Queenstown bungy jumping: prices, choices and planning

The Shotover Canyon Swing is about 10 minutes from the town centre, by its own account. It is a canyon swing, not a bungy: the operator gives a freefall of 60 metres, a platform 109 metres high and a 200 metre swing. For a bungy, AJ Hackett Bungy has two Queenstown sites open now, Kawarau and Nevis, and says its Ledge Bungy is reopening for summer 2026 to 2027. Its pages state the Kawarau Bridge Bungy as a 43 metre (141 feet) jump and the Nevis Bungy as a 134 metre (439 feet) jump, which AJ Hackett calls New Zealand's highest. AJ Hackett also says it pioneered the world's first commercial bungy jump at the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge in 1988. The heights above are the operators' own figures, not our measurements. In our view, these are different experiences, not a ranking, so choose by what you want from the day.

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These details are from the Shotover Canyon Swing's own website, read on 31 October 2026. Check its current requirements and terms before you book.

• What it is

  The operator describes a canyon swing with a 60 metre freefall, a 109 metre platform and a 200 metre swing. It says there is no bounce after the freefall, and that the freefall lasts approximately 4 seconds before a swing of up to a couple of minutes.

• Where it is

  The booking office and check-in point is at 34 Shotover Street in the middle of Queenstown. The operational site is at Arthurs Point, about 10 minutes by road from town.

• How long it takes

  The operator says about 2 hours and suggests allowing 2.5 hours. It says it operates every day of the year except Christmas Day, and its FAQ says in all weather conditions. Its safety page adds that in extreme weather such as high winds or storms it may delay or reschedule swings.

• Who can swing

  The minimum age is 10, and there is no maximum age. A parent or guardian must come with anyone aged 10 to 13, and must sign the check-in form for anyone aged 14 or 15. There is no minimum weight but you must fit the harness, and the maximum combined weight is 210 kg for solo and tandem. You can jump yourself or be released, and you do not have to choose a jump style when you book.

• Health

  The operator says the swing is not suitable for expectant mothers and that a health declaration is required at check-in. It says not all medical conditions prevent you from swinging, that its team must be told, and that it strongly encourages you to consult your doctor first.

• Getting to the platform

  Transport from the town centre is included and there is no public access to the site. The operator says the site is at the end of a 300 metre gravel track, with 61 steep stairs down to the platform, so wear suitable footwear.

• Locally run

  The operator says it has been locally owned and operated since 2002.

AJ Hackett's pages showed from-prices of NZ$320 (adult) and NZ$280 (child) for the Kawarau Bridge Bungy, and NZ$395 for the Nevis Bungy, when we read them on 31 October 2026. The operator sets these prices and can change them, so we do not quote an official price. Treat them as a budgeting guide and confirm the total for your date and party on the booking page. We did not read a Shotover Canyon Swing price, so we give none here. It says spectators cost NZ$25 each and must be pre-booked, and that cancelling at least 24 hours ahead gets a full refund. Photo packages, spectator tickets and transport can sit outside the jump price. AJ Hackett's FAQ says spectators need no booking at the Kawarau Bungy Centre unless they travel on the bus, in which case a spectator spot (free for Kawarau) must be booked. For Nevis, spectator spots must be booked and cost NZ$50 for adults. In our view, add up the whole outing before comparing.

1. 01Kawarau by car

   The Kawarau Bungy Centre is on State Highway 6 between Queenstown and Cromwell, around 25 minutes from central Queenstown. AJ Hackett says to arrive at least 15 minutes before your check-in time and that free parking is available.

2. 02Kawarau by bus

   The Bungy Bus leaves the Queenstown Bungy Centre at the corner of Shotover and Camp Streets. Check in 30 minutes before the bus departs. AJ Hackett says transport availability is limited and shows remaining seats during booking.

3. 03Nevis

   The Nevis Playground is reached only by AJ Hackett's 4WD Bungy Bus. Allow a total of 3.5 hours from the Queenstown Bungy Centre, and check in 30 minutes before the bus departs.

4. 04Leave room afterwards

   The allowances are operator planning figures, not guaranteed returns. In our view, avoid a fixed booking straight after the stated finish.

Statements from AJ Hackett's website, read on 31 October 2026.

• Water touch

  A water touch is possible at the Kawarau Bridge Bungy but it is not guaranteed, because of factors such as river level. Ask your jump master at check-in.

• The Ledge

  AJ Hackett's FAQ says the Ledge Bungy and Swing at the top of the Skyline Gondola is reopening for summer 2026 to 2027, with a waitlist. We have not read a confirmed reopening date, so keep it out of a fixed plan.

• Tandem and swings

  AJ Hackett offers tandem jumps on the Kawarau Bridge Bungy. The Nevis Bungy is solo only. It describes a bungy as bouncing on elastic cords and a swing as a pendulum arc on cables and rope with no bounce.

• Health declarations

  AJ Hackett asks you to tell the crew about conditions such as high or low blood pressure, heart conditions, epilepsy and recent injuries.