Kawarau Suspension Bridge

The Kawarau Suspension Bridge, spanning the Kawarau Gorge, is a popular attraction for thrill-seekers and adventure tourists. Most of those visitors are there to bungy jump into the Kawarau Gorge, just like A.J. Hackett did in 1988 before establishing the world’s first commercial bungy jumping business at the site. There are plenty of other thrill rides in the area, though: visitors can take a jetboat or kayak down the Kawarau River to the bridge, and a popular zipline runs alongside the river from the bridge.

The Bridge is also a significant historical structure with an often-forgotten history. Built in 1880, the bridge was famously innovative for its time, designed to withstand the violent winds that would blow through the Gorge.

• If you’re more interested in exploring nature, you can walk or mountain bike the Kawarau River in full from the Suspension Bridge; the Gibbston River Trail starts at the bridge and runs along the riverside.

• The bungy jump and zipline at Kawarau Suspension Bridge are operated by AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand: if you want to try either of them out, make sure to book in advance, but spectating is free.

• The Kawarau bungy jump is only suitable for children aged 10 and over. The leap also isn’t suitable for people with recent concussions or some other conditions.

AJ Hackett Bungy regularly operates a ‘Bungy Bus’ from Queenstown Bungy Centre (corner of Shotover and Camp Streets). The bus is free, but you must check in 30 minutes before boarding. Otherwise, you can drive to the bridge from Queenstown—just follow State Highway 6A onto State Highway 6.

Conditions for a jump or jetboat ride are usually best during the summer when the wind and water aren’t so cold. The Kawarau Bungy Centre is typically busy around midday, so book in advance if you have to jump then.

Kawarau Gorge is better known to Lord of the Rings fans as the Argonath, or the Pillars of the Kings, which stand at the mouth of the Anduin River. The statues don’t stand there—they were miniatures added in post-production—but the Bridge is still a popular stop for people exploring the Rings filming locations.