The jump itself is short. At the Nevis, New Zealand’s highest bungy at 134 m, the operator puts it at 8.5 seconds [1]. Most of a first bungee jump is spent on everything around it: paperwork, a weigh-in, harness checks, a briefing, waiting for your turn and getting back to solid ground, which together take an hour or more at most sites [2][3]. Knowing that sequence in advance, and what each step is for, takes a lot of the uncertainty out of the day. This guide walks through it using the published procedures of operators in New Zealand, South Africa, Switzerland, the US, the UK and Macau.
Your first bungee jump, step by step
The order varies a little between sites, but the Verzasca Dam operator in Switzerland describes a sequence that most follow: fill in the registration form, pay, get weighed, empty your pockets, listen to a briefing, get your harness fitted, do some jump training, then wait to be called to the platform [3].
| Stage | What happens | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Arrival | AJ Hackett asks jumpers to arrive 15 minutes early; Skypark Macau asks for 30 minutes before your slot, with your booking confirmation and ID | [2][4] |
| Paperwork | You sign a waiver or liability release and declare medical conditions; in Macau registration takes about 30 minutes and your jump time is allocated afterwards | [4][3] |
| Weigh-in | Your weight decides whether you can jump and which cord is used; Skypark’s 40–140 kg range includes about 2 kg of harness | [4][3] |
| Harness and briefing | Crew fit the harness and explain the jump; at Verzasca this includes jump training before you go up | [3] |
| On the platform | Several attachment points are checked and double-checked before you go | [2] |
| Recovery | At Kawarau and Taupō you are lowered to a boat; at the Nevis and Auckland Bridge you are raised back up | [2] |
How long it takes
Allow longer than you think. AJ Hackett says a visit generally takes 1.5 to 2 hours from check-in [2], and its individual site pages give more precise figures: 1.5 hours at Kawarau if you drive yourself or 2.5 hours on the bungy bus, 1 hour at Taupō, 2 hours at Auckland Bridge and 4 hours for the Nevis trip from central Queenstown [5][6][7][1]. Verzasca quotes about 45 minutes from registration to finished jump [3]. The outlier is Bungee America’s Bridge to Nowhere near Los Angeles, a full-day trip with a 5-mile (8 km) hike each way and six river crossings [8].
Before you book
Check the limits for your site
Weight and age rules differ by operator. Kawarau takes jumpers aged 10 and up who weigh 35–150 kg; the Nevis starts at 13 and 45–127 kg; Verzasca’s range is 45–115 kg [5][1][3]. If you are near either end of a range, read our guide to bungee weight and age limits by operator before paying.
Medical conditions to declare
Every operator asks about your health, and the lists overlap. AJ Hackett asks you to tell the crew about high or low blood pressure, heart conditions, epilepsy, high myopia, broken bones or dislocations, fragile skin, neurological disorders, diabetes, asthma, prosthetics, panic or anxiety attacks and recent sprains. It does not take anyone who is pregnant or has photosensitive epilepsy, and it wants a doctor’s certificate for osteoporosis, scoliosis or a recent concussion [9]. The Verzasca operator is stricter, excluding high blood pressure, heart disorders, epilepsy, musculoskeletal damage, neurological disorders, recent eye surgery, ocular hypertension and chronic ear problems affecting balance [3]. In the UK there is no upper age limit, but jumpers over 50 sign a non-standard waiver and are advised to speak to a doctor first [10].
The eye questions are there for a reason. In a 2008 study of 120 jumpers at Bloukrans Bridge, 84.2% had small red spots of bleeding on the white of the eye afterwards, which are usually harmless, and one developed a detachment of the gel inside both eyes [11]. A case of blind spots lasting months after a jump has also been published [12]. Our guide to bungee jumping accidents and safety covers the injury research in more detail.
Book ahead, and know the refund rules
Bloukrans recommends booking at least 48 hours ahead and well in advance during school holidays [13]. AJ Hackett says the Nevis can sell out 4–6 weeks ahead in its peak season, 15 December to 15 January [2].
Read the cancellation terms before you go, because they matter if you change your mind. At AJ Hackett New Zealand, cancelling more than 48 hours ahead gets a full refund minus a 1.99% card fee; inside 48 hours it is non-refundable, and deciding not to jump once you are there is treated as a no-show [2]. Prices are in our guide to how much bungee jumping costs.
