Planning a trip to New Zealand? Our Frequently Asked Questions page covers everything from booking tours and transport options to what to pack and when to visit. It’s your go-to guide for clear, reliable answers that help take the stress out of organising your holiday. Whether you're travelling solo, as a couple, or with a group, you'll find helpful tips to make your Kiwi adventure run smoothly.
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.
Jumpers must be at least 10 years old and generally weigh between 35kg and 150kg, although the maximum weight may reduce to 130kg when river levels are high. Anyone under 15 requires an adult to sign consent at check-in. Guests should advise the operator about relevant medical conditions, injuries or health concerns before jumping, as participation may require additional assessment or medical clearance.
A water touch can be requested when completing the Kawarau Bridge Bungy, adding another unforgettable dimension to the experience. The jump crew adjusts the bungy cord based on individual requirements and the conditions on the day. A water touch cannot be guaranteed because river levels, weather and other operational considerations can affect how close each jumper comes to the Kawarau River.
Yes, the Kawarau Bridge Bungy offers the opportunity to jump alongside a friend, partner or family member. Tandem jumpers must not exceed a combined weight of 235kg, and the weight difference between the two participants cannot be more than 30kg. Each person must also meet the individual weight requirements, while final approval depends on the jump crew’s assessment of conditions and suitability on the day.
Allow approximately 1.5 hours when driving yourself to the Kawarau Bungy Centre or around 2.5 hours when travelling aboard the Bungy Bus from Queenstown. The centre is approximately 23 kilometres from central Queenstown and provides free parking for visitors. Non-jumping companions can watch from the viewing deck, while the onsite café and shop provide somewhere to relax before or after the jump.
The Kawarau Swing is one of Queenstown's most exciting adventure experiences, combining a spectacular jump from the historic Kawarau Bridge with a huge swing over the river. You are securely harnessed before stepping off the platform and dropping into a thrilling freefall, followed by a sweeping arc above the Kawarau River. It is an exhilarating experience that combines breathtaking scenery with an unforgettable adrenaline rush.
The Kawarau Swing is located around 43 metres above the Kawarau River, giving you an impressive starting point before the swing begins. You’ll then travel through a huge arc above the gorge, combining spectacular scenery with an exhilarating sense of speed. It’s an exciting alternative for those who want a high-adrenaline experience without a traditional bungy freefall.
No previous adventure or swinging experience is required to enjoy the Kawarau Swing. The professional crew provides a safety briefing and helps you get securely fitted into the required harness and equipment before your jump. Once you're ready, the team guides you through the experience, allowing you to concentrate on the excitement and spectacular surroundings rather than worrying about the technical side of the activity.
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.
If you’re driving yourself to the Kawarau Bungy Centre, allow around 1.5 hours for the Kawarau Swing experience. If you choose Bungy Bus transport from Queenstown, allow approximately 2.5 hours for the complete trip. This gives you time for transport, check-in, preparation and the swing itself, without needing to rush your Queenstown itinerary.
The Nevis Bungy is New Zealand’s highest bungy jump, with an incredible 134-metre drop above the remote Nevis Valley. After stepping from the suspended platform, you’ll experience around 8.5 seconds of freefall before the bungy cord catches you. The sheer height, dramatic canyon setting and exhilarating plunge make this one of Queenstown’s ultimate bucket-list adventures.
The minimum age for the Nevis Bungy is 13 years. Participants aged 13 or 14 need an adult to provide consent at check-in, and AJ Hackett recommends that they are accompanied by an adult to the Nevis Bungy site. There is no upper age limit specified, although all participants must meet the operator’s health, safety and weight requirements.
Nevis Bungy participants must weigh between 45kg and 127kg. These limits are in place to ensure the bungy equipment and safety systems operate correctly. If you’re close to either limit, it’s worth checking with the operator before travelling. You’ll also need to wear flat, secure, enclosed footwear, with warm layers recommended during Queenstown’s colder months.
