AJ Hackett Nevis

Overview

About AJ Hackett Nevis

This is Queenstown’s big‑league adrenaline venue: a remote, high‑country playground suspended above the Nevis River gorge. The headliner is the Nevis Bungy—New Zealand’s highest at 134 meters with around 8.5 seconds of freefall—joined by the Nevis Swing (a massive 300‑meter arc you can ride solo or tandem, forwards, backwards, even upside down) and the Catapult. Staff are famously upbeat and dialed, which helps settle nerves without dulling the buzz.

Why stop

New Zealand’s highest bungy (134 m) with ~8.5 s freefall
Return transport, photo/video package, and T‑shirt included

Heads up

No self‑drive access; you must take the operator’s bus
High‑country site can be windy and cold

If you’re chasing a definitive Queenstown rush, this is the one. The setting is stark and spectacular, the freefall is long, and the operation runs like a Swiss watch. It’s pricey and remote, but as a bucket‑list hit, it more than earns its reputation.

Parkwolf’s verdictIs It Worth It?

Map

Where it is

Loading the Queenstown-Lakes District map

Full map

SightAJ Hackett Nevis-45.06283, 169.02889

Keep this map with you offline in the Parkwolf app

Local know-how

Tips for visiting AJ Hackett Nevis

Check in 30 minutes early at the Queenstown Bungy Centre—bus only to the site.
Book spectator spots in advance; the fee includes transport and pod access.
Dress in warm layers and closed shoes; tie back hair and secure loose items.
Allow about 4 hours door‑to‑door so you’re not rushing flights or tours.
Don’t buy extra media—photos and video are already included.

Plan your stop

Before you go

Best time to go

There’s no public access to the site. You check in at the Queenstown Bungy Centre in town, then ride the operator’s 4WD bus to the Nevis valley. Plan about 4 hours round‑trip from Queenstown. The Nevis Playground operates daily year‑round, typically within an 8:40 am–2:40 pm window, and bus times vary by season. Spectators are welcome but must book a seat on the transport (fee applies) which includes the cable‑car ride to the pod.

Facilities

You’ll find toilets, drinking water, lockers, and basic hot drink/snack options at the base building before shuttling to the pod.

1 active Queenstown-Lakes District alert

ClosureSkippers Bridge closed to all trafficSkippers Bridge is closed to all vehicles, cyclists and pedestrians; do not cross.Official details

Queenstown-Lakes District alerts

A park ranger sits on a dash-mounted phone, talking, as Parkwolf’s Tour Guide plays “Army Cutworm Moths: A Grizzly Bear Buffet” on Grand Loop Road below Dunraven Pass in Yellowstone — Parkwolf Tour GuideThe highest, rockiest slopes around here are a summer buffet for grizzly bears.

Queenstown-Lakes District Tour Guide

Your drive to AJ Hackett Nevis, narrated.

Parkwolf is a GPS audio tour guide for Queenstown-Lakes District, New Zealand. As you drive, it chimes in with what’s ahead: hidden gems, upcoming stops, history, geology, and wildlife, right through your car’s speakers.

See the Queenstown-Lakes District audio tour

Recorded for this area

Rabbits vs. the Vines

Listen

“You'll almost certainly spot rabbits darting around here. They’re a constant reminder of an ecological disaster that started in the 1860s.”

Plays on the road 1.1 km from AJ Hackett Nevis in the Parkwolf Queenstown-Lakes District Tour Guide.

More about AJ Hackett Nevis

What You’ll DoNevis Bungy: shuffle to the edge of the pod, count down, and drop—pure, long freefall before…

Nevis Bungy: shuffle to the edge of the pod, count down, and drop—pure, long freefall before the cord comes alive.
Nevis Swing: launch in your chosen style for a huge arc over the gorge; great for pairs.
Watching: there’s a purpose‑built pod and viewing deck so friends can see every leap.

Requirements & What to WearMinimum age 10 (parental consent required for 14 and under).

Minimum age 10 (parental consent required for 14 and under).
Weight range: 35 kg–220 kg.
Dress warm in layers—conditions here are colder and windier than in town.
Covered footwear is required; UGG‑style boots aren’t suitable. Tie back long hair and secure loose items.

Pricing & PoliciesRecent pricing indicates bungy or swing from around NZ$325 for adults and NZ$285 for children,…

Recent pricing indicates bungy or swing from around NZ$325 for adults and NZ$285 for children, with a student discount available with ID. Spectator spots are NZ$50 including transport and pod access. Full refunds are offered if you cancel more than 48 hours before your booking; within 48 hours or no‑shows are non‑refundable.

Best Time to VisitBook a clear, calm day within the operating window (roughly mid‑morning to mid‑afternoon).

Book a clear, calm day within the operating window (roughly mid‑morning to mid‑afternoon). Earlier slots can mean steadier conditions and you’ll still be back in town by mid‑afternoon. Whatever the hour, bring layers—the valley loves a breeze.

Wildlife

Wildlife in Queenstown-Lakes District

All Queenstown-Lakes District wildlife maps

189 sightingsKeaMost seen around 5 PMSighting map

18 sightingsKākāMost seen around 6 PMSighting map

195 sightingsKererūMost seen around 10 AMSighting map

48 sightingsWekaMost seen around 6 PMSighting map

239 sightingsTūīMost seen around 8 AMSighting map

97 sightingsBellbirdMost seen around 6 AMSighting map

Sighting maps show where each species has been reported across Queenstown-Lakes District. Wildlife moves, so no sighting is guaranteed.