Kawarau Bridge Bungy

Forty-three metres above the churning, milky-blue Kawarau River, this is the spot where bungy jumping began. Since AJ Hackett turned the historic Kawarau Bridge into the world's first commercial bungy site in 1988, it has drawn thrill-seekers from across the globe. The experience is pure adrenaline: you stand on the edge, feel the wind, and then freefall towards the river, bouncing back over the water. Even if you're not jumping, the riverside viewing platform offers an exhilarating spectator sport, and the on-site café serves good coffee to steady your nerves.

Highlights & What to See

• Take the plunge – The original 43-metre bungy jump, with options to touch the water or go completely dry.
• Watch the jumpers – The viewing platform is free and gives you a front-row seat to the action.
• Visit the museum – A small display traces the history of bungy, from ancient Vanuatu land-diving to modern thrills.
• Cross the historic bridge – Built in 1880, the single-lane suspension bridge is a heritage structure in its own right.
• Enjoy the setting – The river gorge is stunning, with steep schist cliffs and the turquoise water of the Kawarau River.

Suggested Time to Spend

If you're jumping, allow 1–1.5 hours for the whole experience, including check-in, safety briefing, your jump, and a moment to catch your breath. If you're just watching, 30 minutes is enough to see a few jumps and soak in the atmosphere. The site is open daily from 9am to 4pm (hours vary seasonally), so it's an easy stop on a day trip from Queenstown.

Nearby Areas Worth Combining

• Queenstown – Just 23 km away, the adventure capital of New Zealand offers endless activities, dining, and lakefront scenery.
• Arrowtown – A charming historic gold-mining town with preserved cottages, boutique shops, and autumn colours.
• Glenorchy – A stunning lakeside village at the head of Lake Wakatipu, gateway to the Routeburn Track and filming locations for Lord of the Rings.
• Wanaka – An hour's drive over the Crown Range, this lakeside town is famous for its picture-perfect lake, mountains, and the Wanaka Tree.
• Dunedin – A 3.5-hour drive south takes you to New Zealand's wildlife capital, with albatross, penguins, and Victorian architecture.

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