Photo: Spy007au ( talk ) / CC BY-SA 3.0
If you’ve come to New Zealand chasing the ultimate adrenaline rush, the Nevis Bungy and Swing should be at the top of your list. Suspended 134 metres above a narrow canyon carved by the Nevis River, this is the highest bungy jump in the country — and one of the most spectacular. The experience begins with a 4WD ride across a working high-country station, followed by a vertigo-inducing cable-car trip out to a tiny pod perched over the abyss. Whether you leap, dive or get nudged, the freefall is a full 8.5 seconds of pure, screaming exhilaration. For those who prefer a horizontal thrill, the Nevis Swing is the world’s biggest swing, sending you 300 metres across the canyon at speeds up to 150 km/h. This is not a place for the faint-hearted — it’s a rite of passage for thrill-seekers in Central Otago.
Highlights & What to See
- Nevis Bungy – The highest bungy in New Zealand (134 m), with a heart-stopping 8.5-second freefall into a remote canyon. Choose from solo, tandem or a back-first ‘bungee rodeo’.
- Nevis Swing – The world’s biggest swing, launching you 300 m across the gorge in a giant arc. You can go solo, tandem or even backwards — just try to keep your eyes open.
- Scenic 4WD & cable-car ride – The journey to the jump platform is an adventure in itself, crossing rugged sheep stations and ending at a suspended pod with dizzying canyon views.
- AJ Hackett Bungy Centre – The base for check-in, where you can watch others take the plunge and gear up in the shop for branded merch.
Suggested Time to Spend
Plan on at least 2–3 hours for the full experience, including check-in, the 4WD and cable-car transfers, and your jump or swing. If you’re doing both activities, allow closer to 4 hours. The Nevis is about a 45-minute drive from Queenstown, so factor in travel time. Most visitors book a morning or afternoon slot and combine it with a stop in Gibbston Valley or Cromwell on the way back.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Gibbston Valley – Just 20 minutes north, this wine region is perfect for post-adrenaline recovery at cellar doors like Gibbston Valley Winery or Peregrine Wines.
- Cromwell – A historic gold-mining town 30 minutes east, with a charming old town precinct, fruit stalls and the Cromwell Heritage Precinct.
- Queenstown – The adventure capital, 45 minutes southwest, offering endless dining, nightlife and activities like the Skyline Gondola or Milford Sound day trips.
- Wanaka – An hour north via the Crown Range Road, with a laid-back lake vibe, the famous Wanaka Tree, and hikes like Roy’s Peak.
- Kawarau Gorge – Home to the original AJ Hackett Bungy at the Kawarau Bridge, plus the Kawarau Jet boat ride — a great combo for thrill-seekers.
Please check official sources for current details.
Note: opening hours, prices and booking requirements change often — please check official sources for current details.
Explore more
Image credits
- Queenstown — Bernard Spragg. NZ from Christchurch, New Zealand / CC0
- Arrowtown — Bgabel / CC BY-SA 3.0