AJ Hackett Bungy - Queenstown Bungy Centre

The legendary Queenstown Bungy Centre in Queenstown is considered the true cradle of commercial bungy jumping. It was here, in New Zealand, that AJ Hackett Bungy paved the way for millions of adrenaline seekers, making extreme jumping accessible to everyone. The centre is located at the intersection of the bustling Shotover and Camp Streets, serving as the central hub for all adventures in the region.

Queenstown Bungy Centre. Иллюстрация. Источник: Kupi.com AI

This place is more than just a jumping-off point; it is an iconic symbol of extreme sports. The safety standards applied worldwide today were born here. Visitors can not only book a jump but also immerse themselves in the high-energy atmosphere by visiting the open-air museum, themed cafe, and branded merchandise store.

The centre serves as a link between several iconic sites: the historic Kawarau Bridge, the high-altitude Ledge, and the giant Nevis Bungy. For many tourists, a visit here is the highlight of their trip, as Queenstown is recognized as the adventure capital of the world.

For more booking details or to check availability on a specific day, you can use the official communication channels. The centre actively communicates with tourists through social media and over the phone.

The main thing people come to the Bungy Centre for is, of course, bungy jumping. There are several options to choose from: from the classic 43-meter jump off the Kawarau Bridge, where you can request a "water touch," to the extreme 134-meter Nevis jump from a suspended pod over the abyss. For those who want to share the thrill with a friend, tandem jumps are available.

In addition to traditional bungy, the centre offers other activities: thrilling zip-lines, Skywalk tours along suspended paths, and high-speed flights on a high-wire. Those not yet ready for a free fall can test their nerves with VR simulators or simply watch the daredevils from special observation platforms.

Every jump is accompanied by professional photo and video recording. At the end of your adventure, you will receive a hero certificate and can purchase commemorative footage on digital media. Between activities, it's nice to relax in the local cafe, discussing your impressions surrounded by fellow adventure seekers.

Finding the Bungy Centre in the heart of the city is quite easy. It is located at the intersection of Shotover and Camp Streets. If you are staying in the central area, you can walk to the location in just 5–10 minutes, using the shores of scenic Lake Wakatipu as a guide.

For those arriving from Queenstown Airport, the journey takes about 15 minutes by taxi or bus. AJ Hackett also provides free shuttles for those who have already booked a jump, which greatly simplifies logistics. A taxi or Uber ride from the airport typically costs between 20 and 30 NZD.

If you plan to visit the legendary Kawarau Bridge, located 10 km from the centre, you can use the company’s transport that departs directly from the centre building. During the warmer months, many tourists prefer to rent bicycles to combine the trip with a ride through the picturesque surroundings.

The history of this place is inextricably linked with the name of the daring entrepreneur AJ Hackett. Inspired by traditional vine-jumping rituals on Pentecost Island, he decided to turn a dangerous pastime into a safe and exciting sport. His famous jump from the Eiffel Tower in 1987 captured the world's attention and proved the reliability of the equipment he developed.

The Bungy Centre in Queenstown became the starting point for the entire commercial bungy jumping industry. It was here, on November 12, 1988, that the world's first year-round jumping site opened at the Kawarau Bridge. At that time, a single jump cost 75 dollars, marking the beginning of the city's transformation into the world's "adventure capital."

Over time, the company expanded its boundaries, opening new locations: The Ledge in 1997 and the breathtaking Nevis in 1999. By the end of the millennium, the number of jumps performed reached an impressive one million, confirming the incredible popularity of this extreme activity.

Today, the centre is not just an extreme sports venue, but a true museum of achievements. Hackett and his team developed international safety standards that are used worldwide. For his contribution to the development of tourism, the centre's founder has received numerous awards, including the New Zealand Order of Merit.

For a full visit to the centre, you should allow 2 to 4 hours. This time is enough to check in, listen to a detailed briefing, prepare for the jump, and, of course, take the leap. If you plan to do more than just jump—such as exploring the centre's exhibits, choosing souvenirs, or relaxing in the local cafe—it's better to plan for a longer stay.

Those who decide on combo packages, which include several types of activities (for example, jumping from different sites), should set aside at least half a day. Keep in mind that during peak tourist seasons, wait times may increase slightly due to the high number of people wanting to test their limits.

The centre welcomes visitors daily. The operating schedule is consistent throughout the week, making it easy to fit a visit into any travel itinerary.

Operating hours: 08:00 to 16:00 (Monday to Sunday). Please note that depending on weather conditions or the season, jump start times at remote sites may vary slightly, so it is recommended to check the website before heading out.

The centre's location in the heart of the city makes it easy to combine extreme adventures with sightseeing. A walk around the area will give you the opportunity to learn about the region's history and enjoy stunning views.