What experiences are available in Taupo?

Taupō has two experiences: the Taupō Bungy (47 metre jump from a cantilever platform above the Waikato River) and the Taupō Swing (giant pendulum arc over the same river canyon). Both can be done solo or tandem.

How high is the Taupo Bungy?

The Taupō Bungy is a 47 metre jump from a purpose-built cantilever platform above the Waikato River. The river canyon setting makes it one of the most scenically dramatic bungy locations in New Zealand. This also makes it the highest water-touch bungy jump in New Zealand.

What is the difference between the Taupo Bungy and the Taupo Swing?

The Taupō Bungy is a head-first freefall jump with a bounce - classic bungy. The Taupō Swing is a giant pendulum arc: you're dropped down usually in a seated position, and swing out over the river without the bounce. Both activities can be ridden solo or tandem and both are exhilarating in their own right.

Can I touch the water on the Taupo Bungy?

A water touch or dunk may be available on the Taupō Bungy depending on river conditions, but it's never guaranteed and is always at the crew's discretion on the day.

Can I do a tandem bungy or swing in Taupo?

Yes. Both the Taupō Bungy and Taupō Swing are available as tandem experiences. The maximum combined weight for tandems is 180kgs and the difference between tandem bungy participants is no more than 30kg. Final suitability is assessed by the crew on the day.

What are the minimum ages for Taupo activities?

Taupō Bungy: 10+ Taupō Swing: 10+ Anyone under 15 requires adult consent.

What are the weight limits for Taupo activities?

Taupō Bungy: 35kg–140kg solo (combined tandem maximum 180kg). For tandem options the maximum weight difference between participants is 30kg. Taupō Swing: 30kg–140kg solo (combined tandem maximum 180kg). Final suitability is assessed by the crew on the day.

Can I do more than one Taupo activity on the same day, and do I save?

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. The Taupō Bungy and Swing combo is a popular choice - ask about combo pricing when you book.

Do I need to book in advance?

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 t-shirt are included.

What happens if the weather is bad on the day?

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.

TAUPŌ

Jump or Swing into the heart of New Zealand.

Taupō sits at the centre of the North Island, on the shores of New Zealand's largest lake. It's a natural pit stop on the route between Auckland and Wellington - and for many travellers, it's the perfect place to take on an AJ Hackett Bungy NZ experience. The Taupō Bungy has been sending people off a purpose-built cantilever platform 47 metres above the Waikato River since 1991, and the Taupō Swing joins it as the site's second must-do. Both are perched in a spectacular river canyon setting that makes for some of the most dramatic bungy photography in the country.

Best Activities in Taupō

Two experiences, one stunning location. The Taupō Bungy is a 47 metre jump from a cantilever platform that juts out over the Waikato River - New Zealand's longest river - below. Solo or tandem, with a water touch available in the right conditions. The Taupō Swing is a giant 44 metre pendulum arc over the same river canyon, swing solo or tandem for those who want the thrill of freefall in a seated position.

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Visit Our Taupō Location

The Taupō Bungy and Swing share one spectacular riverside location, a short 5 minute drive from Taupō township on Spa Road. There's parking on site, a viewing platform so your group can watch all the action, and the full photo and video capture package included with both experiences. The river canyon setting is unlike anything else in the AJ Hackett network - raw, green and genuinely remote-feeling, even though the town is minutes away.

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Plan Your Visit

FAQ

Travelling to Taupō

Flying into Taupō Airport

Taupō Airport (TUO) has scheduled domestic services from Auckland, operated by Air New Zealand. Flight time is around 50 minutes. The airport is located just 8km / 10 minutes drive from the Taupō Bungy & Swing site.

Most visitors arrive by road - Taupō sits almost exactly at the centre of the North Island, making it a natural and worthwhile stopover when travelling between Auckland and Wellington.

Driving to Taupō

From Auckland

Taupō is around 3.5 hours south of Auckland via SH1 through Hamilton and Cambridge. It's one of the most common stopping points on the Auckland to Wellington road trip, and the bungy site on Spa Road is easy to get to. If arriving into town, turn left at the roundabout in front of Woolworths supermarket. Follow the road for 1.5kms and find the site on your left. If entering through the ETA heading towards the CBD you will see it on your right.

From Wellington

Taupō is around 4.5 hours north of Wellington via SH1 through the Manawatū Gorge or Desert Road. The Desert Road (SH1 over the volcanic plateau) is a spectacular drive past the slopes of Mt Ruapehu - note it can close in winter snow conditions, so check the NZTA journey planner before you travel.

From Rotorua

Rotorua is just 45 minutes north of Taupo via SH5. The two towns are often combined on a central North Island itinerary — geothermal Rotorua in the morning, bungy Taupō in the afternoon.

From Queenstown

Many travellers doing a full New Zealand road trip include Taupō on the route between Queenstown and Auckland. The most common path is Queenstown to Christchurch by road or ferry, then up through Wellington and north. From Wellington, allow around 4.5 hours to Taupō. It's also worth noting that AJ Hackett combo discounts apply across all sites nationwide, so jumping in both Queenstown and Taupō is a rewarding way to see the range of experiences across the network.

Day Trips from Taupō

Taupō is a superb base for exploring the volcanic heart of the North Island. A few favourites within easy reach:

Huka Falls

Just 5 minutes from the Taupō township, Huka Falls is one of New Zealand's most visited natural sites - 220,000 litres of water flowing every second through a narrow 15-metre-wide gorge of the Waikato River, producing a thundering wall of white water. Free to visit and definitely worth the short walk.

Wairakei Terraces and Thermal Valley

Around 10 minutes north of Taupō, this living geothermal landscape features boiling mud pools, silica terraces, and steaming vents. A reminder that Taupō sits on one of the most geothermally active spots on earth. Relax in the mineral rich, thermal pools at the bottom of the silica terraces and experience the calm and native birdsong surrounding you.

Tongariro Alpine Crossing

Regularly rated one of the world's best one-day walks, the Tongariro Crossing traverses the volcanic landscape of Mt Tongariro, past emerald crater lakes and under the shadow of Mt Ngāuruhoe. The trailhead at Mangatepopo is around 1.5 hours from Taupō. Shuttle services run from town; advance booking essential in summer.

Rotorua

45 minutes north of Taupō, Rotorua offers geothermal parks, Māori cultural experiences, mountain biking in the Whakarewarewa Forest, and the world-famous Rotorua Canopy Tours. A full day out and an easy return trip from Taupō.

Waitomo Caves

Around 2 hours northwest of Taupō, Waitomo is famous for its glowworm caves - networks of limestone caverns lit by thousands of bioluminescent larvae. Tour options range from a gentle boat ride through the Glowworm Cave to black-water rafting through underground rivers.