Queenstown, in New Zealand’s South Island, is where commercial bungee jumping began. A. J. Hackett jumped from the Eiffel Tower in 1987 and opened the world’s first commercial bungy site the following year [1], on the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge outside town [2]. Today the area has three AJ Hackett bungy jumps of very different heights, plus giant swings, so the main decision is which one suits you. This guide compares them and suggests how to plan your day or weekend around a jump.
Kawarau, Nevis or Ledge: which Queenstown bungy?
| Kawarau Bridge Bungy | Nevis Bungy | Ledge Bungy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Height | 43 m above the Kawarau River [3] | 134 m, from a pod hanging over a valley [4] | 47 m, high above Queenstown [5] |
| From (NZD) | $320 [6] | $395 [6] | $240 [6] |
| Minimum age | 10 (under 15 needs adult consent) [3] | 13 (under 15 needs adult consent) [4] | 10 (14 and under needs adult consent) [5] |
| Weight | 35–150 kg; 130 kg maximum when the river is high [3] | 45–127 kg [4] | 35–127 kg [5] |
| Time to allow | 1.5 hours if you drive yourself, 2.5 hours by Bungy Bus [3] | About 4 hours from Queenstown, including a 45-minute 4WD bus ride [4] | 1.5 hours, including the gondola [5] |
| Best for | The original site, tandems and water touches [3] | The biggest free fall in New Zealand’s AJ Hackett line-up | A waist harness that lets you run, jump or dive off [5] |
As of October 2026, AJ Hackett lists the Ledge Bungy as “Coming Summer 26/27” with a waitlist, so check that it is running before you plan around it [5].
For a first jump, Kawarau is the usual choice. It is closer to town, spectators can watch for free from the viewing deck, and it offers tandems [6][3]. Nevis suits people who want the biggest drop and can give up most of a day. If you would rather swing than bungee, the Nevis Swing and Shotover Canyon Swing are also nearby [7].
When to go and how far ahead to book
Summer (December to February) brings temperatures of 20–30°C and daylight from about 5am to 10pm [8]. It is also AJ Hackett’s busy season. Demand peaks from 15 December to 15 January, and the busiest days are 30 December to 2 January, so book before you travel [6]. AJ Hackett operates in most weather, including rain. If conditions go beyond its limits, it offers a transfer, a reschedule or a refund [6]. For more detail, see bungee jumping weather and cancellations.
A first-timer’s day in Queenstown
- The night before: confirm your pickup time, read the age, weight and health rules again, and go to bed early. You must be sober at check-in, and anyone under the influence is refused without a refund [6].
- Morning: book an early slot so there is time to rebook if the weather holds you up. Eat a light breakfast, wear closed shoes and leave valuables in a locker or with a friend.
- After the jump: download your photos and video. AJ Hackett includes them, with a 60-day download window [6]. Then plan something calm, like a meal, a lakeside walk or the gondola.
- Don’t pack in several more extreme activities on the same afternoon unless you really want to. Many people feel drained once the adrenaline wears off. See what you feel after a bungee jump.
A 48-hour Queenstown bungee weekend
- Day 1 morning: jump at Kawarau or Nevis.
- Day 1 afternoon: do something easy, like the lakefront, a winery or the gondola. Friends who didn’t jump get to choose.
- Day 2: keep it as a spare in case the jump was postponed. If it wasn’t, use it for a hike, a boat trip or a second activity if you still want one.
Why Queenstown is called the adventure capital
Queenstown is known for adventure and ski tourism, helped by its setting on Lake Wakatipu below mountains such as The Remarkables [9]. Commercial bungy at Kawarau Bridge turned free fall into something any visitor could book, and it became the town’s signature activity [1][2]. The bridge itself is much older. It was completed in 1880 as an access route and stands 43 m above the river [2]. For the older roots of the sport, see the Pentecost Island land divers, whose vine jumps inspired modern bungee.
Queenstown or Victoria Falls?
Victoria Falls Bridge, between Zimbabwe and Zambia, is the other famous bridge jump.
| Queenstown (Kawarau / Nevis) | Victoria Falls Bridge | |
|---|---|---|
| Height | 43 m or 134 m [3][4] | 111 m above the Zambezi River [10] |
| Price | From NZ$320 or NZ$395 [6] | US$194 [10] |
| Minimum age | 10 or 13 [3][4] | 14, minimum 40 kg [10] |
| Weather | Operates in most weather, including rain [6] | Stops for rain and high winds [10] |
| Paperwork | Booking and check-in forms | Bring your passport for a Bridge Pass [10] |
| Setting | Alpine gorges and a lake resort town | Next to Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls, a UNESCO World Heritage Site [11] |
Choose Queenstown if you want options, such as three heights, tandems and swings, in one place with plenty of rebooking chances. Choose Victoria Falls if the waterfall setting matters most and you are already travelling in southern Africa. See also planning a Victoria Falls jump.
FAQ
How much is a bungee jump in Queenstown?
AJ Hackett lists Kawarau Bridge Bungy from NZ$320, Nevis Bungy from NZ$395 and Ledge Bungy from NZ$240 [6].
Which Queenstown bungee is best for beginners?
Kawarau Bridge is the usual first jump. It is 43 m high and close to town, and spectators can watch for free [3][6].
How high is the Nevis Bungy?
134 m. Allow about 4 hours for the trip from Queenstown [4].
What is the minimum age for bungee jumping in Queenstown?
10 at Kawarau Bridge and the Ledge, and 13 at Nevis. Under-15s need adult consent [3][5][4].
Was Queenstown the first commercial bungee site?
Yes. A. J. Hackett founded the first commercial bungy site in 1988 at the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge [1][2].
When should I book a Queenstown bungee jump?
Book before you travel in summer, especially between 15 December and 15 January [6].
Sources
- Wikipedia: A. J. Hackett
- Wikipedia: Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge
- AJ Hackett: Kawarau Bridge Bungy (43 m, age, weight, duration)
- AJ Hackett: Nevis Bungy (134 m, age, weight, trip time)
- AJ Hackett: Ledge Bungy (47 m, waist harness, “Coming Summer 26/27”)
- AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand: FAQs (prices, busy season, weather, sobriety)
- Shotover Canyon Swing: Canyon Swing
- Destination Queenstown: Summer in Queenstown
- Wikipedia: Queenstown, New Zealand
- Shearwater Victoria Falls: Victoria Falls Bridge adventures (111 m, price, age, passport)
- UNESCO World Heritage Centre: Mosi-oa-Tunya / Victoria Falls
Image credits
- Photo: sussexbirder / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)
- Photo: Che010 / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 3.0)
- Photo: abi.bhattachan / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)