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Leap off The Ledge as you Bungy over Queenstown

Published by Megan Eaves, Writer

Country: New Zealand

The Experience

It's 6pm. Standing on a metal platform with a harness strapped around my waist, my nerves begin to kick in. A high wind catches my breath, as I gaze down onto the twinkling lights of Queenstown far below. Lake Wakatipu stretches out like inky glass edging up to the rocky peaks of the Remarkables Mountains far in the distance. A few minutes ago, I was relishing the idea of bungy jumping as I rode the spiffy gondola up the mountainside to The Ledge. Now, faced with nothing but 400 meters of air between myself and the city lights, I can't help but feel overcome by a mixture of excitement and fear.

Making the final adjustment to my gear, the Jump Master pulls the harness tight and looks up with a grin. "You ready?", his soft Kiwi accent providing some comfort as I resist the urge to flee far away. With a demur nod yes, I step backwards to get a running start. Boom boom boom - my feet pound down the plank and then suddenly nothing, everything goes quiet. Free falling farther and farther down, the wind whips against my face and blood pumps with exhilaration. The glittering city lights of Queenstown rush towards me, and with arms outstretched a yell of glee, fear, and excitement escape uncontrollably.

When the bungy cord finally catches, it feels strangely soft, not the jarring snap you would expect. Slowly, sailing upwards and back downwards, I am absolutely giddy from the amazing thrill I just experienced. Drifting and swaying in the air, awaiting the crew to help me down, I am totally ready for another jump!

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When to Go to Bungy Queenstown

Anyone who has bungy jumped before will tell you that it is about more than just thrill-seeking. Experts believe bungy jumping is an excellent exercise in trust building and facing your fears, and that it really builds character in those who are willing to give it a try. These days, bungy sports are all the rage, with new innovations like bungy swings and trampoline sports to delight thrill-seekers the world over!

Odds n' Ends

Bungy jumping was invented in New Zealand and it is still the hottest spot for bungy sports in the world. Queenstown is a virtual mecca for bungy jumpers, with AJ Hackett Bungy operating five different bungy attractions in Queenstown alone. If free fall bungy doesn't appeal to you, you might try a bungy swing instead, where you are pulled backwards and then released into a forward and downward flight.

The Ledge, easily accessible via the Skyline Gondola on Brecon St, is the only urban bungy attraction in the world and the only night bungy available in Queenstown. Other bungy locations include the remote Nevis site, where you bungy off of a high-wire gondola, or the Kawarau Bridge Bungy, a 43-metre bungy over a river, the first bungy site in the world. Both the Ledge and Nevis sites offer bungy swings as an alternative to the traditional free fall.

All of the bungy sites are extremely safe, and AJ Hackett is always happy to supply potential jumpers with info about their safety standards and operation guidelines. The staff are extremely well-trained and make you feel secure as you take the leap of a lifetime! Typical jumps go for NZ$120-170, usually including a t-shirt and transport to the bungy site when necessary.

Want a Guide?

Queenstown Secrets of Bungy Jump Tour
If you've ever wanted to find out what happens behind the scenes of one of New Zealand's most iconic activities, you now can. Queenstown's latest visitor attraction - Secrets of Bungy Tour is the latest offering from AJ Hackett Bungy. It's designed for those wishing to have fun and learn more about Bungy without their feet leaving the ground.

Places to Eat

Pog Mahones Irish Pub and Restaurant
Pogs opened on the lakefront in the heart of Queenstown in ‘98 & quickly became a Queenstown icon. The Kiwi & Irish owners had the pub designed & built in Ireland itself, then shipped, lock, stock & barrel, to NZ. At Pogs you can enjoy a mix of modern & Celtic music (including regular trad sessions), friendly service, & open fires in both bars, not to forget the sunny beer garden & balcony from which you can soak up some of NZ’s most stunning alpine scenery!
Fatz Cat Italian Restaurant
Fatz Cat, Queenstown's, favourite Italian Restaurant in Brecon St. Opposite the Lone Star in the new Sofitel Hotel.
Lucianos Restaurant & Bar
Luciano's restaurant first opened its doors in October 2005, and is fast becoming one of Queenstown's most recommended restaurants. The menu has Italian flavours and the overall theme of the restaurant is that of the original gangster.
Winnies Gourmet Pizza Restaurant and Bar
Welcome to Winnies World Famous Gourmet Pizza Bar. You can find us in the centre of Queenstown in one of the towns oldest buildings, a former old school cinema where you can dine, drink and party under the sun and stars thanks to our amazing opening roof. Open daily from 11am till late, Winnies has something for everyone! See you there...

