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Which Queenstown Bungy Jumping Adventure Should You Choose?

Queenstown’s Kawarau adventure site combines three different ways to test your nerve above the turquoise Kawarau River. Kawarau Bridge Bungy offers the classic leap from the historic suspension bridge, while the Kawarau Swing sends you into a sweeping arc through the gorge. Kawarau Zipride provides a different kind of rush, carrying riders side by side along a fast zipline course.

The Nevis site raises the intensity in a remote mountain landscape reached by specialised transport. Nevis Bungy delivers Queenstown’s highest bungy jump, while Nevis Catapult accelerates riders across the valley in a rapid human launch. Nevis Swing completes the trio with a long, dramatic arc above the rugged Nevis Valley.

Top Three Adrenalin Activities in Queenstown

Queenstown’s most intense adventures are found at the remote Nevis Playground, where extreme height, speed and exposure combine with dramatic alpine scenery. These three activities are designed for travellers seeking the greatest adrenalin rush rather than a gentle introduction. Each Nevis experience requires dedicated shuttle transport, with around four hours allowed for the return journey from central Queenstown.

  • Nevis Bungy – Take a 134-metre head-first leap from a suspended platform and experience approximately 8.5 seconds of freefall on New Zealand’s highest bungy jump.
  • Nevis Catapult – Accelerate to around 100 kilometres per hour in 1.5 seconds as the powerful catapult launches you 150 metres across the Nevis Valley.
  • Nevis Swing – Experience a dramatic freefall before sweeping through a 300-metre arc above the canyon. Ride solo or share the challenge on a tandem swing.

Top Three Queenstown Aerial Adventures for Families

Families can share the excitement at the Kawarau Bungy Centre, where several activities offer lower minimum ages and tandem or group participation. The site is approximately 25 minutes from central Queenstown and has free parking, visitor facilities and viewing areas for spectators. Age, weight and health requirements still apply, so suitability should be checked for every family member before booking.

  • Kawarau Zipride – A family-friendly choice for participants aged eight years and over, travelling along a 130-metre zipline at speeds of up to 60 kilometres per hour.
  • Kawarau Swing – Riders aged eight years and over can experience a sweeping 43-metre swing through the Kawarau Gorge. Solo, tandem and three-person options make it easier to share the adventure.
  • Kawarau Bridge Bungy – Adventurous family members aged ten years and over can attempt the original 43-metre bungy jump. Tandem jumping may be available when participants meet the combined weight requirements.

How to Plan Queenstown Bungy and Aerial Adventures

Each experience offers its own balance of height, speed, freefall and scenery, so the best choice depends on how you prefer to experience adrenaline. First-time adventurers may favour the shared fun of Kawarau Zipride or a tandem swing, while confident thrill seekers can step up to Nevis Bungy or Nevis Catapult. Travelling with friends also makes it easy to choose different activities while sharing the atmosphere at the same adventure site.

Allow enough time for check-in, safety briefings and transport, particularly for adventures in the Nevis Valley. Age, weight and health requirements vary between activities, so every participant should review the latest conditions before booking. Whether you choose one challenge or combine several experiences, Queenstown’s bungy jumps and aerial adventures deliver exceptional views with a memorable burst of adrenaline.

Queenstown Bungy Jumping & Aerial Adventures

Queenstown bungy jumping and aerial adventures are short, high-adrenaline experiences that can be added to a Queenstown holiday. Allow about 1.5 to 2.5 hours for Kawarau activities or four hours for a Nevis adventure. Experiences start in central Queenstown or at the Kawarau Bungy Centre. Individual adult prices range from approximately NZ$50 to NZ$395, while multi-activity combinations cost more. Prices are indicative as at 18 August 2026.

Which Kawarau Bridge Adventure Should You Choose?

The Kawarau Bungy Centre is approximately 25 minutes from central Queenstown and offers three very different ways to experience the gorge. Kawarau Bridge Bungy is the original 43-metre leap, Kawarau Swing sweeps riders through a wide arc above the river, and Kawarau Zipride races along three parallel lines. Visitors may self-drive or use scheduled transport from central Queenstown.

Which Nevis Aerial Adventure Is Right for You?

