Queenstown bills itself as the ‘Adventure Capital of the World.’ You can experience a number of heart-dropping activities here from jet-boating, to bungy jumping, to white water river sledging (yes, really). Needless to say, a trip to Queenstown, New Zealand, can very easily break your budget.
Yet it doesn’t have to. There are many budget friendly activities to keep you busy in Queenstown. While I’m basing myself in Queenstown for the winter season, I’ll run a couple options for the budget conscious traveler in Queesntown. Today, I’m featuring a photo essay from my recent hike to the summit of Queesntown Hill.
It will cost you nothing and the views from the 800 meter summit are superb. The walk leaves from town and is well sign-posted. The path is in excellent condition and takes you through a pine forrest before reaching the summit of Te Tapu-nui (Mountain of Intense Sacredness). If you’re in moderate fitness, you can expect the walk to take about two hours return – yet I’d allow more time at the summit to relax and take in the stunning 360 degree views. Enjoy.
Queenstown Hill Hike (Photo Essay)
Lake WakatipuLake WakatipuNearing the SummitLake WakitipuSnow covered mountainsCairn at the SummitThe RemarkablesSun SettingCoronet Peak Ski FieldLake Wakatipu From the SummitSun SettingPassing AirplaneView of QueenstownThe RemarkablesLake WakatipuSnow Dusted Peak
It’s an excellent hike to the summit, and well worth your time if you’re visiting Queenstown. Best part about the hike? It won’t break your budget like the rest of Queenstown will.
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.
Queenstown
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.
The Ledge Bungy, Queenstown
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.
Looking Down on The Ledge
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.
The Ledge Bungy, Queenstown
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.
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.
Nevis Highwire Bungy
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.
Getting ready to jump
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.
Soaring through the canyon
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.
Kia Ora - I'm Matt. Adventurer, Instagrammer and New Zealand travel planning expert living in Queenstown, NZ. Founder of Planit NZ - New Zealand's largest travel planning & booking website.
Hello! I’m Matt. Thanks for checking out my blog. Be sure to follow me on Instagram for loads more New Zealand travel inspiration. Comment on one of my photos so I know you came from here!
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Backpacking Matt 
