New Zealand is the place to come for adventure sports. And Queenstown is the town to come to in New Zealand. On a walk down Shotover Street, you’ll pass stores selling jet boat rides, canyon swings, white water rafting, skydives, zip line adventures, and yes, bungy jumping. Oh bungy jumping, the act of tying your ankles to a stretchy bungy cord and jumping off a bridge (sometimes, people even do it naked). As Kiwi as Meat Pies.
Bungy jumping has a history that dates back hundreds or even thousands of years. Its origins are found on the Pacific Island of Pentecost with the people of the Vanuatu. The men of the Vanautu perform a yearly ritual where they jump from an elevated platform with vines tied around their ankles. This act of bravery is symbolic as they prove their heroism to the women of the tribe. Bungy jumping has matured significantly and while it’s commercialized throughout the world and probably safer than driving down the SH1 in New Zealand, it is still one hell of a test of bravery.
AJ Hackett set up the first commercial bungy in the world when he founded the Kawarau Bridge Bungy just ouside of Queenstown in 1988. It quickly became a popular extreme sport and now you can bungy jump throughout the world with AJ Hackett – a trusted name in the sport. AJ Hackett operates four bungy jump sites in New Zealand: The Kawarau Bridge Bungy (Queenstown), The Auckland Bridge Bungy, The Nevis Highwire Bungy (Queentown), and The Ledge Bungy in Queenstown.
The Ledge Bungy is unique for a number of reasons and recently I had the opportunity to experience it. First, it’s set in an absolutely epic spot 400 meters above beautiful Queenstown. To get to this urban bungy site, you take the Skyline Gondola from town to high above Queenstown – an experience in itself.
As you’re nearing the top of the gondola, you’re given your first view of what is to come – a bungy that feels higher than it is given the beautiful backdrop of Queenstown, The Remarkables, and Lake Wakatipu. This is one thing that AJ Hackett always does well – the pre-jump experience. You’re given plenty of time to think about your jump as you’re riding the gondola and slowly gaining elevation above Queenstown. It’s all a head game – and the longer you think about the jump, the harder it becomes.
The Ledge Bungy is especially unique as you have the opportunity to jump at night. This brings a whole new sensation to the bungy experience. It’s one thing to throw yourself off a bridge during the day. Everything in your body and mind tells you not to. Your rational thinking conscience screams that something isn’t right. Jumping into the darkness is difficult, challenging, yet one hell of an experience. It’s a magical place to jump with the lights of Queenstown below you contrasted with the darkened waters of Lake Wakatipu and The Remarks.
You also have the option of a number of different jump styles at The Ledge given the harness system in use. The traditional bungy has a foot harness with your ankles attached to the bungy cord. On The Ledge, the bungy cord is attached to a waist harness allowing you to run and jump, flip, spin, dive, or whatever combination of this lot you can imagine.
As this was my third bungy in New Zealand, I fully expected it to be significantly easier than the first two. It wasn’t. It was just as challenging, exciting, and rewarding an experience as the first two jumps. I chose to make a running leap into the darkness and it was a brilliant feeling diving head first into the dark over Queenstown. The adrenaline rush from a bungy quite literally lasts for days. It’s a rush that can’t adequately be described in writing.
As always, AJ Hackett provides an excellent bungy experience. They do it right from start to finish. I continue to be impressed with the balance the staff strikes between fun and professionalism – a balance you undoubtedly want on the day you jump. You’ll have plenty of adventure activities to choose from when you visit Queenstown, but whatever you do, make sure you plan a jump with AJ Hackett.
If you’re thinking of taking the leap off The Ledge Bungy, here are some facts to get you started:
How high? The Ledge Bungy is found 400 meters above Queenstown – the jump itself is 47 meters.
How much? The jump will cost you NZ$175 (Plus a $23 return ticket on the Skyline Gondola). AJ Hackett includes a free shirt with the jump.
Where? Top of the Skyline Gondola. Book your jump in advance in the Station Building on Shotover Street.
Is it worth it? Yes. Nothing in New Zealand is cheap, including this jump. I do recommend it as it’s a really unique spot for a jump. Spend the afternoon at the top of the Skyline Gondola, taking in the views, watching the paragliders, and treat it as a half day activity. Jump at sunset.
Full Disclosure: AJ Hackett and the Skyline Gondola provided me with a complimentary jump and return ticket on the gondola.
Backpacking Matt 
Awesome! I really wanted to do a night jump when I heard about it, but unfortunately, night bungy jumps are only in the winter months.
Glad to hear it was such a good time. I found the AJ Hackett staff to be excellent!
It’s quite the experience. You’ll just have to get back to NZ some winter! And yes, AJ Hackett’s staff are terrific.
Ah, it sounds even more scary than the daylight one! Is the jumping prices different between the daylight, sunset, and night?
@Dina The price remains the same regardless of when you jump.
@Juno There is soo much to do in Queenstown if you’re not on a strict budget!
@Poi I still get slightly nervous when I read about the jumps I’ve done or look at the pictures! Where have you jumped at?
@Anygelina It makes for a completely different experience jumping in the dark. I highly recommend it!
@Rebecca They didn’t notice it on your passport?! Some people can’t stomach the thought of the jump (or the price). Worth it if you make it back!
@Steph With any luck, we can both jump when you get to Queenstown!
Oh man… Remember the view. Could not do it though. Such a diverse place, Queenztown! 🙂
When I was reading about your running jump I was almost jumping out my seat, it looks like so much fun.
I’ve done a jump before but not with that sort of view, I love heights and the adrenaline feeling from it.
So I’d never do this, but damn, that looks awesome.
We drove past this…but couldn’t do it. I heart Queenstown though. Had the best hot wine there in the world!
Oh man, I did the original site during the day and that was petrifying enough. I cannot even imagine the other site at night.
It’s a miracle they let me out of the country, after 16 months and I didn’t jump once!
(Went up in the gondola but kicked it with the kiddies and did go-karts:-))
WOW. Putting this on my bucket list. Looks crazy amazing!
My brothers did this in New Zealand a few months ago and they had the stupidity to film it so my mom watched it and nearly had a heart-attack twice – one for each son! It’s simply crazy! I will never go bungie jumping!!! 🙂
Definitely envious! I’ve done two bungy jumps in New Zealand (Taupo and the Kawarau Bridge) and loved them both. But this one also looks amazing! I’ll admit I didn’t know how I felt about the Ledge Bungy chillin’ up there at the top of the gondola. But, add in this night jump option, and it definitely makes sense. Awesome.
Bungy jumping is something I’ve always wanted to do, but I’ve never had the opportunity yet. The price is high, but it definitely seems worth it for the experience and the memories.
You took some really great pictures, too.
So apparently I live a short distance from the highest bungy jump in Europe. I really want to try it before I leave–but I get butterflies just thinking about it! This post made me more scared/excited to try it–if that’s even possible. Great post!