Feeling adventurous this summer? Head down to New Zealand for bungy jumping!

Commercial Bungy Jumping was invented in New Zealand, by A. J. Hackett, who devised the special elastic cord and the ankle harness, making it possible for just about anyone to do this. Thousands of people have jumped off the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge since 1988. This bridge is outside of Queenstown, on the South Island, and now there are other places around New Zealand to jump.

But Bungy Jumping isn’t for everyone!

Somehow strapping a thick set of elastic bands to my ankles and stepping off a perfectly good bridge isn’t my idea of fun. I was only able to watch the many more adventurous souls do this. While watching is entertaining, I wish I could have done it or some other activity.

When I went back to New Zealand we headed out to the Kawarau Gorge bridge again-I still wasn’t going to jump- but this time there was something new.

A Zip Line!

Recognizing that people want to be able to have a milder adrenaline rush, the folks at the A.J. Hackett company put in a zipline along the river. There are actually three ziplines, so friends can go together.

The zip line starts near the bungy platform and ends 130m (425 feet) later, after reaching speeds up to 60 kph(37 mph). You don’t have to wear a helmet like some other zip line experiences. Plenty of adrenaline for me.

The rigging was easy to get into and the riggers make it go fast. The seat for the zipline is strapped on to you. You can sit forwards, backwards, even upside down, for that extra adrenaline rush. At the end of your ride, you are winched back to the starting platform. I was game and it was fun. I was happy there was an alternative to the bungy jump, so you can check it out.

Good to Know:

AJ Hackett Bungy NZ

The main site for the AJ Hackett details the different types of activities available in their several locations.

Kawarau ZipRide– Be sure to read all the safety requirements. Activities at your own risk.