Is bungy jumping on your bucket list? If so, here are all the ‘need to knows’ on some of the biggest and best jumps in New Zealand. While Hanmer Springs offers an easier jump for first-timers, Queenstown offers an array of maximum thrill experiences. Whether you’re looking for a tandem jump or a water dip, New Zealand has it all.
1. Queenstown
Queenstown offers a range of bungy jumps with various thrill levels. The ledge bungy is available at the Skyline in Queenstown and is accessed via the gondola. If you’re up for a pre-bungy workout, walk up the hiking trails to the top instead. The freestyle bungy is 47 metres high and gives jumpers spectacular views of the area. However, check the jump status before going, as it has been temporarily closed. If you want to jump off a New Zealand bridge, try the Kawarau jump. This 43-metre bungy offers a tandem option for a unique experience to share with a friend or partner. You can opt for a dunk in the water below too. The Kawarau bungy is the world’s first ever bungy jump! For the greatest thrillseekers, try the epic 134 metre Nevis jump. This is the highest Bungy in New Zealand and offers 8.5 seconds of freefall! While you’re in Queenstown, make sure you also check out the catapult or zip ride.
2. Auckland
The Auckland bridge jump offers the only ocean touch in New Zealand. Combine your 40-metre jump with a fully guided bridge walk that provides incredible views of the city. The bungy pod is attached to the bridges’ underside, ready for brave jumpers to take the leap. For a slightly different experience, try the 192-metre sky jump from Auckland’s Skytower. This controlled descent offers a different take on the traditional bungy and allows you to reach speeds of 85kph as you descend 53 floors in just 11 seconds.
3. Hanmer Springs
Hanmer Springs is a resort town less than a two-hour drive from Christchurch that offers a range of activities for tourists and backpackers. If you want to bungy jump, make your way to the Waiau Ferry Bridge, where you can enjoy the alpine scenery as you take a 35-metre leap. Jump from the 135-year-old bridge and feel the fear turn to delight as you race towards the water below. After you jump, you’ll be collected by a jet boat and taken back to shore. This is the perfect bungy for first-time jumpers.
4. Rotorua
Rotorua – or ‘Rotovegas’ – is the tourist centre of the North Island that caters for a variety of travellers. Velocity Valley offers a 43-metre freefall that you can take solo or tandem. Push yourself to the limit as you reach speeds of up to 60kmph. If you’re up for more thrills, try a jet boat ride, sky swing, or ‘Shweeb Race’ – the only pedal-powered monorail in the world! Rotorua is the ultimate playground for thrillseekers.
5. Taupo
Taupo Bungy offers New Zealand’s only clifftop jumping experience from a cantilever platform which gives you a high and out position over the calm blue waters of the Waikato River. A versatile jump, the Taupo Bungy offers tandem and water dunking options; you can skim the refreshing surface with your fingers or experience a full-body submersion. In addition, you can combine the jump with the Cliffhanger Extreme Swing for a discount on the overall package.
6. Shotover River
Though not technically a bungy jump, the Shotover Canyon Swing offers an alternative experience. Located in the bungy centre of Queenstown, you can try the world’s highest cliff jump over the Shotover River with 60 metres of freefall. The team at Canyon Swing are keen to tailor the experience to suit you, giving you different options on how to jump. Experience a sense of freedom as you face your fears and leap into the void.
Cover Image Credit: AJ Hackett Bungy.
