Kawarau Bridge
Bungy
Queenstown
Where dreams come true.
Queenstown is the home of bungy. This is where AJ Hackett pioneered the world's first commercial bungy jump in 1988, off the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge. Today it's the adventure capital of New Zealand, with three iconic sites in and around town: the original Kawarau Bungy Centre, the extreme Nevis Playground, and the soon-to-reopen Ledge Bungy and Swing.
From the original 43m leap off the Kawarau Bridge to New Zealand's highest jump at the Nevis, Queenstown has an adventure for every nerve level. Bungy, Swing or Zipride at the Kawarau Bungy Centre, take on the Nevis Bungy, Swing and Catapult out at the Nevis Playground, or keep it closer to town at the Ledge Bungy and Swing. Go all in or ease in on a more family-friendly ride, then watch the action with a side of lunch and drinks.
Three legendary sites, each with its own character. The Kawarau Bungy Centre is where bungy began, home to the Kawarau Bungy, Kawarau Swing and Kawarau Zipride. The Nevis Playground is the big one, with the Nevis Bungy, Nevis Swing and the Nevis Catapult. And the Ledge, perched above town with sweeping views over Queenstown, is set to reopen soon.
The Kawarau Bungy Centre, around 25 minutes from central Queenstown on State Highway 6, is the home of the original Kawarau Bridge Bungy and is the most accessible site. You can drive yourself and park for free, and it offers the Kawarau Bridge Bungy, Kawarau Swing and Kawarau Zipride. The Nevis Playground is out in the high country and is reached only by AJ Hackett shuttle. It's home to the biggest experiences: the Nevis Bungy (New Zealand's highest at 134 metres), the Nevis Swing and the Nevis Catapult.
The Nevis Bungy in Queenstown is New Zealand's highest bungy at 134 metres. It's located at the Nevis Playground and is accessed via AJ Hackett's shuttle service.
You can drive to the Kawarau Bungy Centre, which has free on-site parking. The Nevis Playground is accessed by AJ Hackett shuttle only, so you can't self-drive to the Nevis Bungy, Swing or Catapult.
Kawarau Swing and Kawarau Zipride are 8+, the Kawarau Bridge Bungy and Nevis Swing are 10+, and the Nevis Bungy and Nevis Catapult are 13+. Anyone under 15 requires adult consent, and the Nevis activities recommend an accompanying adult. (Zipride riders aged 8–9 must go tandem with an adult aged 20+.)
Kawarau Bridge Bungy: 35kg–160kg solo (235kg tandem). Kawarau Swing: 30kg–150kg solo (240kg tandem or triple). Kawarau Zipride: 30kg–150kg. Nevis Bungy: 45kg–127kg. Nevis Swing: 35kg–160kg solo (220kg tandem). Nevis Catapult: 45kg–127kg. For tandem options the maximum weight difference between participants is 30kg, and final suitability is assessed by the crew on the day.
Yes. Tandem is available on the Kawarau Bridge Bungy, Kawarau Swing, Kawarau Zipride and Nevis Swing. The Nevis Bungy and Nevis Catapult are solo only. This makes the Kawarau Swing or Nevis Swing a good option for sharing the experience with a friend or family member.
A water touch may be available at the Kawarau Bridge Bungy depending on conditions, but it's never guaranteed and is always at the crew's discretion on the day.
The Nevis Bungy is a head-first freefall jump and New Zealand's highest, best for those chasing the biggest single jump. The Nevis Swing is a giant pendulum arc with no bounce, can be ridden solo or tandem, and has a lower minimum age (10+ vs 13+), so it suits those who want a thrill they can share with friends or family or who aren't ready to jump. Many visitors do both via a combo.
Yes. Book two or more AJ Hackett activities nationwide (excluding the Zipride) and you receive $50 off per activity; book three or more and you receive $70 off per activity. Same-day, same-activity repeat discounts are also available at most sites, just ask the crew.
Yes. The Zipride is the most family-friendly option at the Kawarau Bungy Centre, with a minimum age of 8 and tandem riding available (8–9 year-olds must ride with an adult aged 20+). It's a ride along zipline rather than a jump, so it suits those who want the scenery and a thrill without the freefall.
Booking at least 48 hours ahead is strongly recommended to secure your preferred date and time. Booking direct gives instant confirmation, and photos, videos and an activity tee are included (Zipride only includes video).
AJ Hackett operates in most conditions, including rain. If weather exceeds operational limits and your activity can't run, you'll be offered a transfer, reschedule or refund.
Queenstown Airport (ZQN) is one of New Zealand’s busiest airports and sits at Frankton, roughly a 10-minute drive from the town centre. It has direct domestic flights from Auckland, Wellington and Christchurch, plus direct trans-Tasman services from several Australian cities including Sydney, Melbourne and Brisbane. International visitors from further afield typically connect through Auckland or Christchurch.
From the airport, the Kawarau Bridge Bungy is around 20 to 25 minutes’ drive east on State Highway 6 towards Cromwell. The Nevis sites are reached via central Queenstown, where the AJ Hackett 4WD coach transfer departs. Rental cars, shuttles, public buses and taxis are all available at the airport.
Queenstown is well connected by road. Approximate drive times: Cromwell around 1 hour, Wānaka around 1 hour via the Crown Range (New Zealand’s highest sealed road) or around 1.5 hours via SH6, Dunedin around 3 to 3.5 hours, and Christchurch around 6 hours via SH8 through the Mackenzie Country. The Kawarau Bridge Bungy sits directly on SH6 between Queenstown and Cromwell, so it’s an easy stop if you’re driving in from the east.
If you’re driving the length of the country, the Cook Strait ferry connects Wellington with Picton at the top of the South Island (around a 3.5-hour sailing). From Picton it’s a full day’s drive south to Queenstown — roughly 9 to 10 hours — so most visitors break the journey overnight in Christchurch, Kaikōura or the Mackenzie region.
Queenstown is a great base for exploring the wider Southern Lakes and Central Otago. A few favourites within easy reach:
A charming, historic gold-mining town about 20 minutes from Queenstown. Wander the preserved 19th-century main street and the Chinese miners’ settlement, browse local shops and cafés, and time a visit for autumn (April to May) when the tree-lined streets turn gold.
A scenic 45-minute drive along the shore of Lake Wakatipu leads to Glenorchy, with some of the most spectacular alpine scenery in the country — much of it featured in The Lord of the Rings. It’s the gateway to the Routeburn Track and Mount Aspiring National Park.
Just 20 to 25 minutes from town, on the way to the Kawarau Bridge Bungy, Gibbston is one of Central Otago’s premier wine regions, known for its pinot noir. Tour the cellar doors, cycle the Gibbston River Wine Trail, or combine a jump with a tasting.
A picturesque lakeside town around an hour from Queenstown over the Crown Range. Wānaka offers a more relaxed pace with lake swimming, walking and cycling trails, and easy access to outdoor activities year-round.
For incredible natural beauty, Fiordland’s fiords and waterfalls are a longer day trip. Milford Sound is around 4 hours’ drive each way, so many visitors book a coach-and-cruise package or stay overnight in Te Anau (around 2 hours away) to make the most of it.