New Zealand is an incredible country, and an ideal spot if you’re looking for bucket-list adventures. From seeing different Lord of the Rings franchise filming locations to glacier-walking, there really is something for every kind of traveler. But if you’re looking for an adrenaline rush, you have to stop in Queenstown and go bungee-jumping. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and what better way to experience it than in the place where modern bungee jumping was invented? I have always wanted to go bungee-jumping, so when we had a few days in Queenstown, I knew I had to do it with AJ Hackett Bungy, and I loved every second of it. If you’re also looking for a thrill and are booking/have booked the same experience, check out my top tips for bungee-jumping in New Zealand:
Wear Tight Shoes and Clothes
Don’t make the same mistake I did: wear tight shoes. These should be secure enough that they won’t slip off, even under extreme gravitational or speed conditions. I thought my shoes were tied on tight enough, but I lost half of my sneakers on my second or third bounce down, lost to the river below forever (I’m not the first this has happened to, however). (Or don’t wear shoes at all if that’s permitted, if you can help it).
They remind you in an email, too, but you should also wear tight clothes. Not so tight that you’ll suffocate, but tight enough that they won’t snag or get caught on anything. You don’t want to run into any issues with the equipment, especially on your way down.
Don’t Take Any Valuables
Leave your valuables behind! There are lockers at the main facility upon arrival (after the bus ride from Queenstown). You don’t want to lose any electronics, jewelry, or other valuables; once they’re in the river, you won’t be able to retrieve them. Make sure your pockets are empty before you jump! If you’re concerned about not having content to post or ways to commemorate your experience, your ticket/package includes photos and videos they take for you, so you don’t need to worry about that either.
They Give You A Free T-Shirt!
In addition to the photos and videos they take for you, they also give you a free t-shirt to remember your feat! They’ll ask for your size once you do the jump and you head back to the main facility. I still have mine, and it’s a great conversation starter when you wear it out (and a nice token to have).
LISTEN TO THE INSTRUCTORS
I cannot stress this one enough, even if it feels like common sense. Listen to all of the instructions that you’re given. Bungee jumping is a daring experience and can be dangerous, but I never once felt unsafe. The staff know what they’re doing, and many of them (most of them) have done the jumps themselves. Listen carefully, and do what they tell you.
Book in Advance (If You Can)
If you’re only going to be in Queenstown for a day or two, and you are absolutely certain that you want to bungee jump, book your experience as soon as possible. There are a limited number of slots available every day, so if you don’t want to miss the opportunity, reserve yours as soon as you know which dates you’ll be in town and set aside enough time in your itinerary.
Check With Your Travel Insurance to Ensure It’s Covered
While you have to sign waivers before you can jump, you should also double and triple confirm with your travel insurance (if you have any, and you should), that bungee jumping and other extreme activities are covered (JUST IN CASE). Nothing should go wrong, but in the off-chance that something does, you’ll want to be covered.
Double Check Your Weight
You will be asked for your weight (and you’ll be measured at the main location in Queenstown on the day of, and it will be marked on your hand). You won’t be able to lie, because they need to make sure your equipment is calibrated correctly, and that there isn’t more weight than the limit on the suspended platform you’ll actually be jumping from. You’ll be going in smaller groups. Double-check that your weight falls within the minimum and maximum requirements, and you’ll be golden.
Skip Eating Beforehand If You Get Motion Sickness
This one isn’t strict (I had a snack beforehand), but if you’re very prone to motion sickness, eat beforehand or take medication to avoid vomiting during the actual experience (or afterward). This isn’t for the faint of heart, and the moments before the actual jump can be nerve-racking. I had no trouble (I told myself that it was now or never), but there were some people who needed a lot of encouragement before they could jump. Or they missed the first countdown and needed a second. Make sure you’re in good shape before you go.
Don’t Forget To Breathe
If you do get nervous or anxious before experiences like these, please don’t forget to breathe. It’s a fairly steep jump, and you don’t want to make yourself unnecessarily lightheaded. Breathe, breathe, breathe. Take a deep breath before you jump during the countdown, and breathe while you’re bouncing and on the way back.
Bring a Buddy
You might already be traveling with someone, so bring a buddy with you on your experience. They don’t have to jump with you (they definitely can if they want to), but they can accompany you on your journey and watch out for you. My cousin came with me, and I’m forever grateful for her, but it was a great experience to share together. There are also buddy experiences you can do with a friend or a partner.
Don’t Forget To Enjoy It
And my most important tip before you go bungee-jumping in New Zealand or elsewhere is to HAVE FUN. You may never experience something like this ever again, so you should try to enjoy every second of it. You can see below just how exhilarated I was when I came back (my cousin took that photo of me). The actual jump lasts about eight seconds, so it’s over before you know it. Don’t forget to look down and around you at all the natural beauty and wonder, and soak it all in. It’ll be over before you know it.
Have questions about my bungee-jumping experience? Or looking forward to one yourself and you have questions? Let me know down below and I’ll respond!
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