Photo: New Zealand Government, Office of the Governor-General / CC BY 4.0
AJ Hackett Bungy is the original commercial bungy operation in New Zealand, founded by the man who popularised the modern bungy jump. With locations in Queenstown, Taupō, and Auckland, it offers adrenaline-pumping leaps off bridges, platforms, and even a cable car. The Kawarau Bridge jump is the most iconic – a 43-metre plunge over the turquoise Kawarau River, where it all began in 1988. Whether you’re a first-timer or a thrill-seeker, the experience is professionally run, safe, and utterly exhilarating.
Highlights & What to See
- Kawarau Bridge Bungy – The world’s first commercial bungy site: leap from the historic bridge with the option to touch the river or get fully dunked.
- Nevis Bungy – For extreme thrills: a 134-metre jump from a suspended cable car, one of the highest in the world.
- Ledge Bungy – A 47-metre jump from a platform on Bob’s Peak, with views over Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu.
- Taupō Bungy – A 47-metre jump over the Waikato River, with a choice of touch or dunk options.
- Auckland Harbour Bridge Bungy – A 40-metre jump from the iconic bridge, with the city skyline and harbour as your backdrop.
- SkyJump – Not a bungy but a 192-metre controlled descent from the Sky Tower in Auckland, reaching up to 85 km/h.
Suggested Time to Spend
Expect to spend 1–2 hours at a single bungy site, including check-in, safety briefing, and the jump itself. If you’re doing multiple jumps (e.g., Kawarau Bridge and Nevis), allocate a full day. Book ahead in peak season to secure your preferred time slot.
Nearby Areas Worth Combining
- Queenstown – The adventure capital, with jet boats, skydiving, and a lively lakeside vibe.
- Arrowtown – A historic gold-mining town 20 minutes from Queenstown, with charming streets and autumn colours.
- Glenorchy – Stunning scenery at the head of Lake Wakatipu, a gateway to hiking trails and film locations.
- Taupō – Home to the Taupō Bungy site, plus lake cruises, geothermal parks, and the Tongariro Alpine Crossing.
- Rotorua – Geothermal wonders, Māori culture, and adventure activities, about an hour from Taupō.
- Auckland – The City of Sails, with the SkyJump and Harbour Bridge Bungy, plus islands and beaches.
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
- Fox Glacier — CC BY-SA 3.0
- Franz Josef Glacier — Jörg Hempel / CC BY-SA 3.0 de