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The Beginner’s Guide to Bungy Jumping in New Zealand
Bungy Jumping is an extreme adventure sport that involves a person jumping from a great height whilst connected to a long rubber elastic cord.
The cord is often wrapped around the person’s ankles and they are secured in a waist harness for additional safety.
Although believed to originate from tribal customs in Vanuatu, Bungy Jumping was commercialised in New Zealand for the first time in November 1988.
Given that New Zealand is seen as one of the great adventure destinations in the word, it’s no surprise that bungy jumping is a common attraction for tourists.
In this article, I’m going to provide an overview of Bungy Jumping in New Zealand including some of the best places to do it.
1) Is there an Age, Height or Weight limit to go Bungy Jumping in NZ?
Summary:
- Age limit: Yes
- Weight limit: Yes
- Height Limit: No
AGE
In New Zealand, all Bungy jumpers and swingers must be at least 10 years old. However, anyone between the ages of 10-18 must have parental consent and a parent/guardian present.
WEIGHT
In New Zealand, there are some weight restrictions depending on the type of jump you are wanting to do.
Here’s a list of some of the main weight limits for bungy jumping in New Zealand.
- Kawarau Bridge Bungy – 35kg min/235kg max
- Ledge Bungy – 35kg min/127 kg max
- Nevis Bungy – 45kg min/127 kg max
- Taupo Bridge Bungy –
- Auckland Bridge Bungy – 35kg min/150 kg max
One of the great things about bungy jumping is that the staff are always well trained and can adjust the length/height of the bungy cord to match the weight of the jumper.
HEIGHT
In New Zealand, there doesn’t seem to be many restrictions relating to height. However, there are a couple of locations (eg. Auckland Bridge) where bungy jumpers must be over 120cm tall.
This height limit ensure that they can fit safely into a harness.
2) What Should I Wear?
Depending on the month that you intend to bungy jump in New Zealand, what you wear may vary.
As a rule of thumb it is best to wear comfortable clothing and closed toed shoes (or at least shoes that won’t fall off).
T-shirts, singlets, shorts and exercise / sports gear are good options.
If you’re a female, you’ll want to avoid dresses and skirts.
Otherwise, you may find yourself in an awkward position – hanging upside down, everything on show, and powerless as you await the crew to pull you back up.
It’s also a good idea to tie your hair up before you jump so it doesn’t get in the way… or caught on anything.
Although closed-toed shoes are often recommended, there are some places that allow you to jump bare foot.
Related Articles:
- Bungee Jumping vs. Skydiving | Which is more dangerous?
- A Beginner’s Guide to Bungee Jumping in Australia
3) What is the Cost of Bungy Jumping in NZ?
The cost of Bungy jumping in New Zealand can vary a lot depending on where you go and the height of the jump.
For instance, the Nevis Bungy (the highest jump experience in NZ) is $245 to $275 AUD whereas the Kamarau Bridge Bungy is $143 AUD for adults.
The prices for kids and students also vary, but range between $100-$200.
4) The Best Places to go Bungy Jumping in New Zealand
Unlike bungy jumping in Australia, there are many places you can go bungy jumping in New Zealand.
One of the most renowned and popular locations is Queenstown. Below, I have listed the three most popular bungy jumps in Queenstown by height.
1. Queenstown
If you’re an adventure adrenaline junkie like me, Queenstown is a place to add to your bucket list.
In Queenstown you have an option of 3 different bungy jumps. I’ll list an explain them in more detail below.
The Nevis Bungy – A.K.A THE BEAST!
The Nevis Bungy is the highest bungy jump in New Zealand, standing at an incredible height of 134m.
If you’re after an adrenaline rush, the 8.5 second freefall will definitely get you there.
This was by far, my favourite bungy jump in New Zealand.
In addition to the achievement of conquering its sheer size, you also overlook stunning scenery. It’s also one of the few bungies that you can’t access by car.
Instead, you must get a 4WD bus from Queenstown to the location and then ride by cableway to the platform.
Key facts about the Nevis Bungy:
- Location: 40 minutes outside of Queenstown
- Opening times: Open on Thurs – Sun from 8:30am – 4pm.
- Height: 134m
- Perk: The highest bungy jump in NZ
- Minimum age: 13 years old (and you need a parent to sign for you if under 14).
- Minimum weight: 45kg
- Maximum weight: 127kg
- Cost: $275 NZD per adult & $50 NZD for spectators. Price is reduced to $245 for students.
The Ledge Bungy
If you’re afraid of heights or don’t want to hang from your ankles, the Ledge Bungy could be a good alternative to check out.
Given you wear a body harness for this jump, you are free to jump whichever way you see fit – frontwards, backwards, or even sideways.
The decision is entirely up to you. Why not go freestyle!
Another cool thing about the ledge is that you also get to experience a short gondola ride up to the platform where you’re exposed to stunning views of the Queenstown area.
Key facts about the Ledge Bungy:
- Location: Skyline, Queenstown
- Opening times: Open Thurs – Sun from 2pm-5pm. (Closed Xmas Day)
- Height: 47m
- Perks: Given you don’t have the bungy cord fixed to your ankles; you can choose to jump whichever way you like. Great views from the top.
- Minimum age: 10 years old (anyone under 14 needs parental consent)
- Minimum weight: 35kg
- Maximum weight: 127kg
- Cost: $205 NZD for adults. Prices are reduces for students ($175) and kids (155)
Other things to know:
- The cost of the Skyline Gondola is not included with your jump. You must purchase tickets directly from the Skyline ticketing office (top of Brecon Street) between 2-5pm on Thursday – Sunday.