Weather
Rain doesn’t usually stop jumps. AJ Hackett and Bloukrans both operate in the rain [2][13]. Bloukrans stops for electrical storms and gale-force winds and offers a new date, a voucher or a refund [13]; AJ Hackett offers a transfer, a new booking or a refund if it cancels for weather [2].
The night before and the morning of
AJ Hackett’s advice is short: be well rested, hydrated and have eaten recently [9]. Alcohol is a firm no everywhere. The UK Bungee Club will not let anyone under the influence of alcohol or illegal drugs jump, and Verzasca adds mind-altering medication to that list [10][3]. If you take prescription medication, the UK operator asks for professional medical advice and a non-standard waiver [10].
What to wear and bring
- Shoes: closed-toe and secure. Auckland Bridge asks for flat, enclosed footwear [2][7].
- Clothes: comfortable clothes you can move in. Bloukrans says to skip skirts because you will be wearing a harness, and Bungee America recommends thin, athletic clothing [13][8]. AJ Hackett suggests layers and a jacket in winter [5].
- Pockets and jewellery: empty your pockets and take off loose items and jewellery before you jump [2][3].
- Glasses: AJ Hackett does not let you jump in your own glasses but lends prescription safety glasses free of charge. Verzasca allows contact lenses, and glasses only with a strap or goggles that attach to the harness [9][2][3].
- Phone and camera: expect to hand them over. The sign at Taupō Bungy in the photo at the top of this page bans cameras and videos beyond the gate. Operators film jumps themselves; Bloukrans keeps photos and videos for a month after your jump, and AJ Hackett includes them when you book direct [13][2].
- Extras: sunscreen at outdoor sites [13]. For the Bridge to Nowhere, Bungee America lists a backpack, food and water for the day, and shoes that can get wet [8].
The harness and the platform
Harness types vary. The classic Verzasca “007” jump is head first, with the cord attached at your feet and a full-body safety harness as well [3]. AJ Hackett’s Ledge site in Queenstown uses a waist harness and a running start [14]. Whatever the setup, the crew check every attachment point before you go [2].
Nobody should push you. AJ Hackett says its crew never pushes a jumper unless asked to, and that you can choose not to jump, though under its terms that counts as a no-show [2].
What the jump feels like
AJ Hackett describes it as “a strong initial drop followed by a smooth stretch”, with cords designed to slow you gradually and avoid whiplash [2]. After the first stretch you bounce a few times, each rebound smaller than the last, before you are lowered or raised.
The body’s response has been studied. In a 1994 study of 12 novice jumpers, anxiety ratings rose before the jump and fell sharply after it, while euphoria ratings rose and stayed high for about 30 minutes. Levels of beta-endorphin rose by more than 200% after the jump, and heart rate and blood pressure went up as well [15]. A 2011 Dutch study of 20 people making their first jump from 60 m found that catecholamines (the adrenaline family) and cortisol rose significantly during the jump [16]. A racing heart and a rush of euphoria afterwards are the body doing what those studies measured.
Water touches
Some sites can dip you into the water if you ask. AJ Hackett offers water touches at Kawarau, Taupō and Auckland Bridge at the crew’s discretion, depending on river or tide levels; tell your jump master at check-in [5][6][7].
Handling nerves
Being frightened is normal, and the research above shows that anxiety drops quickly once the jump is over [15]. A few practical things help:
- Know the sequence. Most of the waiting is spent on procedure. Reading the steps above means fewer surprises.
- Breathe slowly. The NHS suggests breathing in through your nose and out through your mouth, counting steadily from one to five on each breath, for at least five minutes [17]. It needs no equipment, so you can do it while you wait.
- Bring someone. Spectators are free at Kawarau and Taupō, NZ$20 at Auckland Bridge and NZ$50 at the Nevis [2][6][7]. Bungee America charges US$20 per registered spectator [8], and Bloukrans has a restaurant view or a SkyWalk tour onto the bridge [13].
- Consider a lower first jump. Kawarau is 43 m; Macau Tower is 233 m [18][4]. Our list of the best bungee jumping locations gives the height of each site.
- Ask about tandem jumps. AJ Hackett offers them at Kawarau, within combined weight limits [2][5].
- Ask the crew about the equipment. If you are worried about the cord, our guide to choosing a reputable bungee operator lists what to look for, and when bungee cords snap explains how real accidents have happened and the checks that prevent each kind.
