A trip to New Zealand isn’t complete without a bungy jump – a topic that has been written about often on Backpackingmatt. I’ve reviewed my experiences at the Lake Taupo Bungy and on the Nevis Highwire Bungy.
I put together a quick travel video which outlines the workup to my recent jump here in Queenstown. While we were short on light, and the filming was a bit rushed – in part thanks to my nerves – it should give you a great view and a different perspective on the experience. Below, you have Backpackingmatt’s second travel video: The Ledge Bungy in Queenstown.
Quick Tips and Facts
- How high? The Ledge Bungy is 47 meters high.
- How much? A single jump will cost you $175. If you’re extra keen, consider purchasing a package which will get you jumps at other AJ Hackett sites with a slight discount.
- The Ledge Bungy is unique as you have the added option of jumping at night – putting a whole new twist on bungy.
- While the typical bungy attaches you at the ankles, on The Ledge you’re attached via a waist harness and therefore have a number of different ‘jumping styles’ to choose from.
- AJ Hackett surprisingly doesn’t pick up the cost of the gondola ride to the site of their jump. Save yourself the cost by hiking to the top. There is a trail that leaves by the Skyline Gondola … it might be a good way to walk off those nerves …
- Read about my jump here.
Full Disclosure: AJ Hackett provided me with a complimentary jump in return for this review on Backpackingmatt.
Twitter Updates
15 July 2010 at 3:10 am
DUDE – awesome video, looks like it was amazing at sunset! to be honest we didn’t do it when we were there – BUT next time for sure.
15 July 2010 at 5:42 am
Great video. I wish I could have done a night bungy, but unfortunately they only do it in winter. I did the Nevis Arc instead. If I were to do it again though, I’d do the Ledge Bungy for sure.
Dustin Main – Skinny Backpacker last blog: Photo of the Day – Side Streets of Hoi An
15 July 2010 at 6:57 am
Holy crap Matt!! That looked intense. I hope I have the guts to actually do this when I get down there…
Your video making skills are getting better! (As is your facial hair)
Stephanie last blog: Notes From the Home Front- Me versus My Calendar
15 July 2010 at 9:13 am
Omg… that looks terrifying! It must be the biggest adrenaline rush ever. Great video
Verity last blog: Bumbling around Sheffield
15 July 2010 at 9:35 am
@Nathan Cheers mate! It’s a pretty sweet jump. Certainly can’t beat the location and yes, it was right at dusk.
@Dustin I didn’t know they only did night jumps during the winter. Makes sense I suppose as the days are so much longer come summer. Next time!
@Stephanie It was pretty sweet! You’ll have the guts to do at least one bungy. I’ll let you pick! Glad you approve of the facial hair!
@Verity Thanks! You’re on an adrenaline high for hours after you jump.
15 July 2010 at 12:19 pm
Great video! This makes me want to go bungy jumping and plan a trip to New Zealand!
What’d you use to shoot it?
Brittany Gtrot last blog: daniellepooler3
15 July 2010 at 1:16 pm
Awesome! That looks so incredibly epic, especially at night with Queenstown all lit up below you!
Amanda last blog: A visitor’s guide to Seattle- Washington Go ahead- explore!
15 July 2010 at 1:20 pm
@Brittany Cheers! A Panasonic Lumix DMC-FZ35.
@Amanda It’s an epic spot for a bungy.
18 July 2010 at 2:05 pm
I’ve tried posting a comment a few times only to get lost. I can’t imagine doing that, I’m simply too chicken. Looks like you had an awesome time though! Planning to do it again?
19 July 2010 at 1:34 am
Excellent information to go along with the video. I think that I would like to do the luge. I am not great at jumping off things. Dave can do the bungy, while I luge and we can meet at the bottom.
That was a crazy jump, I hadn’t seen anyone do a running bungy before, Oh, now you have a new jump for Dave to do!
