Hotels near Kawarau Bridge Bungee

The Kawarau Bridge Bungee is where commercial bungee jumping was born. On 12 November 1988, AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch opened the world's first permanent commercial bungee site on this 43-metre-high suspension bridge over the Kawarau River. The jump remains one of the most popular things to do in Queenstown, drawing hundreds of visitors daily. You leap from the historic bridge toward the turquoise river below, with the option of a full water dip (touch or dunk) depending on the cord length set for your weight.

The site includes a free viewing platform where non-jumpers can watch and photograph, plus the AJ Hackett Bungee Centre museum documenting the history of bungee. A jump costs NZD 205 (115 EUR) including a free shuttle from town. The site operates year-round in all weather conditions. For a higher jump, the Nevis Bungee (134 metres) is also run by AJ Hackett but located in a separate gorge 40 minutes from Queenstown.

Pro Tip: Book the first morning slot (around 9:00) to jump with fewer spectators and calmer nerves. The free shuttle from The Station in Queenstown departs every 30 minutes. Combine your visit with a stop at the nearby Gibbston Valley winery - the bungee bridge is right on the wine trail.