The Kawarau Bridge is where the whole bungy industry started. On 12 April 1988, AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch launched the world’s first commercial bungy jump from this old suspension bridge over the turquoise Kawarau River, and people have been leaping the 43 metres to the water ever since. It remains the most atmospheric place in New Zealand to jump: the gorge is narrow and rocky, the bridge is a heritage structure, and the viewing platforms put friends and family right beside the action. If the bungy is too much, the Kawarau Swing sends you on a long arc across the gorge, and the Zipride is a gentle, family-friendly zipline above the river. The centre also has a licensed café, a bar and a shop, and entry to the site and viewing deck is free, so spectators need no booking. This page links to the Tiqets ticket for the bungy, swing or zipline with return transport from Queenstown, which includes safety gear and a photo and video pack.
How to visit: the bridge is about 23 kilometres from central Queenstown on State Highway 6, a 25 to 35-minute drive towards Cromwell, or a little longer via the Arrowtown scenic route. The Tiqets product includes return transfers, and you check in at the Queenstown Bungy Centre in the Station Building, on the corner of Shotover and Camp streets, arriving 15 minutes early to sign the waiver. Free cancellation and rescheduling are available up to 24 hours before your slot. If you drive, there is free parking at the bridge.
What to expect: after weighing and a briefing, jumpers are harnessed on the bridge and leap one at a time, then are lowered into a raft and brought back to shore. The whole process is quick once you are on the bridge, though you may wait for your slot at busy times. Summer hours run longer than winter hours, and the last jump is about half an hour before closing.
Making the most of it: go with friends, since watching is half the fun, and stay for a drink on the deck afterwards. The Gibbston wine valley is just up the road, and Arrowtown is a short detour on the way back. If you want something bigger, ask about AJ Hackett’s Nevis site, its sister destination near Queenstown.
What to expect
The experience
A 43-metre bungy jump, a canyon swing or a zipline at the historic Kawarau Bridge, with return transport from Queenstown and a free viewing deck for spectators.
Best time
A clear morning in summer, when the river glows turquoise and hours run longer.
How long
Two to three hours including transfers, check-in and your jump.
Tips
Arrive 15 minutes early at the Station Building to sign the waiver, and bring friends to watch from the free deck.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Thrill seekers who want to jump where commercial bungy was born.
- Families
- Younger or more nervous family members can ride the Zipride or simply watch from the free viewing deck.
- Couples
- Book a tandem jump or swing together, then share a glass of wine in the nearby Gibbston valley.
- Pair with
- Arrowtown on the drive back, or the Shotover Jet for a full adrenaline day.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours.
Good questions
How high is the Kawarau Bridge bungy?+
The jump is 43 metres from the bridge to the Kawarau River. It was the world’s first commercial bungy site when it opened on 12 April 1988.
How far is the Kawarau Bridge from Queenstown?+
It is about 23 kilometres from central Queenstown, a 25 to 35-minute drive on State Highway 6. The Tiqets ticket includes return transport from town.
Can I watch the bungy for free?+
Yes, entry to the site and the viewing deck is free, and spectators do not need to book. There is a licensed café and bar on site.
What if I do not want to bungy jump?+
You can choose the Kawarau Swing or the Zipride instead, both from the same centre. The Zipride is the gentlest option and suits families.
Can I cancel my Kawarau Bridge bungy booking?+
The Tiqets product offers free cancellation and rescheduling up to 24 hours before your visit. After that, standard terms apply.