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Kawarau Bridge
Photo: Wikimedia Commons
poi · NZ

Kawarau Bridge

Getting around: About 20-25 minutes' drive from central Queenstown, in the Gibbston Valley area near the Kawarau Gorge. A car or shuttle bus (many bungy operators run their own transport from Queenstown) gets you there.
Hours: The bungy operation typically runs daily, roughly 9am-5pm, with bookings recommended in peak season.

Kawarau Bridge is the site of the world's first commercial bungy jump, launched here in 1988, with a 43-metre jump off the historic bridge into the Kawarau Gorge below. It remains a working bungy operation today, alongside a viewing platform and small museum/history display for those who'd rather watch than jump.

Even without jumping, it's worth a stop for the gorge scenery and the novelty of seeing where commercial bungy jumping began.

Kawarau Bridge FAQs

How high is the jump?

43 metres from the bridge down to the Kawarau River below.

Do I need to book ahead?

Booking ahead is recommended, especially in peak season, though same-day bookings are often possible.

Is there anything to see if I don't want to jump?

Yes, there's a viewing platform to watch others jump, plus a small history display on the origins of commercial bungy jumping here.

Why is this bridge historically significant?

It's the site of the world's first commercial bungy jump, launched by AJ Hackett in 1988.

Is it far from Queenstown?

About 20-25 minutes' drive, or accessible via shuttle buses run by bungy operators.

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