Bungee Jumping in New Zealand: Facing My Fears at Kawarau Bridge

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“So, who’s first?”

The eager employee shouted at us as we arrived at the A.J. Hackett Bungy Center, just outside of Queenstown.

I looked tentatively at Sean, my boyfriend, who seemed much less nervous than I was to jump off of Kawarau Bridge, a bridge that stands 43 meters tall over a crystal blue river, where bungee jumping was first brought to New Zealand. 

I was shaking. I was sweating. I was about to turn around and walk out the doors. 

The guide shuffled me towards the scale to determine which bungee cord I would be using for my jump. As she wrote my weight in large red numbers, I knew I couldn’t back out, no matter how terrified I was.

“Sean’s going first.” I volunteered my boyfriend. 

Having done this once before in Auckland on a family trip five years ago, I thought Sean would be more ready than I was. I needed to see him bungee jump first to gather up the courage to do it myself. 

He looked at me with betrayal in his eyes.

I guess “Ladies first” doesn’t apply when you’re jumping off a bridge in New Zealand.

We were the first people to arrive at the bungee center. 9:30am bright and early. The first jumpers of the morning!

From the viewing platform, I watched as Sean shuffled towards the end of the platform with the bungee cord tied around his ankles. I was nervous for him, but from my vantage point, he seemed fearless, ready to dive towards the winding blue river below. 

I heard the guide count down and watched as Sean jumped, cheering in excitement for his brave accomplishment. Not many people can say they bungee jumped in New Zealand. This was an experience of a lifetime!

As Sean was released from the tight hold of the bungee cords, I was getting more nervous every second. The slight tremble in my hands became a violent tremor that shook my entire body. Despite the chilly, dreary morning, I was sweating as if I had just run a marathon.

It was my turn to jump.

When I approached the bridge, I was greeted with a “cheering squad” of guides, who kept reminding me that ten-year-olds have bungee jumped here! This reminder didn’t alleviate my fears one bit. I’m definitely not as courageous as a ten-year-old (their frontal lobes haven’t developed yet…they certainly have a lot more courage than I do). 

My guide had me sit down on the platform and proceeded to wrap a dry towel around my ankles. 

“What’s the towel for?” I asked, curious about its purpose. To keep me dry?

“We’ll wrap the bungee ropes around this towel”, the guide said, struggling to wrap it around my small ankles.

I guess the dry towel and a few cords would keep me from plunging head first into the blue water below.

I started panicking. Where’s my safety harness? Are you sure this will not slip? Is this even safe? I slurred a bunch of questions hoping to get clarity about the logistics of my jump. 

I kept reminding the guides that as a retired gymnast, I’m bound to point my toes. Will the cord slip if I point my toes? 

The guide assured me that I was overthinking, out of fear, like most people do before jumping off a 43 meter bridge. This must happen a lot because he kept reminding me that everything would be okay, and slowly started nudging me towards the end of the platform.

I was paralyzed with fear. As I shuffled towards the edge of the platform, I could finally see just how high 43 meters was. I shivered in fear, from head to toes. The butterflies in my stomach had transformed into massive elephants, weighing me down with intense fear.

I stretched my arms out by my side and the guide counted down. There was no turning back!

5

4

3

2

1

JUMP!

I let myself tip off the platform and I was met with several weightless seconds of free-falling. 

I held my breath. I watched, silently, as the blue river grew closer and closer. 

Tension pulled me back in a rebound. One second of courage became an exhilarating memory I will remember forever. I loved bungee jumping in New Zealand 

I was retrieved by more guides at the base of the river and I couldn’t stop smiling! It felt incredible to conquer my fears and take the leap (literally!). My adrenaline had me thinking I could do anything, even the impossible – or a second jump off the same platform I was terrified to jump off earlier!

If you ever have the chance to visit Queenstown let my experience be your sign to bungee jump off of Kawarau Bridge! Facing my fears and bungee jumping in New Zealand will forever be one of my favorite travel memories!

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About the Kawarau Bridge Bungy

Why Kawarau Bridge Bungy is Famous

In 1988, A.J. Hackett, a thrill-seeking New Zealander popularized bungee jumping in New Zealand at Kawarau Bridge, where people still jump today! 

Known for its scenic location above the vibrant turquoise Kawarau River, Kawarau Bridge is the perfect place for first time jumpers to take the leap.

With the introduction of extreme sports like bungee jumping and skydiving, Queenstown became the adventure capital of the world. People from all over the world visit the beautiful country to try exhilarating activities and explore the vast natural landscapes of New Zealand. 

I booked my bungee jumping experience, knowing that I would regret it if I didn’t try it. And you should too!

What to Expect When You Go Bungee Jumping in New Zealand

Checking In and Safety Briefing

Before taking a courageous leap off the Kawarau Bridge, you’ll be required to sign a waiver acknowledging the safety risks of bungee jumping in New Zealand. 

AJ Hackett Bungy Center actively minimizes safety risks by frequent equipment inspections and training highly qualified jump staff. You’ll feel comfortable (but nervous for the jump) before you reach the bungee platform.

The Formidable Walk to the Platform

My dad always says that sometimes half the battle is showing up. Get yourself to the Bungy Center and the staff will be with you the rest of the way – including as you hesitantly walk to the bungee platform 43 meters above the Kawarau River. 

The Jump

Don’t look down takes on a whole new meaning when your destination is DOWN. As you stand on the edge of the platform, ready to commit to this thrill-seeking activity in New Zealand, every instinct will tell you not to jump.

Bungee jumping in New Zealand is an adrenaline-inducing activity worth ignoring instinct for. Your jump guides will count you down and for seconds you’ll free fall towards the Kawarau River. It is an incredible moment of bravery and courage!

Post-Jump I DID IT Moment

I’ll never forget the laughter and relief I had after the bungee cord pulled me out of free fall at the Kawarau Bridge Bungy. I screamed in excitement, happy that I showed seconds of bravery to take the leap. 

Already convinced to take a leap of courage at Kawarau Bridge?

Book your New Zealand bungee jumping experience HERE ⬇️

How to Get to Kawarau Bridge From Queenstown

When you purchase your bungee jumping tickets, you’ll have the option to get picked up in Queenstown or self-drive to Kawarau Bridge. The AJ Hackett Bungy Center is 25 minutes north of Queenstown along State Highway 6. 

When is the Best Time to go Bungee Jumping in New Zealand?

The best time to go bungee jumping in New Zealand is during the summer season (December to late February). If you’re planning on visiting New Zealand during the winter season, bungee jumping options are available!

Comparing the Best Bungee Jumping in New Zealand

Kawarau Bridge Bungy

New Zealand’s most famous bungee jumping location is at the Kawarau Bridge – the place where AJ Hackett brought this extreme sport to New Zealand. 

Over 400,000 people visit Kawarau Bridge every year to take a courageous 43 meter leap over the stunning turquoise Kawarau River. This is a great place for first-time bungee jumpers!

Nevis Bungy (and Swing)

New Zealand’s highest bungee jump is the Nevis Bungy which stands at a whopping 134 meters (and 8.5 second free fall!). This extreme bungee jump in New Zealand is for daring adventurers!

There is also an option for a swing instead of a bungee, which includes a daring 300 meter arc over the Nevis Canyon – it’s just as thrilling as the Nevis Bungy!

Auckland Bungy

It’s not often you get to bungee jump over the ocean. The Auckland Bungy allows you to jump 40 meters off the Auckland Harbour Bridge. This activity is perfect for daring adventurers visiting the North Island. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Quick Answers to Common Questions

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