Queenstown is where commercial bungy jumping started, and it remains the best place to do it. Every jump traces back to the Kawarau Bridge, the world's first commercial bungy site, while the Nevis Valley holds New Zealand's highest jump at 134 metres. Between the two sit swings, catapults and combos for every threshold of nerve.
Kawarau Bridge Bungy (43m)
The Kawarau Bridge Bungy is the world's first commercial bungy site, a 43 metre drop into the Kawarau Gorge with a water touch option that dips jumpers to waist depth on request. Solo and tandem jumps run every 15 minutes, 9.15am to 4.15pm daily, from the Bungy Centre in Gibbston Valley about 20 minutes from central Queenstown. The minimum age is 10, with parental consent required from 10 to 14, and the weight range runs from 35 to 160 kilograms.
Nevis Bungy Jump (134m)
The Nevis Bungy Jump is New Zealand's highest at 134 metres, an 8.5-second freefall above the Nevis River after a 4WD ride through high country to the jump pod. AJ Hackett runs it daily year-round, with return transfers from central Queenstown included in the 4-hour round trip. The minimum age is 13, or 1.2 metres tall, and the weight range runs from 45 to 127 kilograms.
Kawarau Bridge Giant Swing (43m)
The Kawarau Bridge Giant Swing launches from the same 43 metre bridge as the bungy, but arcs out over the Kawarau River instead of a straight drop, in solo, tandem or triple configurations. It carries the lowest minimum age on this page at 8 years old, with the weight range from 30 to 150 kilograms solo and up to 200 kilograms combined for tandem or triple swings.
Nevis Catapult
Nicknamed The Thriller, the Nevis Catapult fires jumpers 150 metres across the Nevis Valley at speeds up to 100 kilometres an hour in 1.5 seconds, with around 3Gs of force before it settles. Return 4WD transfers are included, and the minimum age matches the rest of the Nevis Playground at 13, with the same 45 to 127 kilogram weight range.
Nevis Bungy and Swing Combo
For a full day at the Nevis Playground, the Nevis Bungy and Swing Combo pairs the 134 metre bungy with the 300 metre arc of the world's largest swing, both on the same trip with transfers, photos and a t-shirt included. It shares the standard Nevis eligibility: 13 years and 45 to 127 kilograms.
Nevis Thrillogy: Bungy, Swing and Catapult
The Nevis Thrillogy adds the Catapult to the bungy and swing for all three Nevis Playground activities in one 4 hour outing, with photos, video and a t-shirt included. It carries the same eligibility as the rest of the Nevis lineup: 13 years and 45 to 127 kilograms, departing daily from 8.40am to 2.40pm.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the minimum age for bungy jumping in Queenstown?
Minimum ages run from 8 to 13 depending on the jump. The Kawarau Bridge Giant Swing sets the lowest bar at 8, the Kawarau Bridge Bungy starts at 10, and the Nevis Bungy, Nevis Catapult and Nevis combos all require jumpers to be 13 or older.
What is the difference between the Kawarau Bridge Bungy and the Nevis Bungy Jump?
The Kawarau Bridge Bungy is a 43 metre drop into the Kawarau Gorge with an optional water touch, while the Nevis Bungy Jump is New Zealand's highest at 134 metres with 8.5 seconds of freefall above the Nevis River, reached by a 4WD journey through high country.
Is there a weight limit for bungy jumping in Queenstown?
Yes, weight limits vary by jump. The Kawarau Bridge Bungy allows 35 to 160 kilograms solo, the Kawarau Bridge Giant Swing runs 30 to 150 kilograms solo, and the Nevis Bungy, Catapult and combos all require 45 to 127 kilograms.
Is the Nevis Bungy Jump affected by bad weather?
The Nevis Bungy Jump operates daily year-round in most weather conditions and only closes for extreme wind or severe weather. Bookings can be made weeks in advance, and free cancellation is available up to 48 hours before the scheduled jump time.
Which Queenstown jump suits a first timer?
The Kawarau Bridge Bungy suits most first-timers best. It is the original commercial bungy site, sits closer to central Queenstown than the Nevis jumps, and offers the option to just touch the water rather than fully submerge for a gentler introduction.
Local tip: book the Kawarau Bridge Bungy or Swing if you are short on time; it sits 20 minutes from central Queenstown, while the Nevis Playground jumps need a half day for the drive in and out.
Book your Queenstown bungy jump above and join the sport where it all began.