I kept wondering if you were going to take your hat off before the jump:) Glad they did it for you
Dave and Deb last blog: Chateau D’If in Marseille- France- Photo Friday
19 July 2010 at 1:53 am
I did the original bridge jump and that was scary enough. I cannot imagine doing this one.
ayngelina last blog: Have you met Andres
19 July 2010 at 3:38 am
I didn’t do the bungy. No way. No how. Never ever ever. But good work on putting together the video
Nomadic Matt last blog: Chasing Ghosts
19 July 2010 at 6:45 am
Oh man I just had goosebumps everywhere. I am deathly afraid of heights but for some reason I’m still trying to convince myself that this is something that I need to do. GREAT VID, love you blog!
Erica last blog: Travel Photography July 15
19 July 2010 at 7:24 am
haha I love the screaming. I’m pretty sure my stomach flipped just watching you before the jump. It looks like a beautiful place to bungy, although I would be that person that thinks the Gondola ride is enough of the thrilling adventure.
Suzy last blog: Otranto- Italy Wishes You Were Here
19 July 2010 at 9:45 am
@Melissa – I’m fully convinced a bungy jump is one of the harder things you’ll ever do in your life – yet an absolute rush and a great feeling of accomplishment. Hoping to get one more jump in someplace before I leave New Zealand!
@Dave and Deb I haven’t actually checked out the luge yet – but to be honest, it’s a lot more dangerous than doing a bungy jump! Yes, loosing the hat was a good idea. My flatmates laugh when I say, “You think?” Yes, I think the jumpmaster knows what he is talking about!
@Ayngelina I haven’t jumped at K Bridge yet! I was out there this weekend – it’s an epic location as well. Really cool to see it illuminated at night. You can’t jump at night, but worth as stopping for a picture.
@Nomadic Matt Heights aren’t your thing? Glad you enjoyed the video!
@Erica Thanks so much for the compliment! No worries on being afraid of heights – just don’t look down!
@Suzy Cheers! The gondola ride is pretty sweet as well, yet if we get you to New Zealand a jump will definitely be in order!
19 July 2010 at 9:51 am
I love it! I can’t wait to hit up NZ and every bungee it has to offer!
Brendan van Son last blog: The Photo Vulture- 5 Steps to Avoid Becoming a Bird of Prey
19 July 2010 at 11:13 pm
Very cool! What a beautiful place to bungy!
Caz Makepeace last blog: Best Travel Blog Posts for the Week of July 12
20 July 2010 at 12:03 am
Watching this is sending every single nerve cell of mine to spasm. Got the adrenaline binge not just from watching your jump (compliments to the daredevil) but getting reminded that I’m doing a Nevis (jump & swing) this Saturday! *Bites fist
But anyway, fantastic video!
Dylan Lowe last blog: Photogenic You- Wailouta- Fiji
21 July 2010 at 10:12 am
@Brendan There are no shortage of them here either!
@Caz Thanks Caz. Yes, it’s a pretty epic spot.
@Dylan Happy days! Good luck with the Nevis – it’s the mother of all bungys in New Zealand.
26 July 2010 at 1:56 pm
Cool video Matt!
Not sure I’d dare do the same…was in NZ a few months ago and didn’t brave it…maybe someday? You do seem to have had a blast though…hmmm….maybe I’m missing something?
Federico
26 July 2010 at 2:41 pm
OMG! watching that just made me super queasy! I don’t think I’ve ever seen anyone do a running jump of it! Have you bungeed before? You didn’t look too scared! Awesome that they gave you the footage from their cameras too!
I’ll I have to say is “superb!” hehehe 
Cailin last blog: Swedish people like bubbles
26 July 2010 at 2:49 pm
@Federico Thanks! Yes, you should brave it. Plenty of reasons to come back!
26 July 2010 at 2:51 pm
@Cailin Cheers Cailin! Glad you enjoyed it, means a lot coming from a talented film producer like yourself! The Ledge was the third bungy I’ve done in New Zealand – they don’t get any easier believe it or not!