Bungy Jumping
The history of bungy jumping in New Zealand
The history of bungy jumping in New Zealand can be traced to a manhood ritual in Vanuatu where young men throw themselves off towers with springy vines tied to their ankles this case it’s off a bridge or similar platform structure from 35 to 134 metres high. In the New Zealand version the crew secure a strong latex rubber cord either to a full body harness or around the jumper’s ankles, who then makes their way to edge of the platform and swan dives into space, free falling until the cord is fully extended. The first bungy jump was made at the Kawarau Bridge Bungy in November 1988. Jumps can be made solo or with the reassurance of a tandem partner.
Otago / Deep South
Auckland Region
Auckland Harbour Bridge
Jumpers leap 40 metres from the jump pod to sea level and rebound into the air several times.
Sky Jump
The Auckland Sky Tower Sky Jump is different from bungy jumping. It is a cable-controlled base jump, where participants can choose to go down feet first or glide down head first like Superman.
Central North Island
Rotorua Bungy
Operated from a 43 metre tower in beautiful surroundings, with Mt Ngongotaha as the backdrop, and views over the Paradise Valley and Lake Rotorua.
Taupo Bungy
The Taupo Bungy site is just 5 minutes drive from the Taupo town centre. The purpose-built platform is set against the cliff top 47 metres above the mighty Waikato River.
Mokai Gravity Canyon
For the ultimate extreme combo add a 80 metre solo or tandem Bungy Jump from New Zealand's highest bridge jump. Night jumps add a new twist to this Kiwi icon and provides a stunning evening spectacle above the river!
Canterbury
Thrillseeker’s Canyon Bungy
Thrillseeker’s Canyon Bungy at the Waiau River Bridge near Hanmer Springs is an ideal location for first time jumpers. At 35 metres it is the lowest New Zealand bungy site, so the free fall sensation lasts just a few seconds.
Mt Hutt Bungy
The bungy is open during the winter months, usually between June and October. The thrill factor is enhanced by the ability to dive, ski or ride off the spectacular rock, detach yourself from the body harness and then ski or snowboard down the slopes to the triple chairlift.
Otago / Deep South
Queenstown Kawarau Bridge
The bridge platform is 43 metres above the Kawarau River and the jumper has the option of a head and shoulders splashdown in the river if he/she feels like cooling off. The Ledge, strapped into a full harness and then lowered 3 metres down the rock face, you pull the self-release cord and free fall at pace until the cable tension sends you flying through the air in a huge arc.
The Skippers Canyon Bridge Bungy is kept operational by the AJ. Hackett Company specifically for special events and corporate conferences, Nevis Highwire is by far the highest in New Zealand, towering 134 metres above the Nevis River
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