Kawarau Gorge Bungy Centre

Perched high above the churning turquoise waters of the Kawarau River, the Kawarau Gorge Bungy Centre is the birthplace of commercial bungy jumping. This iconic site, where AJ Hackett launched the world's first bungy operation in 1988, still draws thrill-seekers from around the globe. The 43-metre (141-foot) leap from the historic Kawarau Bridge is as much a rite of passage as it is an adrenaline rush, set against a dramatic backdrop of schist cliffs and willow-lined riverbanks.

Highlights & What to See

• Bungy Jumping: Take the plunge from the original bungy bridge – you can touch the water, dip in, or stay dry. Options include solo, tandem, and even a night jump with lights.
• Kawarau River Views: Even if you're not jumping, the viewing platform offers spectacular vistas of the river gorge and the surrounding Gibbston Valley vineyards.
• Historic Bridge: The Kawarau Bridge itself is a heritage structure built in 1880, adding a layer of history to the thrill.
• AJ Hackett Bungy Museum: A small but engaging museum tells the story of bungy's origins, from the Vanuatu land-diving ritual to Hackett's first jumps.
• Bungy & Wine Tours: Combine your jump with a tour of nearby Gibbston Valley wineries – a unique pairing of adrenaline and pinot noir.

Suggested Time to Spend

Plan for at least 1–2 hours if you're jumping (including check-in, suiting up, and the leap) or 30–45 minutes just to watch and explore the museum. The centre is a quick stop on the way between Queenstown and Cromwell, so it works well as a 45-minute detour on a self-drive itinerary. For the full experience, consider a half-day trip that includes a wine tasting in Gibbston.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Gibbston Valley Wine Region: Just a five-minute drive away, this area is famed for its cool-climate pinot noir and cellar doors like Gibbston Valley Winery and Peregrine Wines.
• Queenstown: 20 minutes west, the adventure capital offers bungy, jet boats, skydiving, and a vibrant lakefront dining scene.
• Cromwell: 15 minutes east, this historic gold-mining town is now a fruit-growing hub with a charming heritage precinct and summer stone fruit stalls.
• Arrowtown: A 25-minute drive via the Crown Range, this gold-rush village has preserved Chinese settlement buildings, boutique shops, and golden autumn foliage.
• The Nevis Bungy & Swing: For even bigger thrills, the Nevis site (134-metre bungy and 300-metre canyon swing) is about 30 minutes south.

Please check official sources for current details.