How to Bungee Jump in New Zealand

Beginning in New Zealand in the 1980s, bungee (bungy) jumping quickly became an internationally recognized alternative extreme sport. Its true origins came from the Vanuatu people of the South Pacific. For perhaps thousands of years, Pentecost Island aboriginals had been "Land-diving," which all started with a legend about love gone awry. Now conferences are even held at bungee jumping centers. Try something exciting and new-—bungee jump in New Zealand.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. Decide on what type of trip you want to take down under to bungee jump in New Zealand. Know that New Zealand is a country conducive for backpacking and outdoor adventures as well as hostelling and sight-seeing. Find many quaint hotel and Bed and Breakfast accommodations also.

2. Fly to New Zealand via Air New Zealand or Qantas Airways to get fantastic package deals, such as air passes that allow you to make stopovers anywhere in the South Pacific. Stop off in Hawaii, Fiji, Tahiti or the Cook Islands on your way to bungee jump in New Zealand, or even visit Australia while you're in the area. (Understand that New Zealand and Australia are far apart.) Places like Australia and Bali also have bungee jumping sites.

3. Find a reliable bungee jumping source. Ask for references, read reviews and do a lot of inquiring of your own. Realize that with the big tourist draw and popularity of bungee jumping down under, some bungee jumping centers are not as safe as others. Check out reputable centers—-for instance, "AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand" is well-known, as it was A.J. Hackett and Henry Van Asch who created the first commercial bungy site in the world (located in Queenstown).

4. Visit bungee jump center websites and book directly or book jumps through your travel agent. Take note that it's not necessary to book ahead of time, but it may be a good idea during peak tourist seasons (e.g., U.S. winter, which is New Zealand summer).

5. Book bungee jumps directly by contacting the jump site you're interested in. Click the appropriate link on a bungee jump website to find phone numbers, or simply click the booking link. Email the site if you'd prefer (some sites list email addresses). Know that the advantage of booking online is that you can often include transportation to the site in your booking. Look for the package deals and tours offered that include other perks and amenities besides transportation. Some packages allow more than one jumper at a time, like "Tandem Jump Couples Therapy" at Taupo Bungy.

6. Read about the features of various jump sites to bungee jump in New Zealand. Discover each site has something scenically different to offer. Find particulars and other information for each site on bungee jumping websites along with booking information.

7. Calculate bungee jumps starting at approximately $100 NZD and package deals (including top jumps) starting at about $350 NZD. Have an idea of the current exchange rate between USD and NZD before you book online or over the phone. Check out websites, such as "Yahoo! Finance" to find currency converters.

8. Take alternative types of jumps and rides at some jump sites if you get there and realize you're just not feeling it and don't want to bungee jump. Understand that there's plenty to do adventure-wise in New Zealand besides bungee jumping.

9. Enjoy bungee jumping in New Zealand if you're an adrenaline junky. Know that the adrenaline rush occurs right before you jump. Avoid just dropping off and jump out a bit for the full bungee jumping experience.

Tips & Warnings

• Provide your correct weight when bungee jumping if the site doesn't put you on a scale before your jump—-wrong weight calculations can cause accidents. Know that New Zealand does not use the same measurement system as the U.S. (e.g., pound versus kilogram). Besides the official use of the metric system, many people down under refer to weight in stone.
• Know that bungee jumping sites have minimum weight and age limits. Most jump sites won't allow anyone under 10 years old to bungee jump.
• Be aware of the fact that accidents happen even at reputable bungee jumping centers. Check your gear before you bungee jump. Use common sense and notice if something is loose or not fitting tightly enough or correctly. Watch other jumpers first and pay attention to the fit of their gear.
• Deny any offer to jump with amateurs. Make sure you're bungee jumping with a professional and reputable bungee jumping center.
• Get checked out by your doctor before traveling to New Zealand, and especially if you plan on bungee jumping. Let your doctor know you'll be bungee jumping.

Resources

• Discover bungee adventures and even book a business conference.
• Find out about New Zealand bungee jumping sites.
• Read bungee jumping reviews and stories at Bungee Zone.
• Check out a bungee water touch jump at Taupo Bungy.

[pucklax7]

on 10/29/2008 I jumped at one of the smaller sites, it was over water but only 54 meters. it's coool but definitely go for the higher if you can, i heard the one that's over the canyon is the best. also check out nzone skydiving....that's where the real thrill is at.

NZ is the best!