The Nevis Bungy is the jump for people who think the Kawarau Bridge is a warm-up. A small gondola pod carries you out over the Nevis River canyon to a platform suspended between the rock walls, and from there you step off into a drop of 134 metres, the highest bungy in New Zealand. The freefall lasts around eight seconds, long enough for the ground to rush up, the canyon to blur and the world to turn upside down before the rebound begins. It sits in the dry, rugged hills of Central Otago to the south-east of Queenstown, a landscape of schist rock, tussock and wide skies that is part of the thrill. The company behind it also runs the original Kawarau Bridge site, and the same safety culture applies, with a weight check, a briefing and a harness that is double-checked before you leave the platform. Spectators can usually ride out in the pod to watch, which is a good way to see the canyon even if you stay on the platform. The ticket is for the jump itself, and most visitors book it with transport from Queenstown, since the site is well off the main roads and the access road is not one to tackle casually. Expect to be away for a few hours in all.
How to visit
The Nevis Bungy is roughly forty minutes from central Queenstown by road, and it is normally reached on a shuttle that leaves from the adventure centre on Shotover Street. Check the departure times when you book, as the shuttle runs to a schedule and the last jump of the day is not a flexible time.
If you drive, the road includes unsealed sections, so most people leave it to the shuttle driver. Wear sturdy shoes, bring a warm layer and sun protection, and expect the weather at the canyon to differ from the weather in town.
What to expect
After a short drive and a safety briefing, you ride the pod across the canyon, which is a thrill in itself. Jumpers are weighed, harnessed and clipped in on the platform, and the crew talk you through the countdown. You can choose how you leave the platform, whether a simple forward dive or something more theatrical, and a photo and video package is usually offered as an extra.
After the jump you are lowered or winched back to a landing point and returned to the platform by the pod. There are minimum age and weight limits, and some health conditions rule out jumping, so read the conditions on the booking before you travel.
Making the most of it
Book early in your stay so that a weather delay does not leave you without a spare day, and ask whether you can swap to another departure if the wind is up. The Nevis site combines well with other adrenaline stops such as the Shotover Jet or the Kawarau Bridge, but be realistic about how much you want to fit into one day, because the jump and the transport take a good chunk of it. If you want a gentler look at the canyon, ride out as a spectator and let your travelling companions do the screaming.
Good to know
Jumps are subject to weather, and the schedule can shift if wind picks up in the canyon, so try not to pin the day before a flight or another fixed commitment on a single departure. Wear clothing you can move in, tie back long hair and leave loose items in the locker provided. If you are nervous, tell the crew early, because they handle first-timers all day and know how to keep the countdown calm.
What to expect
The experience
A guided shuttle ride out of town, a cable-car pod across the Nevis canyon and a single 134-metre bungy jump from a suspended platform.
Best time
A calm, clear morning or afternoon, with a spare day in your plan in case wind or rain delays the schedule.
How long
Two to three hours including transport and briefing, a little longer with the photo package and a wait for your turn.
Tips
Book transport with the jump, wear closed shoes and layers, and read the weight and age limits before you go.
Quick picks
- Best for
- Confident thrill-seekers who want the biggest jump in the country rather than the classic bridge.
- Families
- A rewarding day for teenagers who meet the age limits, while younger children can watch from the pod with an adult.
- Couples
- A shared dare for adventurous couples, with a photo and video pack as the souvenir.
- Pair with
- The Kawarau Bridge bungy for comparison, or a calm evening in Arrowtown afterwards.
- Time needed
- Two to three hours including transport.
Good questions
How high is the Nevis Bungy?+
It is a 134-metre drop, the highest bungy jump in New Zealand. The freefall lasts around eight seconds.
How do I get to the Nevis Bungy from Queenstown?+
The site is about forty minutes from town and is usually reached on a shuttle from the adventure centre on Shotover Street. Check the departure times when you book.
Can spectators watch the Nevis Bungy?+
Yes, spectators can normally ride out in the pod with the jumpers and watch from the platform. Check when booking whether a spectator place is included.
What should I wear for the Nevis Bungy?+
Wear closed shoes, comfortable clothes you can move in and a warm layer, as the canyon can be breezy and cooler than town.
Is the Nevis Bungy affected by weather?+
Strong wind and heavy rain can delay or cancel jumps, so keep a spare day in your plan and ask about rebooking when you book.
