Update as of August 11, 2014 the price of the Nevis Bungy has increased to $180. If you book through Planit NZ, I’ll take $10 off the price of the jump – just quote Backpacking Matt when booking!
A bungy jump is arguably one of the most difficult things you’ll ever have to do. To stand on the edge of a bridge and jump goes against everything that feels right. Every part of your body, your mind, your rational thinking conscience says, “no, absolutely not.” To overcome that voice in your head and make the leap of faith is one of the greatest feelings in the world.
The more you think about the jump, the harder it gets. The pre-jump experience with AJ Hackett’s Nevis Highwire Bungy gives you plenty of time to think – this makes for a truly epic experience.
After checking in for my Nevis jump in Queenstown’s city center, I boarded an AJ Hackett shuttle bus which took me and about 20 other jumpers outside of town. The first stop was Kawarau Bridge – home of the world’s first commercial bungy jump in 1988. At Kawarau Bridge, about 15 people left the bus leaving only five brave souls to make their way another 10 kms to the Nevis Jump site. Not much was said on the bus ride – I sensed that everyone was as nervous as I was about the upcoming jump.
After turning off the SH 6, a quick 10 minute ride up a dirt road left us at the base of a steep mountain. We got off the shuttle bus and were asked to board a smaller, 4WD vehicle which made its way up a steep and winding gravel road.
As we neared the top of this road, our driver pointed out the wide open canyon to our right. Suspended above the canyon on a cable was the jump pod where I’d soon make the leap. My heart skipped a couple beats and I began to get a feel for what was to come – a massive jump.
After reaching the top of the hill, myself and the other jumpers were fitted with a harness, our weight was checked again, and we were led to the cable car which would bring us out over the canyon to the jump pod. The jump pod itself features a glass floor which provides some stunning views of the river on the canyon floor.
When it was my turn to make the leap, I was positioned in a chair which appeared to either belong in a dentist’s office or a torture chamber. The bungy cord was strapped to my feet and I was given some last minute instructions for the jump. Of my biggest concern was the bit where I was to pull the cord to release my feet after the second bounce. This would allow me to be pulled back up to the pod in a seated position – as opposed to upside down. Seemed to be straight forward enough – unless perhaps you had just experienced 8.5 seconds of free fall!
After the instructions were clear, I ‘toed’ my way towards the jump point. A small, metal platform which juts off of the bungy pod. The cord was tossed over the edge leaving me again with the stomach turning feeling of what was to come. The jumpmaster counted down, “3, 2, 1, go Matt!” and I dove out, hands first, over the canyon below.
Words can’t begin to describe the feeling, the ground rush sensation you get as you plummet towards the canyon floor below you. I won’t even try. It’s a completely comfortable experience – no significant jerk as the bungy cord reaches it’s end. A smooth flow up, and again back down. The euphoric feeling is immediate, and lasts for hours after the jump. You’ll instantly begin thinking about when you can jump again.
The experience was a great one from start to finish. The team at AJ Hackett does a terrific job of both making you feel safe and comfortable. From the check in, to the harnessing up, to the jumpmaster who is your last contact before making the leap – everyone was professional yet fun. Both characteristics you want the day of your jump.
Thinking of taking the leap yourself? Here are some facts to get you started:
How high? 134 meters (440) – Australasia’s highest jump!
How long will you fall? 8.5 seconds
How much? The jump itself will cost you NZ$250 – all transport included. AJ Hackett also throws in a free shirt. If you want video and photographic proof, you’ll be out another $80. Not a cheap experience, but well worth it in my view.
Where? The check in for the jump is in Queenstown’s City Center at the Station Building. Allow about three – four hours from start to finish.
Is it worth it? Yes. It’s not a cheap experience, but well worth it in my mind. For $250, you’re getting a half day experience that you’ll remember for the rest of your life. Taupo’s Bungy is pretty epic as well – but, you pay your $109, get your ticket, jump, and that’s you finished. AJ Hackett goes out of their way to make your jump an experience to remember.
