New Zealand: World Home Of Bungee
How did the world’s pioneer commercial bungee jumping operation come to be?
Inspired by the ancient ‘land-diving’ ritual of indigenous people of Vanuatu (where they jump off from towers with vines tied around their feet), an adventurous, entrepreneur-minded Kiwi, AJ Hackett, along with his friend / then co-founder of AJ Hackett Bungy, Henry van Asch, developed bungee cords. Needing to show the world their faith in the bungee ropes, they snuck up the Eiffel Tower and jumped from the iconic building, and voila… The sport of bungee jumping took off! The world’s first commercial bungy operation opened by them in New Zealand, at the Kawarau Bridge in 1988.
Kawarau Bridge Bungy: The World’s First Commercial Bungee Jumping
Jump off from the bridge that started it all. Kawarau Bridge Bungy is the original spot to take the leap of faith! Water touch or tandem jumps are possible on request but depending on factors such as river level. Other than bungee jumping, ziplining (Zipride) is also available here.
Nevis Bungy: The Highest Bungee Jump In New Zealand
One of the new locations for AJ Hackett Bungy is the Nevis Bungy, which is currently New Zealand’s highest bungee jump. With the 134m (unstretched) bungee rope, feel the 8.5 seconds rush of pure adrenaline fall!
Unlike the Kawarau Bridge Bungy, you can only take the 4WD bungy bus from Queenstown, ride through the scenic highway of Gibbston, and up the narrow gravel track to the remote bungy center.
In addition to NZ’s highest bungy, Nevis Bungy is also home to both the world’s biggest swing (Nevis Swing), and the world’s biggest human catapult (Nevis Catapult). Up your epic challenge by taking on two world’s biggest in one go with The Nevis Trilogy combo!
After my successful bungee jump, I received a cool ‘proof of jump’ T-shift.
To get onto the jumping platform, you’ll take an exciting cable lift that pulls you across the high canyon above the middle of the river far below. Check out the videos of my jump below:
Photos and videos are covered for you. A moment after the jump, you’ll receive the photos and a fully well edited video of the jump!
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