Bungy Jump in Queenstown (2024)

All of my special occasions are very well planned. And it was time for me to plan something for my birthday. I started planning the itinerary after deciding on the location (Queenstown in New Zealand (NZ)). One of the items on my to-do list in NZ was bungy jump in Queenstown.

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Bungy Jump in Queenstown

Queenstown is famous in New Zealand’s South Island for its breathtaking landscapes and thrilling adventure sports. Bungy jumping stands out as an iconic experience among these adrenaline-pumping activities.

Perched on the edge of Kawarau Bridge, the birthplace of commercial bungy jumping, adventurers plunge into the river stream below, experiencing an exhilarating free fall before rebounding back up.

The rush of wind, the heart-pounding descent, and the stunning backdrop of the Kawarau River make this a truly unforgettable experience. Bungy jumping in Queenstown offers an unparalleled rush of adrenaline.

Safety is a priority; expert guides ensure that all equipment is secure and procedures are followed meticulously. With each jump, participants defy gravity and discover a newfound sense of courage and resilience.

For those seeking an adrenaline rush like no other, bungy jumping in Queenstown is a must-do experience that promises to leave a permanent mark on your memory.

Bungy Jump Agency

After my research on the various things to do and agencies in NZ, I decided to go with AJ Hackett Bungy in Queenstown. There were three bungy jumping options:

• Kawarau Bungy Jump (43m),
• The Ledge (400m) and
• The Nervis Bungy Jump (134m).

I decided to go with the world’s first commercial bungy jump, the Kawarau Bungy Jump, which cost me about NZD 220. I took the help of Flight Centre and booked the jump. I was so excited and freaked out that I did not sleep that night thinking about it.

By the way, you can do New Zealand on a budget and the country is made for backpacking. With plenty of hostels and camping grounds, travel to New Zealand can be done quickly at an affordable budget. One of my travels on the South Island was a backpacking trip, and I visited Queenstown as part of that backpacking trip.

Jump Day – 18 July

We were picked up at 8 AM from Queenstown city centre and taken to the Kawarau bridge. Even though the drive was very scenic and breathtakingly beautiful, I was panicking and cold. I wanted to do the jump, but at the same time, I was cursing myself for booking it.

After signing our declarations and medical forms, we were allowed to go into the viewing platform. The viewing platform had a few steps to the bridge from where we jumped. The bridge had two spots next to one another for jumps. And there was a river flowing underneath. I stood on the platform for some time, looking at all the crazy ones jumping from the bridge. My heart was racing. What if this was a mistake?

‘Why cannot I overcome my fear?‘ I challenged myself again and again. On our turn, we took the two spots next to each other. Two guys helped me wear the gear. The first helped me with the waist belt, and the second tied the bungy chord to the towel and wrapped it around my calf muscles.

The second instructor reiterated (noticing me constantly looking down the river), ‘Don’t look down!‘ And he tried to give me confidence by saying, ‘It’s like jumping into a swimming pool.’ (Unfortunately, I was that person who had never jumped into a swimming pool). Finally, I chickened out when I had to stand at the edge just before the jump. Announcing that I couldn’t, I left the bridge with a heavy heart and teary eyes. I had never given up in my life, Never! And this time, I had, on my birthday. I had surrendered to my fear.

Seeing me all upset, we decided to go for a tandem jump. We spoke to the staff (who were super friendly) and asked them if there was just one spot for us that day. Unfortunately, a tour group of youngsters had booked the entire day. But the manager gave us a light of hope, she informed us that she would give us a call, if there were any cancellations.

Hoping for a second chance, we returned to Queenstown city centre. And guess what? We received a call. Super excited, we caught the bus again. This time, I had to do it. After so much drama!

I was panicking again (panic was my favourite expression that day), but I made sure I never looked down at the river. After wearing our belts and chords, we were ready. We had to take small, tiny steps to the edge. I was super nervous, and the staff cracked some light-hearted jokes (of course, on me!).

‘Jump, jump and jump!’ I heard, and then in no time, we had jumped (or pushed, who knows). I had frozen (yes, my way of getting scared is to freeze and not scream). I had had no time to think or act. I don’t even remember if I was holding my breath. All I knew was I clinging onto my tandem partner, like real tight (we had jumped from the bridge).

After a short free fall, we bounced up two or three times. We were gradually pulled down onto a raft when we slowed down and stopped bouncing.

After stepping onto the raft, I felt something extraordinary: happy, delighted and liberated. I had done it!

Even though I had given up the first time, I had tried again, and I had jumped. This was the craziest thing I had ever done. Skydiving had looked like a cakewalk. I had never been so scared in my life, and yet I overcame my fear of heights.

Closing Notes

I am sure whoever said, “Try until you succeed,” said it with a lot of experience. Even though I had given up the first time, I was so happy to have done it the second time.