New Zealand is the home of commercial bungy jumping. The heart-thumping apprehension of teetering on the brink, the screaming terror of the freefall, the relief of the catch, and the afterglow of achievement culminates in a roller coaster ride of emotion that is unlikely to be forgotten.
Commercial Bungy Jumping began with the Kawarau Jump
Bungy jumping has come a long way since 1988 when 28 people were recorded as having taken the 43m jump off the Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown, New Zealand. Tens of thousands of jumpers now flock to Kawarau, the world’s first commercial bungy site. Ph: +64 3 442 1177, S.H. 6 Gibbston Queenstown, kawarau@bungy.co.nz.
For an even more dramatic adventure, jumpers can choose to plunge into the darkness from the Ledge Bungy. New Zealand’s only night-operational bungy, the Ledge is situated at the Skyline complex 400m above Queenstown. Spectacular scenic views are laid out for daytime jumpers; night-time thrill-seekers will enjoy the rush of plummeting towards the sparkling lights of Queenstown far below. Ph: +64 3442 4007, Queenstown Bungy Centre cnr Camp & Shotover Streets Queenstown. Email: bungyjump@bungy.co.nz web: www.bungy.co.nz.
The Nevis Highwire – the Ultimate Personal Challenge
Perhaps the ultimate personal challenge is the 8.5-second freefall off the Nevis Highwire Drop 134 metres (440ft) above the Nevis River in the South Island. Getting to the site is an adventure in itself. After a 40-minute rough-and-tumble 4x4 ride through rugged backblocks, jumpers take a lofty cable car ride across the Nevis Valley where they are harnessed and prepared for their jump. This jump is not for the faint-hearted–even the not-so-nervous may need the encouragement of the trained staff who will be able to assure them of the operation’s 100% safety record.
Alongside the Nevis Highwire is the Nevis Arc – the highest swing in the world. Alone or in tandem, adventurers swoop at accelerating speeds in a 330m arc high above Doolan’s Creek, adjacent to the Nevis River. The Nevis Highwire and the Arc can be purchased separately or as a combo adventure. Ph: +64 3442 4007, Queenstown Bungy Centre cnr Camp & Shotover Streets Queenstown. Email: bungyjump@bungy.co.nz web: www.bungy.co.nz.
The Taupo Bungy: the Highest Water-Touch Bungy Jump in New Zealand
Close to State Highway 1, an hour's drive from Rotorua, and only minutes from Taupo township, Taupo Bungy is very accessible. At 47 metres above the Waikato River, the Taupo Bungy is the highest water-touch bungy jump in New Zealand. According to the website, more than 255,000 jumpers have plunged towards the waters of New Zealand’s largest river. A scenic bush walk from the river back to the platform is a great way to wind down. Taupo Bungy, 202 Spa Road, Taupo, New Zealand. + 64 7 377 1135. Jump@taupobungy.co.nz.
At Mokai Gravity Canyon near Taihape in the central North Island, thrill-seekers can leap 80m from New Zealand’s highest bridge jump. Mokai also offers the most extreme flying fox in the world, reaching speeds of up to 160km per hour. PO Box 84, Taihape, New Zealand. Ph: +64 6 388 9109 info@gravitycanyon.co.nz. http://www.gravitycanyon.co.nz/.
Solo, tandem and other options are available at most sites, as well as a range of water-touching, skimming or dunking choices. The commercial bungy operations listed here employ stringent safety precautions. Operating procedures conform to the rigid 'Code of Practice for Bungy Jumping AS/NZS 5848’ and are audited regularly to ensure compliance. Pregnancy and some health conditions, age and weight restrictions can preclude some people from jumping. Staff are highly trained to support jumpers in their leap off the platform: meeting the ultimate personal challenge of bungy jumping is an unforgettable experience.
Lyn Rasmussen - Lyn is a New Zealander who lives in the centre of New Zealand's Volcanic Wonderland. She has been recognised for her writing across ...
