Kawarau Bridge Bungy in Queenstown-Lakes District, New Zealand

Sight · Queenstown-Lakes District, New Zealand

Kawarau Bridge Bungy

The original bungy jump over the Kawarau River gorge

Photo: Wikimedia Commons
Type
Sight
Audio stories
4 nearby
  • Parking
  • Scenic viewpoint
  • Food
  • Store
  • #13 of 91 sights

Hear the audio tour

Kawarau Bridge: The World Home of Bungy

Overview

About Kawarau Bridge Bungy

Welcome to the World Home of Bungy. AJ Hackett opened the first permanent commercial site here in November 1988, and the 43 m leap over the turquoise Kawarau River still delivers that grin‑inducing, knees‑tingling rush. Even if you’re not jumping, the gorge views from the bridge and big viewing deck are worth the detour, and it’s free to watch.

Why stop

  • Historic home of the world’s first permanent commercial bungy
  • Tandem and optional water‑touch jump styles
  • Free viewing deck and onsite parking

Heads up

  • Pricey compared with many activities
  • Water‑touch isn’t guaranteed due to river conditions

Map

Where it is

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SightKawarau Bridge Bungy-45.00947, 168.90015
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Local know-how

Tips for visiting Kawarau Bridge Bungy

  1. Book an early or late slot to dodge the midday peak.

  2. Ask for a water‑touch at check‑in, but have a backup pose if it’s denied.

  3. Bring student ID to access student pricing.

  4. Allow ~1.5 hours if self‑driving or ~3.5 hours with the Bungy Bus.

  5. Spectators can watch for free from the large viewing deck.

Plan your stop

Before you go

Best time to go

Plan around 1.5 hours if you’re self‑driving, or about 3.5 hours if you’re using the Bungy Bus. Midday is typically the busiest window; mornings ramp up after opening and peak late morning through mid‑afternoon. Booking ahead is smart if you’re targeting a specific time or jump style.

Getting There and Onsite Setup

Drive yourself and park for free, or book a seat on the complimentary Bungy Bus from central Queenstown (limited seats; bookings essential). The centre has a large viewing deck for spectators, a café for post‑jump snacks, an outdoor bar for a little liquid courage, and a souvenir shop. Beyond the bungy, the site also runs the Kawarau Zipride, and a giant swing has been added here recently—handy options if someone in the group wants thrills without the full leap.

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Queenstown-Lakes District Tour Guide

Your drive to Kawarau Bridge Bungy, 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 place

Kawarau Bridge: The World Home of Bungy
Listen
“You're driving toward the Kawarau Bridge, the world's original home of bungy jumping. This is where AJ Hackett started it all back in 1988, with a 43-meter leap over the turquoise river gorge.”

Plays as you drive up to Kawarau Bridge Bungy in the Parkwolf Queenstown-Lakes District Tour Guide.

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  • CarPlay readysimple controls built for the drive
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Guide

More about Kawarau Bridge Bungy

The ExperienceYou’ll check in at the Kawarau Bungy Centre on SH6 in the Gibbston Valley, about 25 minutes…

You’ll check in at the Kawarau Bungy Centre on SH6 in the Gibbston Valley, about 25 minutes from Queenstown. The jump is 43 m/141 ft with options for tandem and a crowd‑pleasing water touch (request it, but it depends on river levels). Photo and video packages are available for instant delivery, and jumpers score an activity tee.

Safety and RequirementsMinimum age is 10.

Minimum age is 10. Standard solo weight range is 35–160 kg; tandems are allowed up to a 235 kg combined limit with ≤30 kg difference between partners. When the river runs high, solo max can drop to 130 kg. You can’t jump if pregnant or with photosensitive epilepsy; some conditions (e.g., osteoporosis, scoliosis, recent concussion) may require a doctor’s certificate. Tell the crew about any medical issues—they’re experienced, calm, and very good at talking nervous first‑timers through it. Regular glasses may not be allowed; prescription safety glasses are available.

PricingAs of recent listings: adults from NZD $320; students from NZD $280 (bring ID); children 10 and…

As of recent listings: adults from NZD $320; students from NZD $280 (bring ID); children 10 and under are NZD $280. You can bundle with other AJ Hackett experiences (like the Nevis Bungy or Swing) if you’re building an adrenaline day.

What to Wear and BringDress for the weather—winters get cold, so layer up.

Dress for the weather—winters get cold, so layer up. Secure or remove loose items, tie back long hair, and bring a payment method if you want photo/video. If you booked student pricing, bring your student ID.

Best Time to VisitThe centre operates daily roughly 9:30 am–4:00 pm (closed Christmas Day), with exact times…

The centre operates daily roughly 9:30 am–4:00 pm (closed Christmas Day), with exact times varying by season. For smoother check‑in, aim for the first hour after opening or the last hour of the day; that’s when crowds thin and the viewing deck is more relaxed. If you’re chasing a water touch, request it at check‑in and be flexible—river levels call the shots.

Wildlife

Wildlife in Queenstown-Lakes District

All Queenstown-Lakes District wildlife maps

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

Parkwolf’s Queenstown-Lakes District ranking

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Take Parkwolf to Queenstown-Lakes District.

The audio tour guide for the drive, plus offline maps, trails, and wildlife heatmaps for when the signal drops.

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