Leaping from high places with a cord attached to your ankle has long been a traditional activity in Vanuatu, but kiwi entrepreneurs AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch have taken this thrilling activity to new extremes. Simply strap a rubber band to your ankles and take a daredevil leap from platforms around the country and the world. Welcome to the home of bungy – the activity that’s been called the quickest personal growth experience ever. In the 1980s Hackett & Van Asch started the world’s first commercial bungy operation, with a jump from the 43metre Kawarau Bridge near the South Island’s adventure playground of Queenstown. AJ Hackett’s newest jump – New Zealand’s highest – involves an awesome 134 metre plunge (440ft or 8 seconds of free fall) from a gondola suspended above a canyon. Around the country operators provide a variety of jumps from bridges and rail viaducts and specially constructed platforms. So when you see one, take the leap!
Auckland – Auckland Bridge Bungy (40m – 131ft): Auckland is home to the worlds first harbour bridge Bungy Jump and is operated by the Bungy originals – AJ Hackett Bungy. As part of the Bungy experience you’ll enjoy an exclusive bridge walk out to the specially-constructed and sensationally-suspended retro ‘Bungy pod’. It’s here you’ll build up the courage to leap out over the Waitamata Harbour. Once airborne take time to enjoy the views of the harbour, that is if you can keep your eyes open long enough. There’s a variety of Bungy options available with the optional ‘water touch’ being the favourite.
Rotorua – Rotorua Bungy (43m – 142ft): Open everyday except Christmas, thrill-seekers from every corner of the globe have visited our site leaving with a most memorable experience. At Rotorua Bungy all visitors are special and our exceptionally friendly staff are ready to heighten your experience with us, while all operators are trained to the highest level in the industry with safety being of the most important. Rotorua Bungy has an impeccable safety record and we are continuously striving to maintain that level at every given opportunity. And recently, we have been endorsed by Qualmark! Jump from our purpose built 43 metre (142ft) bungy tower. You can jump solo or in tandem…
Taupo – Taupo Bungy (47m – 154ft): The colour of the water alone is enough to inspire you to JUMP! We uphold a reputation for safety standards and professionalism – demonstrated by the ‘S’ mark – awarded for our commitment to safety. Our highly trained crew pride themselves in providing you with a totally exhilarating bungy experience! Wet or dry, the choice is yours! Advanced jump technology enables us to specialise in the water touch option. Water touches are available at no extra cost, so talk to your jump master about the options available to you. We’ll definitely do our best on your request! Not into the wet look? No problem. Just let us know you want a high and dry jump. Either way, the ground rush is totally awesome!
Queenstown – Kawarau Bridge Bungy (43m – 142ft): The Kawarau Bridge Bungy – home to the original 43-metre Bungy Jump. If you’ve heard of Bungy, you’ve heard of Kawarau. The world’s first and most infamous of leaps is still going strong, with tens of thousands Bungying each year. At the world\’s best-loved Bungy site, you can choose from a number of options; topple over backwards, forwards, with another person, spin or somersault. Kawarau Bridge Bungy is also the only Bungy in Queenstown where you can choose to bob above the water, touch it, or be fully immersed.
Queenstown – The Ledge Bungy (47m – 154ft): As the only urban Bungy in Queenstown, it was clearly our duty to make it as crazy as possible. The Ledge Bungy is like no other, in that it comes equipped with a ‘runway’ to launch you out 400 metres over Queenstown. What makes this special is the Bungy harness which allows you to vary your Bungy Jump style; try a flip, twist, or numerous other options all designed to provide a different Bungy experience. Not convinced? Try doing this all at night with the lights of Queenstown far below. Either way this Bungy is spectacular especially since you’ve reached it via the famous Skyline Gondola. This Bungy allows you to enjoy the best views in Queenstown as they slide past at a million miles an hour.
Queenstown – Nevis Highwire Bungy (134m – 440ft): For many, this would have to be the ultimate challenge. Make no mistake, the Nevis Highwire Bungy is not for the nervous – with a wild 134 metres (440 feet) drop, the river seems to rush towards you faster than you’re rushing towards it! With the Nevis Highwire Bungy, getting there is half the fun! The experience kicks off with a rugged 35 minute back-blocks 4×4 drive before you get harnessed up and board a shuttle which ferries you to the the Bungy Pod. After arriving at the Bungy Pod you’ll have time to come to grips with what you’re about to do…Bungy 134 metres over the Nevis Valley. Once off the edge it\’s simply a matter of basking in the glory of what you have achieved, as well as coming to grips with the 8 ½ seconds of freefall!
