Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge is known as the home of the bungee (or Bungy), as it is spelled in New Zealand. Located in the Otago region in the South Island of New Zealand, it was the first commercial bungee jumping site in New Zealand set up by AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch in the 1980’s.

Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge

This is a popular attraction for adventure seekers and is part of the Queenstown Trail. It spans across the Kawarau River. Other names for this bridge are: Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge, Kawarau Suspension Bridge, Kawarau bridge and Kawarau Bungy Bridge.

Taylor J. Rothchild bungee jumping off the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge; photo courtesy of Taylor J. Rothchild

When adventurer and winemaker Taylor J. Rothchild was twenty-three, he wanted his first bungee jump to be special. In addition to being the co-owner of Tayson Pierce Wines, and Champagne Éric Philippe, he is known to be quite the daredevil. Some of his other activities include skydiving, zip-lining, dirt biking, etc.

“My poor mother and father had to watch as I jumped. You can only imagine their hearts skipping a beat when I left the ledge.” He added that the man right before him had a massive panic attack and had to be pulled off the rig. He laughed…”So I had to swan dive like a pro after that and show no fear. It was quite the rush!” CLICK HERE to read my interview with Taylor J. Rothchild.

Find out more about bungee jumping (times & prices) from the Kawarau Gorge Suspension Bridge HERE. Kawarau Bridge Bungy (43m), State Highway 6, Highway 6, Gibbston Valley, Central Queenstown, Queenstown, New Zealand. Visit the New Zealand Tourism website for additional info about this fantastic wonderland.

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