queenstown, I asked the guys at AJ Hackett Bungy if we could come in and throw ourselves off a bridge. They said yes.

Choose your weapon

AJ Hackett are not messing around. They have four different jump sites around Queenstown, depending on what kind of thrill-seeking action you’re into. The Nevis Bungy at 134 metres is New Zealand’s highest jump, while the Nevis Swing whips your screaming body through a 300-metre arc at up to 150 km/h. The Nevis Catapult, their newest creation, launches you upward rather than dropping you down, which somehow sounds even more terrifying. The Ledge sits at the top of the Skyline Gondola with panoramic views over Queenstown. Finally, there’s Kawarau Bridge, the birthplace of commercial bungy, where you jump off a historic bridge toward the turquoise river below.

I’ve done a skydive before, but that’s a totally different beast. With a skydive, you don’t really experience the ground as a real thing, it seems so surreal, and you’re strapped to another person who pushes your frozen body out of the plane for you. With a bungy, you have to jump yourself off that ledge. Keeping all this in mind, I opted for the Kawarau Bridge jump for my first time.

Feel the fear and do it anyway

The morning of the jump, I kept forgetting about it. Then it’d creep back into my mind along with a little pang of nerves, which I’d push away and try to forget about. When I arrived at the jump site, about 25 minutes from Queenstown, it all started to set in and I got a bit jittery. The team on site were brilliant, getting everyone ready and talking us through the whole process, distracting us all with a fun, relaxed vibe.

I walked out to the bridge and told myself I wanted to be near the front of the queue. A mate who’d worked at this exact site once told me to keep looking out and not look down when I got to the ledge. So, as the guys wrapped up my legs with towels and bungy cords and my heart began to pound, I focused on keeping my head up.

By this stage, I was sitting squarely in that place where terror and excitement mix together to form one hell of an adrenaline rush. The guys helped me hop onto the ledge and I very, very slowly worked my way out to the edge of the platform. They told me to smile for the camera and I somehow managed to contort my lips into some semblance of a grin and give a little wave. It was go time.

Time to jump

So there I am, standing on the very edge of the platform, shaking and only about 90% sure I’m going to be able to do this. I’m not one to quit, so I know I’m not turning around and walking off this bridge, but I also know exactly how scared I feel and it’s a little overwhelming. In my mind, I’d pictured myself strolling out all brave and fearless and swan diving off it like a professional. My current state could not be further from that.

A crowd of people have gathered to watch, all of them crowding around, staring open-mouthed at the guy who thinks it’s a great idea to jump off a bridge in New Zealand. I take a little comfort in knowing that there’s only me standing on the bridge about to jump and a couple of dozen of them who can’t bring themselves to do it. I feel a bit brave.

The guys start the countdown. “Okay mate, you’re going to jump in 3… 2… ONE!” I don’t jump. I just stand there, shivering slightly. I apologise and feel like a real wimp. The guys are super supportive though, and I know at that moment that I don’t want to feel like a wimp again. There’s only one way I’m getting off this bridge and that’s by jumping off it. “This is it. You’ve got this. You’re going to jump in 3… 2… ONE!”

I scrunch down and roll off the edge of that bridge, much like how a sausage rolls off a kitchen bench. It’s not pretty, but I do it. The crowd screams. I’m flying through the air and I can’t scream because I’m not scared anymore, it just feels incredible. I reach my hands down toward the water and can’t stop grinning. The bungy cord catches me and springs me back up toward the bridge and I suddenly realise just how fast my heart is beating. I feel alive. I feel like I need to go donate blood or something, start a fundraiser, be a more active member of the community. I don’t know what I’m saying. I’m high on life.

A whole new me

The guys in the boat below hold up a pole and I grab it as they pull me in. My legs are jelly, shaking so much I can barely stand up properly, so I grab onto something to steady myself. I walk up the stairs, back up to the jump centre, holding onto the handrail the whole way. My heart is pounding and I can’t stop smiling. I want to do it again.

For the rest of the day, I walk around all puffed up, feeling like I’ve just won something. We celebrate with a big lunch of burgers and beers, talking about the experience over and over. It was brilliant and I can’t wait to do something bigger.

If you’re thinking of doing a jump of your own, I’d genuinely recommend AJ Hackett Bungy. If it’s your first time, you’re in good hands. Just do some research and decide which jump is right for you. The Kawarau Bridge is a solid starting point as it’s the most accessible, most iconic, and at 43 metres it’s not so overwhelming that you’ll talk yourself out of it. Prices start at around $205 NZD and the package includes a photo, video and a jumper t-shirt.

Book AJ Hackett’s Kawarau Bridge Bungy here

Frequently asked questions about Kawarau Bridge Bungy

How high is the Kawarau Bridge Bungy?
The Kawarau Bridge Bungy is 43 metres above the Kawarau River.

How much does it cost?
As of 2026, the Kawarau Bridge Bungy is priced at $205 NZD, which includes your jump, photo and video package, and a jumper t-shirt. Combo deals with other AJ Hackett experiences are available and can save you money if you’re planning to do multiple jumps.

Can you touch the water?
Yes, you can request a water touch at the bottom of your jump, where the cord dips you down to graze the surface of the river.

How far is Kawarau Bridge from Queenstown?
The Kawarau Bungy Centre is located on State Highway 6 at the Kawarau Bridge, about 25 minutes’ drive (23 km) from Queenstown. Free parking is available onsite, or you can book a return shuttle from downtown Queenstown through AJ Hackett.

What are the weight requirements?
Jumpers must weigh between 35 kg and 235 kg. The minimum age is 10 years old, and anyone under 14 needs to be accompanied by an adult.

What other bungy sites does AJ Hackett have in Queenstown?
There are four sites in total: Kawarau Bridge at 43 metres, the Ledge at 47 metres, the Nevis Swing (a 300-metre arc at up to 150 km/h), and the Nevis Bungy at 134 metres. The Nevis Catapult is the newest addition, launching you upward rather than dropping you down.

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