Allow around four hours for the complete Nevis Bungy experience when departing from the Queenstown Bungy Centre. The journey to the remote Nevis Playground is part of the adventure, with the Bungy Bus travelling along a rugged private road into the spectacular Nevis Valley. Check-in is required 30 minutes before your scheduled bus departure.
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 Swing features a spectacular 70-metre drop followed by a huge 300-metre arc across the Nevis Valley. Unlike a bungy, you’re not bouncing repeatedly on an elastic cord—instead, you launch into a giant pendulum swing. The experience can be enjoyed solo or tandem, making it an exciting option for friends, couples and adventurous families looking for a shared Queenstown thrill.
The minimum age for the Nevis Swing is 10 years old. Participants under 15 must have adult consent at check-in, and AJ Hackett recommends that younger participants be accompanied by an adult. With its secure harness system and huge pendulum-style motion, the Nevis Swing offers a different type of adrenaline rush from bungy jumping while still delivering an unforgettable adventure high above the dramatic Nevis Valley.
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.
Allow around four hours for the complete Nevis Swing experience when departing from the Queenstown Bungy Centre. The journey includes a thrilling 4WD bus ride along the remote gravel road into the Nevis Valley, as the Nevis Playground is located on private land and cannot be accessed by self-drive. Check-in is required 30 minutes before your scheduled bus departure.
The Nevis Swing has a minimum weight of 35kg and a maximum of 160kg for solo participants, while tandem swings have a combined maximum weight of 220kg. There is no strict height requirement, but everyone must fit securely into the required harness and safety equipment. Wear flat, secure, enclosed shoes and bring warm layers, as conditions in the exposed Nevis Valley can be cold.
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.
The minimum age for the Nevis Catapult is 13 years old. Participants under 15 need adult consent at check-in, and AJ Hackett recommends that younger participants be accompanied by an adult at the Nevis Playground. With its high-speed launch and powerful acceleration, the Catapult is designed for thrill-seekers who meet the operator’s age, weight and health requirements.
Participants must weigh between 45kg and 127kg to take on the Nevis Catapult. These requirements help ensure the harness and launch system operate safely and correctly. There are no strict height restrictions, but participants must fit securely into the required safety equipment. If you’re close to either weight limit, it’s best to check your eligibility with the operator before booking.
Allow approximately four hours for the complete Nevis Catapult experience when departing from the Queenstown Bungy Centre. The adventure includes transport on the famous Bungy Bus and a journey along a remote private 4WD road into the Nevis Valley. Check-in is required 30 minutes before your scheduled bus departure, so allow plenty of time for the full experience.
Comfortable, secure clothing is recommended for the Nevis Catapult, with flat, enclosed footwear required for the activity. Queenstown’s Nevis Valley can become particularly cold during winter, so wearing several warm layers and bringing a jacket is advisable. You’ll also be fitted with the necessary safety equipment before your experience, so practical clothing that allows comfortable movement is ideal.
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.
The Kawarau Zipride is suitable for children from 8 years old, making it one of the more family-friendly adrenaline activities in Queenstown. Children aged 8 and 9 must ride tandem with an adult aged 20 or over, while participants under 15 need an adult to provide consent at check-in. Everyone must also meet the required weight range and fit securely into the safety equipment.
Yes, the Kawarau Zipride offers a tandem option, so you can share the experience with a friend or family member. The attraction features three side-by-side zip lines, allowing groups to race each other towards the finish. Tandem riders are subject to the applicable weight requirements, with participants needing to weigh between 30kg and 150kg.
One of the best things about the Kawarau Zipride is that you can choose how you want to fly. Depending on the available options and your suitability, you can ride forwards, backwards or even upside down. The experience is designed to be more playful than intimidating, so you can focus on enjoying the scenery, competing with your group and feeling the rush as you speed over the river.
If you’re driving yourself to the Kawarau Bungy Centre, allow around 1.5 hours for the Zipride experience. If you’re travelling from Queenstown on the Bungy Bus, allow approximately 2.5 hours for the full trip. The centre sits above the spectacular Kawarau River, so you can also enjoy the viewing areas, watch other adventurers and soak up the atmosphere before or after your ride.
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