AJ Hackett Kawarau Bridge: The World's First Commercial Bungy Jump

The Location

The Kawarau Gorge is approximately 23 kilometres east of Queenstown — a dramatic river canyon of schist rock and clear glacial water. The historic suspension bridge, built in 1880, is now the jumping platform. The setting is extraordinary regardless of whether you plan to throw yourself off it.

The Build-Up

AJ Hackett's operation is professional and well-drilled — they have been doing this since 1988 and the safety record reflects it. The weigh-in, the foot harness fitting, the briefing: each step manages to be simultaneously reassuring and terrifying. Watching the jumpers ahead of you, from the spectator area, is educational.

The Jump

I will not pretend I was calm. Standing on the edge of the platform, looking down 43 metres to the Kawarau River, with a bungee cord attached to my ankles, I experienced a complete philosophical reorganisation of what seemed like a good idea. Then the instruction came to lean forward, and I jumped.

The freefall takes approximately 2.5 seconds. The rebound takes another several. The world during this period consists of blue water rushing toward you, then receding, then approaching again. The cord eventually stops oscillating and you hang — slightly dazed, blood in your head, the river 43 metres below — until the boat crew retrieve you.

After

The physical sensation of landing is approximately the equivalent of a very good Negroni — a warm, slightly vertiginous well-being. We reviewed the video footage (sold separately, worth it) and I found myself looking considerably more composed in the air than I had felt. The coffee and muffin in the AJ Hackett café afterwards was among the most satisfying food I have ever eaten.

Should You Do It?

The Kawarau jump is 43 metres — the smallest of the local options (Nevis Bridge, at 134 metres, is the serious proposition). If you are on the fence, this is the one to start with.

Best for: The borderline adventurous; anyone who wants to understand why people do this Price: NZD 245 (approximately £115) for the jump; video package additional Tip: The spectator area is free and excellent — worth visiting even if you decide not to jump.