Kawarau Bridge
Bungy
Queenstown
Kawarau Bungy Centre
The ‘World Home of Bungy’ located in Queenstown, New Zealand - the Adventure Capital of the World.
Where it all began.
This is it - the spot where AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch established the world's first commercial bungy jump in 1988. Set 43 metres above the Kawarau River, this is New Zealand's most iconic adventure experience. Come to jump, swing, or zipride - or just soak it all up from the viewing deck with a coffee.
Experiences
Highlights
3 Epic Activities
Viewing
Deck
Café
Bar
Merch
Shop
Stunning
Scenery
No trip to Queenstown is complete without a visit to the Kawarau Bungy Centre - that would be like going to Paris but skipping the Eiffel Tower. On site is a licensed café, a merch shop, and a dedicated viewing deck that puts you right above the action. Entry is free, so bring the whole group for an unmissable time.
Let’s do this.
The world home of bungy
The story behind the world's first commercial bungy jump location.
On 12 April 1988, AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch stood on the Kawarau Bridge in the Gibbston Valley and launched something the world had never seen before: a commercial bungy jump. The site they chose - a historic 1880s suspension bridge spanning the Kawarau River, 43 metres above the water - is still the home of the original jump today.
What started as a two-man operation has grown into one of the most visited adventure tourism sites in New Zealand, welcoming over a million jumpers, swingers, zipriders and spectators since those first few leaps off the bridge. The Kawarau Suspension Bridge is an innovative feat of engineering and is a protected heritage structure proudly cared for by the Department of Conservation Te Papa Atawhai.
If walking or cycling is more your thing, the Kawarau Bridge sits along the Arrow River Bridges Trail - a scenic route that winds above the Kawarau River through one of Central Otago's premier wine-growing valleys.
Every commercial bungy operation in the world traces its roots back to this bridge, this gorge, and the two men who jumped first.
Transport
You are welcome to drive yourself and there is plenty of free parking.
Kawarau Bungy Centre is located at the Kawarau Bungy Centre, State Highway #6 (SH6), Gibbston Valley, Queenstown.
We are open daily from 9:30am to 4:00pm (closed Xmas Day)
View map
If you are booked onto a Bungy please ensure you check in 15mins beforehand.
Transport availability is limited. Available bus departure times and remaining seats are displayed during the booking process. If transport is unavailable for your preferred time, self-drive options may still be available. For help, use Live Chat or call 0800 BUNGY JUMP.
The bus departs from the Queenstown Bungy Centre, Corner of Shotover & Camp Streets, Queenstown.
View map
Please ensure you check-in 30mins prior to your bus departing.
Enjoy a fully customised private experience at the Kawarau Bungy Centre or Nevis Playground with seamless travel from your door to the experience edge. Your own AJ Hackett private host and premium vehicle ensure priority hosting, and personalised pacing.
View our exclusive experiences for more info: bungy.co.nz/exclusive-experiences/
Site Info
Directions
Kawarau Bungy Centre, State Highway #6 (SH6), Gibbston
The most direct route is via State Highway 6 (SH6) from Queenstown, which takes 25-35 minutes depending on traffic.
You can also take a slightly longer route, passing through historic Arrowtown.
Via SH6 (most direct)
Head east from Queenstown on SH6 toward Cromwell. Follow the road through Frankton and along the shores of Lake Hayes. Continue through Gibbston Valley - the Kawarau Bungy Centre is signed on your left, approximately 23km from central Queenstown. Travel time: 25–35 minutes.
Via Arrowtown (scenic route)
Take Gorge Road from Queenstown toward Arrowtown, then follow the signs toward Gibbston Valley. This route adds approximately 10-15 minutes but passes through the historic goldmining town of Arrowtown - worth the detour if you have time. Travel time: 35–45 minutes.
Spectators & Groups
You don't have to jump to have a great time at the Kawarau Bungy Centre. Entry to the viewing area is free - walk in, grab a spot on the deck, and watch jumpers freefall from just a few metres away. There's nowhere else in the world you can get this close to a commercial bungy jump without actually doing it.