- You must check-in for your jump 15 minutes before the jump time. Therefore, it’s best to catch the gondola ride at least 30 minutes before your scheduled jump time.
Kamarau Bridge Bungy
If you’d like to try bungy jumping in New Zealand and love the idea of getting your hands wet, the Kamarau Bridge Bungy is the jump for you.
The Kamarau Bridge was actually the world’s first commercial bungy, starting operation back in November 1988.
This jump is a good option if you’re afraid of heights or are not ready to go full throttle into the 134m drop of the Nevis Bungy.
Unlike the Nevis bungy, the Kamarau Bridge Bungy can be accessed by car. Therefore, you can self-drive (1.5 hours) or take the Bungy bus from Queenstown (3.5 hours)
Key facts about the Kamarau Bridge Bungy:
- Location: Kawarau Bungy Centre, State Highway #6 (SH6), Gibbston Valley, Queenstown.
- Opening times: Open daily from 9:30am to 4:00pm (closed Xmas Day)
- Height: 43m
- Perks: The first bungy jump in NZ and opportunity to touch the water beneath you. You can also do a tandem jump (ie. with someone else) and jump nude…if that’s your thang!
- Minimum age: 10 years old (anyone under 14 needs parental consent)
- Minimum weight: 35kg
- Maximum weight: 235kg. For tandem jumps, the maximum combined weight of both jumpers must not exceed 235kg.
- Cost: $205 NZD for adults. Price is reduced to $155 for kids and $175 for students.
Another great thing about Queenstown is that there are any other activities you can try if not into bungy jumping.
For example, you can also check out the Nevis Swing and the Nevis Catapult.
Let’s look at some more bungy locations below.
2. Taupo
Taupo Bungy Jump
Did you know that the Taupo Bungy Jump is the only cliff-top Bungy in New Zealand?
Yep, that’s right!
It’s located on a cantilever platform right over the beautiful, crystal clear waters of the Waikato River. Talk about views!
Similar to the Kamarau Bridge Bungy in Queenstown, you can opt to be dunked in the river (or stay dry) and jump tandem if that is something that interests you.
The Taupo Bungy is accessible by road, therefore you can opt to drive yourself or even take public transport.
Key facts about the Taupo Bungy:
- Location: 202 Spa Road, Taupō
- Opening times: Open daily from 9:00am-5:00pm.
- Height: 47m
- Perks: You can opt to touch the water as you jump and even jump tandem.
- Minimum age: 10 years old (anyone under 14 needs parental consent)
- Minimum weight: 35kg
- Maximum weight: 150kg. The weight difference between each tandem jumper must not exceed 30kg (ie. You must be a similar weight) and the maximum combined weight is 180kg.
- Cost: $148 NZD for adults. Prices are reduced for students ($155) and kids ($135).
If you’re not 100% sure whether you’ll have the courage to conquer the Taupo Bungy, you can choose to do the Taupo Swing instead.
3. Auckland
Auckland Bridge Bungy
To my surprise, I recently learned that Auckland has its own Bungy. I travelled all through New Zealand, yet never knew this…
Well done, me.
In saying that, it is quite small at only 40m high, which makes it a favourable bungy to start
your adrenaline-filled adventure through New Zealand.
It also comes with a much friendlier price tag and is accessible by car.
- Location: 105 Curran Street Extension, Westhaven Marina, Herne Bay, Auckland.
- Opening times: Open Wed – Sun 9.00am to 4.30pm (Closed April 25 and Xmas Day)
- Height: 40m
- Perks: You can opt to dip your head in the ocean
- Minimum age: 10 years old (anyone under 14 needs parental consent)
- Minimum weight: 35kg
- Maximum weight: 150kg. The weight difference between each tandem jumper must not exceed 30kg (ie. You must be a similar weight) and the maximum combined weight is 180kg.
- Cost: $165 NZD for adults. The price is reduced to $135 for kids and students.
4. Rotorua
Velocity Valley Rotorua Bungy
Unlike the bungy jumps mentioned above, the Rotorua Bungy is not run by AJ Hackett Bungy Jumping. It is also marketed as the “best value bungy jump in New Zealand”.
I have not done this bungy jump, so can’t confirm or deny this statement. However, it does look like a lot of fun!!
If you’re in Rotorua, why not give this baby a try.
- Location: 1335 Paradise Valley Road, Ngongotaha, Rotorua, 3040
- Opening times: Open most days from 9am-4pm. Saturdays are 9am-5pm.
- Height: 43m
- Perks: It is located above scenic farmland and Lake Rotorua, only a 10km drive from Rotorua city. You can jump tandem or on your own.
- Minimum age: 10 years old (anyone under 16 needs parental consent)
- Minimum weight: 35kg
- Maximum weight: 150kg for solo jumps, 200kg if jumping tandem.
- Cost: $149 NZD per person (even if jumping tandem)
In Summary
So there you have it….
A Beginner’s Guide to Bungy Jumping in New Zealand
Let’s do a quick recap of what we covered in this article and the main points to remember:
- Is there an age, height or weight limit? Yes, there are often age and weight limits, but height limits are rare. The most important thing is to fit safely into your harness. Always check what the limits are at your bungy jump destination to avoid disappointment when jumping.
- What should I wear? Comfy casual clothes and closed-toed shoes are best.
- What is the cost of bungy jumping? The price ranges from $148-$275 NZD depending on which bungy jump you choose. Prices for kids and students are usually cheaper.
- The Best Places for Bungy Jumping in New Zealand
- Queenstown (Nevis Bungy, The Ledge Bungy & Kamarau Bridge Bungy)
- Taupo (Taupo Bungy)
- Auckland (Auckland Bridge Bungy)
- Rotorua (Velocity Valley Bungy)
