Kawarau Gorge
Home to the world's first commercial bungy jump, Kawarau Gorge offers adrenaline-pumping thrills and a glimpse into New Zealand's gold rush past.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
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Kawarau Gorge
Best Time
Best light for photos
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Home to the world's first commercial bungy jump, Kawarau Gorge offers adrenaline-pumping thrills and a glimpse into New Zealand's gold rush past.
"The birthplace of bungy! A must-do for thrill-seekers and history buffs alike."
🎯 Book Your Bungy Jump
Secure your spot for the iconic Kawarau Bridge Bungy Jump online in advance, especially during busy periods.
🚗 Scenic Drive Through Gorge
Enjoy the drive through Kawarau Gorge, stopping at viewpoints. It's a historic gold mining area.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Kawarau Bridge Bungy Jump
Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge
Take the plunge at the world's first commercial bungy site! 43 meters of pure adrenaline over a stunning gorge.
Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge
Kawarau Gorge
Iconic bridge, birthplace of commercial bungy. Admire the engineering and the dramatic gorge views.
Historic Gold Mining Region
Kawarau Gorge
Explore the remnants of the gold rush era. Learn about the history that shaped this dramatic landscape.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Brave the Birthplace of Bungy
Gold Rush History & Scenic Drive
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🎯 Book Your Bungy Jump
Secure your spot for the iconic Kawarau Bridge Bungy Jump online in advance, especially during busy periods.
🚗 Scenic Drive Through Gorge
Enjoy the drive through Kawarau Gorge, stopping at viewpoints. It's a historic gold mining area.
📸 Capture the Views
The suspension bridge and gorge offer stunning photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera!
💰 Bungy Jump Cost
Jumping at Kawarau Bridge costs around $220 NZD. Consider it an unforgettable experience!
Tips
from all over the internet
🎯 Book Your Bungy Jump
Secure your spot for the iconic Kawarau Bridge Bungy Jump online in advance, especially during busy periods.
🚗 Scenic Drive Through Gorge
Enjoy the drive through Kawarau Gorge, stopping at viewpoints. It's a historic gold mining area.
📸 Capture the Views
The suspension bridge and gorge offer stunning photo opportunities. Don't forget your camera!
💰 Bungy Jump Cost
Jumping at Kawarau Bridge costs around $220 NZD. Consider it an unforgettable experience!
🐐 Feed the Goats!
Stop at Arrow Junction on your way through the gorge to feed the friendly goats.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise Kawarau Gorge for its iconic bungy jumping experience and stunning natural beauty. The historical significance as the birthplace of commercial bungy is a major draw, alongside the scenic drive through the gold mining region. Some find the bungy jump itself to be a bit pricey, but most agree it's a worthwhile adventure.
"It was a nice spot to stop and it had the gold mining stuff there."
Nina
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Janie-Lee McRobert
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Ksenia R
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
Kawarau Gorge is easily accessible by car from Queenstown, a scenic drive of about 20-30 minutes. It's a popular route for those heading towards Cromwell or Wanaka. Many tours also include a stop here.
Yes, the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge is located directly on State Highway 6 (SH6), making it a convenient stop for travelers exploring the Otago region.
While a car offers the most flexibility, you can visit Kawarau Gorge via organized tours from Queenstown that often include bungy jumping packages or scenic stops.
Many visitors choose to drive through, stopping at the suspension bridge for photos and to watch bungy jumpers. For the ultimate thrill, book a bungy jump!
Absolutely! Kawarau Gorge is a classic stop on the scenic drive between Queenstown and Wanaka, offering a unique blend of adventure and history.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
No, viewing the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge and the surrounding gorge is free. You only need to purchase tickets if you plan to do the bungy jump.
The cost for the Kawarau Bridge Bungy Jump is approximately $220 NZD. Prices can vary, so it's best to check the official AJ Hackett Bungy website for current rates.
AJ Hackett Bungy typically operates daily, but hours can vary seasonally. It's highly recommended to check their website for the most up-to-date operating hours and to book your jump.
Yes, there's a viewing platform where you can watch brave souls take the leap. It's a popular spot for spectators and offers great photo opportunities.
Discounts are not always available, but keep an eye on the AJ Hackett Bungy website or local Queenstown tourism sites for potential package deals or seasonal offers.
🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience
Besides the famous bungy jump, you can admire the historic suspension bridge, learn about the area's gold mining history, and enjoy the stunning natural scenery of the gorge.
The bridge is a historic structure and is safe for viewing and walking across. There are designated areas for spectators to watch the bungy jumpers.
The Kawarau Bridge Bungy Jump is 43 meters (141 feet) high, making it the world's first commercial bungy site.
Yes, the suspension bridge itself, the gorge, and the bungy jumpers in action provide excellent photo opportunities. The surrounding landscape is also very picturesque.
Look for interpretive signs around the bridge area that detail the gold rush era and the construction of the bridge. The drive itself showcases the historic landscape.
📸 📸 Photography
Early morning or late afternoon often provide the best light for photography, minimizing harsh shadows and creating a more dramatic atmosphere in the gorge.
A wide-angle lens is great for capturing the scale of the suspension bridge and the gorge. A telephoto lens can be useful for capturing bungy jumpers in action.
The area around the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge offers several viewpoints. The main viewing platform provides a clear shot of the bungy jump, while other spots along the road offer wider gorge vistas.
Drone regulations can be strict in New Zealand. Always check current Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) rules and local bylaws before flying a drone in the area.
Popular shots include the iconic suspension bridge, people bungy jumping, the turquoise waters of the Kawarau River, and the rugged landscape of the gorge.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider making it a scenic stop on a road trip. The drive itself is beautiful, and there are opportunities to stop and take photos. If you're looking for a bit of lighthearted fun, the tip about feeding the goats at Arrow Junction on the way through is a hit with younger travelers.
🚗 Road Trippers & Scenic Drivers
Take your time driving through the gorge, as the road winds dramatically through the landscape. Look for pull-off points to admire the views and learn about the area's gold mining history. It’s a perfect place to break up a longer journey and add a dose of adventure and history to your trip.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Thrill of Bungy: Kawarau Bridge
If you're considering the jump, booking in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak tourist seasons. While the height might seem modest compared to some other bungy sites, the historical significance and the sheer thrill make it a must-do for adrenaline enthusiasts. Even if you're not jumping, watching others take the leap from the viewing platform is an exciting spectacle.
Beyond the bungy, the bridge itself is an impressive feat of engineering, a testament to the region's pioneering spirit. The surrounding gorge offers dramatic scenery, making it a visually striking location for both participants and spectators.
A Journey Through Gold Rush History
Driving through Kawarau Gorge offers a unique opportunity to connect with this past. The winding road, carved through the rugged terrain, follows the path of the Kawarau River, which was central to the gold mining operations. Keep an eye out for historical markers and interpretive signs that tell the stories of the people who lived and worked here during the gold rush.
This historical context adds another layer of appreciation to the natural beauty of Kawarau Gorge. It's a place where adventure, history, and stunning scenery converge, offering visitors a multifaceted experience beyond just the famous bungy jump.
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