Free site entry. Access to the dedicated viewing deck directly above the jump zone. Fully licensed cafe with food and drinks. Retail shop. Complimentary parking. Open daily - no booking required to visit as a spectator.
The Kawarau Bridge Bungy is one of Queenstown's most popular group experiences - whether that's a hen's party, a corporate outing, a school trip, or just a crew of mates who want to tick something legendary off the list together. We can accommodate mixed groups - some jumping, some watching - with no pressure either way.
School and educational groups are also welcome; ask about our education programme. For groups of 10 or more, contact us directly at [email protected] or call our reservations team at 0800 286 4958. Individual bookings of fewer than 10 can be made online through our website.
COMPARE
EXPERIENCES
Combo & Save
Do more, save more. Bundle your Kawarau experiences with the rest of our Queenstown activities and make the most of your time here.
Kawarau Swing & Nevis Swing
Queenstown
Kawarau Zipride
& Swing
Queenstown
Nevis Bungy & Kawarau Bungy
Queenstown
Nevis Catapult & Kawarau Bungy
Queenstown
Nevis Swing & Kawarau Bungy
Queenstown
Kawarau Bungy
& Zipride
Queenstown
Kawarau Bungy
& Swing
Queenstown
Kawarau
Thrillogy
Queenstown
Before you
get there
Opening hours
Kawarau Bungy Centre is open daily, including public holidays.
Summer (October–April): 8:30am - 5:00pm
Winter (May–September): 9:00am - 4:30pm
Last jump/swing/zipride: 30 minutes before close.
On Arrival
Check in at the main reception desk on arrival. Bring your booking confirmation (email or phone) and a valid photo ID. Lockers are available for bags and valuables - coins or card accepted.
Comfortable, close-fitting shoes are required for all jumping experiences.
Content Capture
EpicShot, our in-house photo and video service, captures your jump from multiple angles. Photos and video are included with every AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand experience (except for Zipride which is only video). Content is delivered to you digitally and is available to download via email immediately after your jump.
FAQ
Yes - entry to the Kawarau Bungy Centre site is completely free. You can walk in, watch from the viewing deck, have a coffee at the cafe, and browse the shop without booking anything. It's one of the most spectacular free things to do near Queenstown, and we always encourage people to come and see what the fuss is about before deciding whether to jump.
If you're jumping, allow 1.5 hours from arrival to departure - this includes check-in, gear fitting, your jump, and viewing your photo and video content. If you're visiting as a spectator, an hour is usually plenty, though many people end up staying longer than they planned.
The minimum age is 10 years old. Participants under 15 must have a parent or guardian present to sign a consent form on the day. There's no upper age limit - we've sent people well into their 80s off this bridge. All AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand experiences are free for those aged 75+.
Yes, there is free on-site parking for cars, campervans, and coaches. The carpark is signed from State Highway 6 and has plenty of space on most days. If you're coming during peak summer season, arriving a little early is always a good idea.
The Kawarau Bridge Bungy is a classic freefall - you jump from the bridge and freefall 43 metres toward the river, then rebound on the bungy cord. The Kawarau Swing is a different motion: you're launched into a giant pendulum arc over the Kawarau River, swinging out across the gorge rather than dropping straight down. Both experiences use the same site and the same dramatic setting - many people do both in one visit.
Booking in advance is strongly recommended, especially during the summer season (December–March) when wait times for walk-ups can be long. You can book online at bungy.co.nz or call the site directly. Last-minute availability does come up - check the website for same-day slots.
Yes, return Bungy Bus transport from Queenstown is included when you book direct through bungy.co.nz. You must select the Bungy Bus as your transport option at the time of booking. The bus departs from Queenstown town centre daily - check bungy.co.nz for current timetables.
AJ Hackett Bungy has operated continuously since 1988 with an exceptional safety record. All equipment is inspected and tested daily to standards that exceed New Zealand's adventure activity regulations. Our jump masters are trained in-house to a proprietary standard developed over 35+ years of commercial operations. Full health and safety information is available at bungy.co.nz, and our team is always happy to talk through any concerns before you book.
