bemardus

Hi there,

I’m going to New Zealand in two weeks; traveling to both islands. I would love to sky dive and bungee jump. Does anyone have any advice on where I should go? Im trying to decide between sky diving in Lake Wanaka and Lake Taupo. And I’m trying to decide between bungee jumping at Nevis or Kawarau in Queenstown. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks all!

Melnq8

Well, how far do you want to jump? How much do you want to spend?

Kawarau Bridge Bungy - 43 meters, $195

Nevis Bungy - 134 meters (and the highest in NZ), $275

As far as deciding between Wanaka and Lake Taupo sky diving - where will you be? Which makes more sense in your itinerary? How are you traveling?

Keep in mind that two weeks sounds like a lot, but it's not much time when split between two rather large islands. It takes quite a bit of time to get from point A to point B.

Melnq8

Sorry, misunderstood - you're LEAVING in two weeks. How long will you be in NZ?

bemardus

Hey Melnq8,

Thanks for the response. I’ve never bungee jumped and would love to do it in the birthplace of the sport. Kawarau Bridge is the original location and so there’s history and it’s an easier jump for a novice. The thrill and the distance of Nevis is a draw. I suppose I’d like to know personal preferences. I’d like to know which one is more scenic, the better value and about the descents down.

As for sky diving, I’ll be in staying In Rotorua and Queenstown. I’ll have a car in both islands so I hope the travel time won’t be too bad. Sky diving companies out of both locations offer the same options for heights. I want to do the 15,000 ft jump.

Melnq8

Well, can't help you with that one bemardus. You'd have to pay ME to jump off a perfectly good bridge, not the other way around. I've stopped at Kawarau on just about every trip I've made to the South Island, can't help myself, even if its just to watch. Unfortunately, Nevis isn't open to spectators as it's on private property.

Part of the expense of Nevis is getting there - it's a 45 minute drive, and a four hour day, so how much time you have could well be a factor in your decision.

Queenstown to Wanaka and Rotorua to Lake Taupo are very similar distance-wise (just over an hour give or take) so that's not a factor. Perhaps see how the weather is and go from there.

Sorry, I don't toss myself out of planes either, but good on you for your adventurous spirit and please report back and let us know how it goes.

tasmangirl

Not my cup of tea either...but Kawarau is where bungee started so you are doing an iconic jump. If you get an amazing day weather wise a Taupo sky dive would give awesome views. Rotorua is an hour's drive away so if you have a car that's fine. I have not done this but base my opinion on a great day skiing on Whakapapa and enjoying the great view from up there.
Sky Dive Taupo website says you can see both coasts (Napier to Mt Taranaki) so that would be awesome and maybe more varied than the view from Wanaka.