Backpacking Matt 
I’ve been skydiving but bungy jumping still scares me. I think though I know what you mean about that feeling looking down and every instinct in your telling you not to jump. It’s very difficult to overcome that basic resistance but so fun once you do.
Exactly! I’ve yet to skydive, but I do hope to soon. I imagine bungy jumping is more difficult than doing a tandem jump. It’s YOU on the bridge. It’s YOU that makes the decision to jump. I can’t wait to jump out of an airplane though!
I’m the same as Anil – I’ve been skydiving but bungy jumping still doesn’t sit well with me. In Queenstown, I wanted to jump off something high, so I went with the Canyon Swing, which I did twice. It was more terrifying the second time, when I decided to jump facing forwards (as opposed to backwards).
I almost froze when I looked out over that damn canyon. It didn’t help that the workers were cracking jokes about safety the whole time.
I’m glad I did it, but it satisfied my desire to jump off really high things (100+ meters), and I no longer feel the need to prove myself (to myself) like that again.
It’s quite the view! My girlfriend was filming me on the bus as we went up the steep hill before you can see the canyon. I was talking about where I was at, my plans, etc and the canyon came into view … my face goes blank and I stop talking. It’s pretty funny!
Did you pull the release cord on the swing or did they do it for you? I’d love to try it, just wasn’t in my budget right now.
I’m hoping to do this and the arc on the 31st! Thanks for the writeup, I think that seals the deal on doing Nevis vs others.
I love Nevis! Funny story…
So, my friend and I were in New Zealand, on our way around the Pacific, and we made our way to Nevis. My friend, needless to say, isn’t your standard body frame. A former football player in high school, he just hasn’t slimmed down like a lot of folks.
Our group hops on the gondola, makes its way to the hanging ‘room’ where they drop you and all started getting sized for our bungee suits. The dozen or so folks there all got measured and we all shared the same suit.
My friend, the last to get measured, walks up. The dude working there tries to get his hands around him, but kind of shakes his head. He then walks to the side and dusts off the “big suit”. There’s nothing more embarrassing then being labeled the fat guy indirectly. In front of a dozen strangers. Hanging over a giant canyon.
Good times.
Here’s a funny picture of my same friend messing up a bungee jump above Queenstown (watch his left foot as it slips and he screams like a little girl) http://www.travelrelic.com/video-bungee-queenstown-new-zealand/
Holy! Seeing your video gives me goosebumps! The one in Taupo (I saw that video as well) was you too, right? Nice jumps, leaving the platform, with 2 hands raised up. I guess that’s how a professional bungee jumper will jump! Have you done this bungee jumpings often?
Glad you enjoyed it! Still gives me the goosebumps to watch the clip. My first jump was in Taupo. I quickly fell in love with the rush, and if they weren’t so expensive, I’d do them more often!
I want to do the Nevis so badly! I did the Kawarau in 2005, and the Taupo Bungy in 2008. Both were great, but I’ll definitely say (and I’m sure you can agree) that it doesn’t get any less scary the second time around!
You can check out my Taupo Bungy story here: http://wp.me/PNLpz-3n
It sure doesn’t! I just jumped last night on The Ledge Bungy at the top of the Skyline Gondola here in Queenstown. It was my third jump, but I was just as nervous as I was the first time! I’m off to read your story now …
Definitely get back and do the Nevis. It’s been my favorite to date.
You’re braver than me. I’ve yet to Sky dive or Bungee Jump and have no inclination to do either right now! Still if you’re going to Bungee then NZ is definitely the place to do it. I am in awe of your bravery!
Thanks mate! Yes, New Zealand is the place to do it – and in my mind, if you’re only going to do one jump, the Nevis Highwire is the jump to do! It’s a great feeling of accomplishment – highly recommend it!
Here’s a little video report of the jump me and my brother did at this very spot, the Nevis Highwire. What a thrill! Awesome!
(And a completely different experience then skydiving. Not that that wasn’t awesome :).)
http://vimeo.com/19166638