The remote Nevis Playground is home to Queenstown’s biggest aerial challenges and can only be reached by the operator’s shuttle. Nevis Bungy delivers a 134-metre head-first freefall, Nevis Swing traces a dramatic 300-metre arc, and Nevis Catapult launches riders 150 metres across the valley. Allow around four hours for the return trip from central Queenstown, including transport and activity time.

What Is Included in Queenstown Bungy and Aerial Adventures?

Each booking covers the selected activity, necessary safety equipment and guidance from the specialist adventure crew. Transport arrangements vary by location: the Nevis Playground requires the designated shuttle, while visitors may drive to the Kawarau Bungy Centre or use selected transport services. Always confirm the final inclusions for your chosen activity or combination before booking.

  • Your selected bungy, swing, Zipride or Catapult experience
  • Safety briefing and required specialist equipment
  • Assistance from trained adventure crew
  • Return transport from central Queenstown where specified
  • Digital photographs or videos when included with the booking
  • Access to designated viewing areas for accompanying spectators

Queenstown Bungy Jumping and Aerial Adventures Compared

Queenstown’s two main adventure locations suit different confidence levels, schedules and budgets. Kawarau offers the most accessible choices, including the lower-cost Zipride and experiences that can be shared with other participants. Nevis requires a longer trip into the high country but provides the greatest heights, speeds and scale. Use the comparison below as a guide when choosing your preferred experience.

ExperienceLocationAdventure StyleAllowApproximate Adult Price
Kawarau Bridge BungyKawarau Bungy Centre43-metre bungy; solo or tandem1.5 hours self-drive or 2.5 hours with transportFrom NZ$320
Kawarau SwingKawarau Bungy Centre43-metre swing; solo, tandem or triple1.5 hours self-drive or 2.5 hours with transportFrom NZ$240
Kawarau ZiprideKawarau Bungy Centre130-metre zipline; solo or tandem1.5 hours self-drive or 2.5 hours with transportFrom NZ$50
Nevis BungyNevis Playground134-metre head-first bungy; solo4 hours from central QueenstownFrom NZ$395
Nevis SwingNevis Playground300-metre swing arc; solo or tandem4 hours from central QueenstownFrom NZ$325
Nevis CatapultNevis Playground150-metre high-speed launch; solo4 hours from central QueenstownFrom NZ$295

Prices are approximate adult rates in New Zealand dollars as at 18 August 2026 and are subject to change.

Frequently asked questions

The Kawarau Bridge Bungy takes you 43 metres above the vivid turquoise waters of the Kawarau River in Gibbston near Queenstown. Opened in November 1988, it became the world’s first commercial bungy operation and helped establish Queenstown as an international adventure destination. The historic suspension bridge and dramatic river gorge create a spectacular setting, combining a powerful adrenaline rush with one of the region’s most memorable landscapes.

Yes, the Kawarau Swing offers solo, tandem and three-person riding options, so you can share the experience with friends or family. The maximum combined weight for tandem or three-person swings is 240kg, while individual participants must weigh at least 30kg and no more than 150kg. The crew will confirm the most suitable swing style based on the participants.

The Kawarau Zipride sends you racing along a 130-metre line at speeds of up to 60km/h. With three parallel lines, up to six people can ride at the same time, making it perfect for families and groups of friends who want to turn their adventure into a friendly race. The spectacular Kawarau River setting adds an extra scenic element to the high-speed experience.

Absolutely, provided you meet the age, weight and health requirements. The Nevis Bungy is designed for people ready to take on an extreme adrenaline experience, and the experienced crew guides you through the process before your jump. If 134 metres feels daunting, remember that fear is part of the experience—the challenge is taking that final step!

The Nevis Catapult propels you approximately 150 metres across the spectacular Nevis Valley, creating an unforgettable feeling of flying through the air. You’ll accelerate to speeds of up to 100km/h in just 1.5 seconds, experiencing forces of up to 3G. It’s a completely different adrenaline rush from bungy jumping, combining rapid acceleration, height and a thrilling rebound.

Yes. The Nevis Swing can be enjoyed either solo or tandem, allowing you to share the experience with a friend or partner. Tandem participants can have a combined weight of up to 220kg, with the crew assessing suitability on the day. You can also choose from different swing styles, including forwards, backwards and even upside down, adding a playful twist to this already thrilling adventure.

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