Bungee vs skydiving, and insurance
If you are deciding between bungee and a tandem skydive for a first adrenaline sport, we compare the two in bungee jumping vs skydiving. If you are jumping abroad, check whether your travel insurance covers it; our guide to travel insurance for bungee jumping covers the questions to ask before you travel.
After the jump
Depending on the site, you finish in a boat or back on the platform [2]. At Verzasca you collect a drink and a certificate [3]. Bloukrans offers discounts for a second jump on the same day or within 7 days [13]. Bungee America asks guests to tip their guides if they value the experience [8].
FAQ
What should I expect on my first bungee jump?
Plan on check-in, a waiver and medical declaration, a weigh-in, harness fitting and a briefing before you reach the platform. The fall lasts a few seconds (8.5 seconds at the 134 m Nevis), followed by several rebounds and then you are lowered to a boat or raised back up [3][1][2].
How long does a bungee jump take?
The jump takes seconds, but the visit takes longer: 1.5–2 hours at most AJ Hackett sites, about 45 minutes at Verzasca, 4 hours for the Nevis trip and a full day at the Bridge to Nowhere [2][3][1][8].
What should I wear for a bungee jump?
Comfortable clothes, no skirts, and closed-toe, secure shoes. Remove jewellery and empty your pockets [2][13].
Can I wear glasses while bungee jumping?
Not your own at AJ Hackett, which lends prescription safety glasses free. Contact lenses are fine at Verzasca, and glasses are allowed there only with a strap or goggles attached to the harness [9][3].
Will they push me off?
No. AJ Hackett says its crew never pushes a jumper unless asked to [2].
Do I get a refund if I back out?
Usually not on the day. At AJ Hackett NZ, deciding not to jump is treated as a no-show and is non-refundable; cancelling more than 48 hours ahead gets a refund minus a 1.99% card fee [2].
Should I eat before a bungee jump?
Yes. AJ Hackett advises being well rested, hydrated and having eaten recently [9].
Can I drink alcohol before a bungee jump?
No. Operators refuse jumpers under the influence of alcohol or drugs [10][3].
Does bungee jumping hurt?
Modern cords are designed to give a smooth stretch rather than a sudden jerk and to avoid whiplash [2]. Injuries are rare, but eye problems and other injuries have been reported, which is why operators ask about your health [11].
Can I bungee jump in the rain?
Usually. AJ Hackett and Bloukrans operate in rain but stop for thunderstorms or very high winds [2][13].
Sources
- AJ Hackett Bungy NZ: Nevis Bungy (134 m, 8.5 seconds, trip time)
- AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand: FAQs (check-in, what to wear, glasses, refunds, weather, spectators, recovery)
- Trekking Team: Verzasca Dam 007 bungy jump (procedure, timing, health exclusions, glasses)
- Skypark Macau Tower: Bungy (check-in, waiver, registration time, weight limits)
- AJ Hackett Bungy NZ: Kawarau Bridge Bungy (age, weight, duration, water touch)
- AJ Hackett Bungy NZ: Taupō Bungy (duration, clothing, spectators)
- AJ Hackett Bungy NZ: Auckland Bridge Bungy (duration, footwear, spectator fee)
- Bungee America: FAQs (Bridge to Nowhere hike, clothing, spectators)
- AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand: Safety and medical considerations
- UK Bungee Club: Health and age restrictions FAQ
- Prospective study of ocular findings in 120 jumpers at Bloukrans Bridge (German Medical Science, 2008)
- Diniz JR et al. Ocular alterations associated with bungee jumping: case report. Arq Bras Oftalmol 2005;68(6):853-6
- Bloukrans Bungy: FAQ (weather, booking, what to wear, photos)
- AJ Hackett Bungy NZ: Ledge Bungy (47 m, waist harness, run and jump)
- Hennig J, Laschefski U, Opper C. Biopsychological changes after bungee jumping. Neuropsychobiology 1994;29(1):28-32
- van Westerloo DJ et al. Acute stress elicited by bungee jumping suppresses human innate immunity. Mol Med 2011;17(3-4):180-8
- NHS: Breathing exercises for stress
- Skypark by AJ Hackett: company history (Kawarau 43 m)
Image credits
- Photo: Thajsko / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 3.0)
- Photo: Saifunny / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)