Bungy & Canyon Swings
Discover bungy jumping and canyon swinging in some of the most scenic spots on the planet. From Queenstown’s high-country canyons to cliff-edge jumps over the Waikato River, this guide helps you choose your jump, calm the nerves, and build it into an epic New Zealand itinerary.
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Why in New Zealand?
What makes bungy jumping or canyon swinging in New Zealand so special compared to doing it anywhere else? It's the combination of unparalleled scenery and the memorable experiences that stick with you long after the adrenaline fades. New Zealand offers a diverse range of bungy jumping and canyon swinging experiences. From the heart-stopping Nevis Bungy to the iconic Kawarau Bridge, there's an adventure for every thrill-seeker.
Bungy & Canyon Swings at a Glance
Use this quick snapshot to see if bungy is right for you:
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Best for: Thrill-seekers, first-timers, adventure addicts
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Main hubs: Queenstown, Taupō, Rotorua, Hanmer Springs, Auckland.
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Height range: Around 35–134 m depending on the site.
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Open: Year-round, but wind or storms can delay or cancel jumps
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Good to know: Book ahead for weekends, public holidays and the Dec–Mar peak
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Extras: Many sites also offer swings, catapults, jet boating or scenic add-ons
Nevis Bungy — 134 m, Queenstown
The one you’ll still talk about ten years from now.
If bungy had a boss level, Nevis is it. You’ll head deep into Queenstown’s high country, ride a cable car out to a suspended pod, then step up to a platform where the river looks tiny and the drop feels endless. One lean, one HUGE freefall, and you’re roaring, silent, then roaring again before bouncing back up laughing.
Why go? NZ’s biggest freefall, epic canyon setting, and a jump that instantly becomes one of your all-time great stories.
Nevis Catapult & Nevis Swing — Queenstown
Not everyone craves a straight-down plunge. The Nevis Catapult fires you horizontally across the canyon, hauling you from zero to “what is happening?!” in seconds. The Nevis Swing is the world’s biggest swing: you and gravity in a huge arc that feels like being scooped up by a giant and launched out over the void. It’s ridiculous, loud, and absolutely addictive.
Who it suits: Groups of friends (tandem on the swing is pure shared chaos), couples, and anyone chasing big reactions and even better clips for their socials.
Kawarau Bridge Bungy — 43 m, Queenstown (Gibbston)
Where it all began, This is the original AJ Hackett bungy: a historic bridge over jade-blue water in the Gibbston Valley, with a built-in crowd and big “this just feels right” energy. It’s high enough to get your heart thumping, but not so extreme you rethink your life choices. Go for a water touch—just fingertips if you’re shy, full shoulder dunk if you’re all in—and bounce back grinning.
Why go? Iconic birthplace of bungy, stunning river gorge, and perfect for hanging out and watching your mates jump.
The Ledge Bungy — ~47 m, Queenstown Skyline
Enterprise
Perched high above town and accessed by the Skyline gondola, The Ledge is bungy as a playground. The waist harness gives you freedom to mess around—backflips, starfish, goofy poses—while Queenstown and Lake Wakatipu spread out below in deep blues and greens. It feels more like high-altitude fun than full terror and is a perfect “second jump” after Kawarau.
Why go? Skyline panoramas, creative jumps, and easy to bundle with luge rides and sunset drinks.
Taupō Bungy — 47 m, Taupō
North Island’s cliff-edge hero shot, Taupō’s platform juts straight out from a cliff over water so turquoise it looks filtered. The freefall is clean, the rebound is smooth, and every photo screams “NZ summer” – bright water, dark gorge, huge grin. Right beside it, the Cliff-Hanger Swing sends you arcing out over the Waikato together, perfect for couples and best mates.
Why go? That water, that colour, and a Central North Island location that slots into almost any road trip.
Who it suits: Road-trippers, families with older teens, and anyone who travels with a camera.
Rotorua Bungy — ~43 m, Velocity Valley (Rotorua)
Short travel time, big hit, and easy to combine with a bunch of other thrills. Velocity Valley is an adventure park, so everything’s tight and efficient: quick check-in, quick queue, big payoff.
Vertigo (43 m vertical drop)
Rotorua’s original bungy site has evolved into Vertigo, a cord-free 43 m vertical drop that swaps the rebound for one clean, heart-in-mouth fall. You step off, get four seconds of pure “am I flying or falling?”, then it’s over—sharp, intense, and highly addictive. Views over the park set the scene before you drop.
Hanmer Springs Bungy — 35 m,
Waiau Ferry Bridge (North Canterbury)
Hanmer’s historic bridge hangs over a pale-green river framed by beech forest and braided gravels. At 35 m it’s still a real jump, just kinder on the nerves. It’s the classic South Island detour: shout on the way down, grin on the rebound, then wander over to Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools to relive it all in the hot water.
Why go? Approachable height, beautiful gorge, and a soak waiting just up the road.
Who it suits: Nervous first-timers, couples, and anyone road-tripping between Christchurch and Kaikōura or Marlborough.
Auckland Harbour Bridge Bungy — ~40 m,
Urban bungy just hits different. In the middle of New Zealand’s biggest city, you’ll gear up at sea level, then climb the bridge superstructure like you’ve snuck onto a steel catwalk. At the top, it’s sails, skyline, and Rangitoto on the horizon before you step off into open air. On a crisp winter’s day the harbour turns silver and the photos are unreal.
Why go? Only-in-Auckland vibe, easy to weave into a city day, and an instantly recognisable backdrop.
Who it suits: Time-poor travellers, cruise passengers, conference and business-trip escape artists.
Safety, nerves & what to wear
Thinking about trying bungy jumping or canyon swinging for the first time in NZ? Embrace the fear, trust the experts, and prepare for an unforgettable rush. Aotearoa Adventures is here to guide you through the best options.
- Weight/age/health limits vary—operators will check. Be honest; they’re on your team.
- Fear is normal. It’s not about being fearless; it’s about doing it anyway. That’s why it sticks.
- Shoes: secure laces. Pockets: empty them—phones + gravity = heartbreak.
- Weather: wind and heavy rain can delay things; book early in your trip to allow a backup window.
- Photos & video: the one time to buy them is a bungy day. Future-you will thank you.
Picking your perfect jump (quick cheat sheet)
- “I want the biggest and baddest.” → Nevis Bungy (134 m) QT
- “Give me the classic with river vibes.” → Kawarau Bridge QT (43 m)
- “I’m road-tripping the North Island.” → Taupō Bungy (47 m)
- “Vertical drop scares me—give me fun chaos.” → Nevis Catapult or Swing QT.
- “I’ve done one—now I want views & style.” → The Ledge QT (~47 m)
- “I only have a couple of hours.” → Rotorua (Velocity Valley)
- “I’m staying in the city.” → Auckland Harbour Bridge (~40 m)
