Queenstown’s Kawarau Bridge is legendary. Originally built during New Zealand’s gold rush of 1861, its initial purpose was to improve access to the Otago goldfields in the southeastern region on New Zealand’s South Island. Fortune-seeking miners would comb the rugged landscape armed with a simple pan hoping to literally strike gold. At the time, the suspension bridge’s innovative design was an engineering masterpiece.
Fast forward over a century later, and the rest of the world is familiar with the bridge for a different reason. For the adrenaline rush and sheer thrill of leaping off it, attached to a giant elastic band. It went from pushing the limits of design, to pushing the limits of humankind.
We’re talking about where it all started, the foremost World Home of Bungy Jumping. AJ Hackett’s Kawarau Bridge Bungy, the OG Bungy jump in Queenstown, New Zealand.
The Story
AJ Hackett is a New Zealand entrepreneur, world record holder, and the godfather of bungy jumping. A thrill-seeking visionary, who after bungy jumping the Eiffel Tower in 1987, set out to share his new passion with the world. He feasted his eyes on Kawaru as the ideal location to make it happen.
On November 12, 1988, 28 people forked over $75 bucks apiece to jump off the bridge with a Bungy cord attached to their ankles. The rest is history. The world’s first year-round commercial Bungy jumping operation was founded and the OG Bungy jump in Queenstown was born.
Hailed as the adventure capital of the world, New Zealand has a booming adventure tourism industry, attracting heaps of visitors each year.
Location
Sitting on the shore of Lake Wakatipu, surrounded by mountains, rivers, and dramatic alpine ranges, Queenstown is simply gorgeous. This resort town is a home base for winter sports and the ultimate adventure bucket list destination.
You can ski, snowboard, skydive, jet boat, horseback ride, canyon swing, river raft, and Bungy jump all in one place. For the mellower options, you’ve got hiking trails, walking tracks, sightseeing excursions, spa treatments, and food tours.
It’s also home to the world’s most southerly vineyards. It’s been said to be one of the best places to treat yourself to a glass of New Zealand wine. Though expensive, this place is legit and really has something to offer for everyone.
A Feeling Like No Other
Your mind is racing and your heart is pounding. Then, you realize it’s more mental than physical. It’s easy to overthink the whole situation. Just jump, right? You teeter-totter, shuffling your feet on the worn-out wooden ledge just as thousands have done before you.
Ready to push your limits and test yourself? It’s go-time now. Ain’t nothing to it but to do it. You know what they say, “don’t look down” and the count begins.
3 – 2 – 1 – BUNGY!
As you drop in a millisecond you see the river appear closer and closer. You feel as if you’ve left your insides back atop the bridge. And in the blink of an eye, you recoil vertical towards the sky. Sheer relief and exhilaration rush over you as adrenaline pumps through your veins.
The friendly faces of the AJ Hackett team congratulate you as you’re gracefully collected by their raft. Travel is all about pushing your limits and getting out of your comfort zone. And WOW, Bungy jumping is certainly a feeling like no other.
Bungy For Breakfast
Skip putting anything in your stomach. Just wake up and go for it. Yup, that’s right, first thing in the morning. Before you sike yourself out. An awesome feature of AJ Hackett Bungy in Queenstown is that they have overnight car camping right in the parking lot.
When you’re road tripping around in New Zealand one of the best things you can find is a legit camping spot. They’ve got one here, and although you don’t have all the amenities, it’s a quiet place to rest your head for the night. Getting after it early means no lines and no waiting.
Camping in the AJ Hackett lot makes the whole Bungy experience incredibly easy.
🌎 BROS TIP: Any time of year is a good time to visit New Zealand. However, vising during the fall is unbelievable, when all the colors are popping. Autumn in New Zealand can be incredibly picturesque if you time it right. Optimal leaf-peeping occurs during March, April, and May. With the best chance of experiencing the vibrant colors happening during the end of April.
The Facts
At 43 meters high, (141 Feet), leaping off Kawarau is equivalent to jumping out of the window of a 13 story building. The team at AJ Hackett has an impeccable record for safety, following the highest level of safety protocols and guidelines.
With over a million jumps under their belt, there have been zero deaths. So join the 38,000 people who annually jump the bridge simply to feel the rush.
It’s the only Bungy jump in Queenstown to offer a tandem jump, so you can partner up and drag someone with you. If you’re feeling adventurous you can even attempt to get dunked into the water. Looking to take a plunge? Jump straight down with your hands above your head. To stay dry, jump out with a daring leap of faith.
Is it Worth it?
What’s the price of the OG Bungy Jump in Queenstown? AJ Hackett’s Kawarau Bridge Jump is $125 USD. If you ask the Bros, worth every penny. Did we mention you get a free t-shirt too?!
With multi-media bundles available to purchase, you can get some awesome photos and a video to show off to your friends. They even offer you a discount for booking ahead or when coupled with some of their other extreme activities.
🌎 BROS TIP: There’s only one. A few years back in 2015, CNN named Queenstown’s Fergburger “the best burger joint on the planet.” This world-famous burger spot is an institution that’s been around for more than 20 years. You’ll be able to tell by the line around the block. They’ve got an extensive menu for every type of tastebud. Though it was pretty good, we think it might be a tad bit overrated. Either way, a rad place to grab lunch after you jump off a bridge. Bungy n Burger combo!
Get Even More Extreme!
The Nevis Bungy
If the OG Bungy Jump in Queenstown is not extreme enough for you, they’ve got some crazier options. How about going full throttle at 134 meters (440 feet) and free-falling for 8.5 seconds above the Nevis River Canyon.
The Nevis Highwire Bungy is the third-highest bungy jumping platform in the world and it’s no joke. Located just 45 minutes away from Queenstown, you can dare to conquer New Zealand’s highest Bungy with the AJ Hackett crew. The view alone is nuts!
The Ledge Bungy
The Ledge Bungy will let you freestyle and jump any way you please. Take a gondola ride to the top of Queenstown and toss yourself off a platform overlooking the adventure capital. 47 Meters (154 feet) above the skyline, it gives you a birdseye view of Queenstown.
Another one-of-a-kind experience brought to you by the Bungy experts of AJ Hackett.
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⬇ Check out our post on a proper road trip around New Zealand! ⬇
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