Bungy Jumping in Queenstown: All 4 Jumps Compared (with Prices)

Queenstown invented commercial bungy jumping. In 1988, AJ Hackett leapt off the Kawarau Bridge and launched an entire industry. Today, AJ Hackett operates four experiences across three sites in the Queenstown area — and choosing between them is one of the most common questions visitors have.

Here's an honest breakdown of all four, with current prices and practical advice to help you pick the right jump.

The Four Experiences at a Glance

| Jump | Height | Price | Vibe |
|------|--------|-------|------|
| Kawarau Bridge Bungy | 43m | $175 | The classic original |
| Ledge Bungy | 47m | $175 | Urban, freestyle |
| Nevis Bungy | 134m | $275 | Extreme, terrifying |
| Nevis Swing | 160m arc | $175 | Huge swing, less freefall |

Kawarau Bridge Bungy — The Original

Height: 43m over the Kawarau River Price: $175 NZD Location: 25 minutes from Queenstown CBD

This is where it all started. The Kawarau Bridge Bungy is the world's most famous bungy site, and jumping here feels like a pilgrimage. You stand on a narrow platform bolted to the historic 1880 suspension bridge, look down at the turquoise Kawarau River, and step off.

At 43m, it's the lowest of the three bungy jumps, but don't let that fool you — it's still a serious drop. You can choose to be dipped in the river at the bottom (called a "water touch") or stay dry.

Best for: First-time jumpers who want the iconic experience. The height is manageable, the setting is stunning, and the heritage is unbeatable. Free viewing from the centre is excellent if one of your group doesn't want to jump.

Ledge Bungy — The Freestyle Jump

Height: 47m from the Skyline Gondola platform Price: $175 NZD (gondola not included) Location: Top of the Skyline Gondola, Queenstown

The Ledge is unlike any other bungy. Instead of a bridge over a river, you're on a platform jutting out from Bob's Peak above Queenstown. The views across Lake Wakatipu and The Remarkables are incredible.

The key difference: you're harnessed around your chest rather than your ankles, which means you can run, flip, twist, or swan dive off the edge however you want. It's more of a launch than a fall.

Best for: People who want creative control over their jump style. The body harness feels less intimidating than ankle straps. Great for photos and video because you're facing forward.

Nevis Bungy — New Zealand's Highest

Height: 134m over the Nevis River gorge Price: $275 NZD Location: 45 minutes from Queenstown (transport included)

The Nevis is the real deal. At 134m, it's New Zealand's highest bungy and the third highest in the world. You ride a cable car to a glass-floored pod suspended over the Nevis River canyon, look down through 134 metres of empty air, and jump.

The freefall lasts 8.5 seconds. That might not sound like much, but when you're falling towards a rocky river gorge, it feels like an eternity. The sensation is completely different from the shorter jumps — you reach genuine terminal velocity and the wind roars around you.

Best for: Thrill-seekers and experienced jumpers. If you've done a bungy before and want something that will genuinely test your nerve, this is it. The price reflects the experience — you won't find anything like this elsewhere in New Zealand.

Nevis Swing — The World's Biggest Swing

Height: 160m swing arc Price: $175 NZD Location: Same site as the Nevis Bungy

The Nevis Swing uses the same canyon and cable car setup but instead of a vertical drop, you freefall for about 70m before a massive pendulum swing carries you in a 160m arc across the canyon at up to 150km/h.

You can jump solo, tandem, forwards, backwards, or in a variety of creative positions the staff will enthusiastically suggest. The initial freefall is intense, but the swing phase is pure exhilaration — more fun than fear.

Best for: People who want the Nevis canyon experience without the full 134m bungy price or intensity. Also brilliant for couples doing a tandem swing. Many people rate the swing as more enjoyable overall because the fun phase (the swing) lasts longer than a bungy rebound.

How to Decide

First-time bungy jumper? Start with the Kawarau Bridge. It's the original, the height is approachable, and you'll get the full bungy experience without being overwhelmed.

Want the best views? The Ledge Bungy overlooking Queenstown is hard to beat for scenery during the jump.

Pure adrenaline seeker? The Nevis Bungy. Nothing else comes close. If you only do one bungy in your life and you want to go big, this is the one.

Best value thrill? The Nevis Swing gives you the dramatic Nevis canyon setting at $175 instead of $275, and many people find it more enjoyable overall.

Doing multiple? The AJ Hackett combo deals save real money. The "Thrillogy" package (Kawarau + Ledge + Nevis) is significantly cheaper than booking separately.

Practical Booking Tips

• ✓Book online — walk-up prices are higher and popular time slots sell out in summer.
• ✓Morning slots tend to have better light for photos and shorter waits.
• ✓Weight limits: 35kg minimum for Kawarau, specific limits vary by site. Check when booking.
• ✓Photos and video: Packages cost extra ($50–80) but the footage is genuinely worth it — you won't remember the jump clearly because of the adrenaline.
• ✓You can back out: Staff won't pressure you beyond encouragement. Full refunds are available if you can't jump.
• ✓Transport: Kawarau and Nevis include free shuttle from Queenstown. Ledge requires a gondola ticket.

The Honest Truth About Fear

Everyone is scared. The platform staff know this — they've watched hundreds of thousands of people stand on the edge. Their countdown technique works because it gives your brain a structure to follow instead of spiralling into doubt. The vast majority of people who get to the edge do jump. And almost every single one describes it as one of the best things they've ever done.

Browse all Queenstown bungy and adventure experiences to compare and book.