Kawarau Bridge Bungy - AJ Hackett Bungy

Bungee jumping was invented in New Zealand, so if you're going to try it anywhere in the world, shouldn't it be at the world's first commercial bungee site?

With a 140-foot drop from an old bridge straddling a beautiful turquoise river, the location outside of Queenstown couldn't be more perfect. In fact, its beauty might even distract from what lies ahead.

Choosing between jumping tandem or solo, bobbing above the water, touching it, or even getting dunked, the Kawarau Bridge has every option available—though maybe none for the faint of heart.

In the few minutes I watched dozens of people fling themselves off the platform, from kids to parents, everyone had a big smile on their face when finished.

New Zealand’s reputation as an adventure playground is well-earned; you can free just about all your fears here. Skydive 15,000 feet over dramatic scenery, paraglide from steep mountainsides, or zipline between native trees. The Kawarau River in Queenstown is home to the world’s original bungy jumping operation, where you can throw yourself off a bridge, headfirst, toward a raging river below. The bungy springs you back at just the right moment—unless you opt for a wet version.