Recommended Places to Stay

Queenstown Lakefront Backpacker Hostel
The YHA Queenstown Lakefront hostel is a comfortable fully equipped hostel sitting right on the shores of Lake Wakatipu, offering enchanting views of the lake and Remarkables mountain range. Yet, even though the centre of Queenstown is only 10 minutes walk away this backpackers is remarkably peaceful and quiet so you can still get a good night’s sleep after you’ve been skiing all day and enjoying the Queenstown nightlife all evening.
Queenstown Central Backpackers Hostel
This hostel couldn’t be more aptly named – nestled between the Wakatipu lakefront and Shotover St it’s right in the rapidly beating heart of this famous little resort town of Queenstown. Everything is on your doorstep – cafes, bars, restaurants and the waterfront with all its activities.
Kingsgate Hotel Terraces
Come and enjoy our hospitality right in the heart of Queenstown. Whether you are on a leisure weekend break or business stay, this hotel is the perfect location. Spacious rooms all have large private balconies so you can enjoy the magnificent views of Lake Wakatipu from the comfort of your room.
Comfort Inn Melbourne Motor Lodge
Only a 4 minute walk to the beautiful city centre, Comfort Inn Melbourne Lodge offers you spectacular views over Lake Wakatipu from dining room and guest lounge. Our friendly staff are here to help with any of your needs and can book all local tours and activities. We make sure your stay in Queenstown is a memorable experience.
Nugget Point Luxury Boutique Hotel
We are a luxury Alpine Resort listed as the Best Luxury Hotel in Queenstown by Condé Nast Gold List (2004), Trip Advisor, Hotel Club, Flairview, Getaway Travel and many others.
Coronet Peak Hotel
Our peaceful 3 star alpine retreat is just an 8 minute drive for the centre of Queenstown. Located in the breathtaking Shotover Valley, and surrounded by rugged mountain ranges, our hotel is the perfect place from which to explore all Queenstown has to offer.
Sherwood Manor Hotel
Situated on the main road 4km from the airport and 3km from the town centre. Sherwood Manor Hotel has 78 rooms set in a goldmine village atmosphere, overlooking lake Wakatipu and the Remarkables Mountain Range.

More Experiences Nearby

Experience the Sweeping Scenery at Sutherland Falls
As one of the tallest and mightiest waterfalls in the world, those who make the long trek into the remoteness of New Zealand’s south island are rewarded with a beautiful treat, Sutherland Falls. Maori, the indigenous people of New Zealand, call Sutherland Falls Te Tautea, or the White Thread. It is possible to walk directly to the base of Sutherland Falls; here, the sheer force of water is felt as a damp whirl wind, visibility is reduced as the air fills with mist, and the roar of the falls is so loud one might expect an airplane to appear from ...48 miles away.

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Books and DVDs

New Zealand's South Island (Lonely Planet)
Nobody knows New Zealand like Lonely Planet, and our 1st edition to its show-stopping South Island brings you the best of the Kiwi adventure. Whether that's tramping in Fiordland, washing down oysters with wine in Marlborough, skiing the slopes around Queenstown, or taking a city break in Christchurch - you decide.
Bungee Jumping: For Fun and Profit
Define Bungee jumping. Be prepared for what you will experience. Discover bungee jumping's history in the jungles of the Vanuatu Islands in the Pacific Ocean. Locate sites for bungee jumping and make them safe. Prepare cords and rig all types of sites.

Elsewhere on the Web

AJ Hackett Bungy
AJ Hackett Bungy offers six very different Bungy experiences in Queenstown, ranging from the ultimate personal challenge to a more low-key discovery of Bungy from the sidelines.
Bungy Jumping - Queenstown, New Zealand
Probably Queenstown's most famous thrill-seeking activity is bungy jumping (also known as bungee jumping), where a long elastic cord is attached to the ankles or harness, and the person jumps off a large height.
Queenstown New Zealand Bungy Jump
'Bungy', a word that quickens the pulse and stirs the imagination, refers to the challenge and excitement of throwing yourself off a bridge or platform high above the ground attached by a rubber band.
Bungy Queenstown
Bungee Queenstown commonly spelt Bungy is for anyone looking for an awesome adrenaline rush. Bungy jumping is a pastime which is going to be around for a long time, and its appeal proves it. Although terrifying, Bungy jumping is a conversational subject if you want to break the ice with strangers to get to know them better.
Bungy Jumping in Queenstown New Zealand
Bungy jump off a bridge, a pod or swing in a canyon. You can't leave Queenstown till you've jumped!

Media References

Adrenaline Junkies Flock to New Zealand (CBN News) (newspaper)
It's known as the "extreme sports capital of the world." New Zealand has long been a haven for adrenaline junkies and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Extreme kids (The Star Phoenix) (newspaper)
If your child jumped off a bridge, would you jump too?
Introduction to Queenstown - NYTimes.com (newspaper)
Queenstown has over one million visitors a year, and you don't have to be a genius to figure out why.

Language Guides

Hindi , Japanese are some of the languages spoken in New Zealand. If you know of a freely available phrase book or podcast for one of the missing languages, let us know!

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