Kawarau Bridge Bungy
The historic 1880s Kawarau Bridge, where AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch launched commercial bungy jumping to the world in 1988, still operating today at the original 43-metre site.
Quick Facts
- Region
- Otago, South Island
- Best time
- Year-round
- Entry fee
- From NZD $255 (jump)
- Duration
- 1–2 hours
Overview
The Kawarau Bridge is where modern commercial bungy jumping began: after testing similar jumps from bridges and cranes elsewhere, AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch opened the world's first permanent commercial bungy site here in 1988, using the old 1880 traffic bridge over the Kawarau Gorge. It remains the original and, for many, the definitive bungy experience in New Zealand.
Jumpers leap 43 metres from the bridge's centre span toward the turquoise Kawarau River below, with an option to touch the water on the way. A viewing deck lets non-jumpers watch (and heckle) from the bridge itself, and the site includes a small museum on the sport's history.
Things To Do
- Bungy jump — the classic 43-metre leap from the original 1988 commercial bungy site.
- Water touch option — request a dip in the river at the bottom of the jump for an extra thrill.
- Viewing deck — watch other jumpers from the bridge without jumping yourself.
- Bungy history displays — exhibits on the sport's origins at the site's visitor centre.
- Kawarau Gorge scenery — the turquoise river and gorge are striking even without jumping.
Getting There
The Kawarau Bridge is about 25 minutes' drive from Queenstown on State Highway 6, on the way toward Cromwell. Shuttle transport is available from Queenstown for those not driving themselves.
| Location | State Highway 6, Kawarau Gorge, near Queenstown |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | 9:00am – 5:00pm daily (extended in summer) |
| Entry Fee | From NZD $255 (jump); viewing is free |
| Duration | 1–2 hours including transport |
| Accessibility | Viewing deck is accessible; jumping requires meeting health and weight criteria |
Gallery
Nearby Attractions
Skyline Gondola
A gondola above Queenstown with luge tracks and views over Lake Wakatipu.
Lake Wanaka
A large alpine lake and the famous 'That Wanaka Tree', about 40 minutes' drive away.
Gibbston Valley
A boutique wine region right by the bridge, known for Pinot Noir.