Bungy Jumping in Hanmer Springs

The big moment comes at the edge of the Waiau Ferry Bridge: a 35-metre drop toward the river, with Hanmer Springs’ alpine scenery in view. It is a short, focused adventure, not an all-day outing, but the leap will likely occupy your thoughts long after you have stepped back onto solid ground.

I like two things in particular: the historic bridge gives the jump a strong sense of place, and 35 metres is a manageable height for a first bungy without taking the edge off the thrill. The full-body harness and professional instruction also make the process feel more structured than simply walking to a ledge and hoping for the best.

There are a few practical caveats. The jump itself is brief, there is an uphill walk back from the river, and photos cost extra. One participant also left without the promised T-shirt, so it is sensible to check that your included souvenir is accounted for before you leave.

At a glance

1 / 8

2 / 8

3 / 8

4 / 8

5 / 8

6 / 8

7 / 8

8 / 8

1 / 8

• A 35-metre drop from the historic Waiau Ferry Bridge takes you toward the Waiau River.
• A first-jump-friendly format pairs a relatively short freefall with professional instruction and a full-body harness.
• The setting is part of the appeal: this is Canterbury’s only bungy site, with views of the Southern Alps.
• Plan for 30 to 60 minutes on site, plus the drive from Hanmer Springs town.
• The base price starts at $137.75 and includes safety equipment, a certificate, and a T-shirt. Photos and video cost extra.
• Check the weight and age rules before booking: participants must be at least 10 years old and weigh between 35 and 200 kilograms.

👉 See our pick of the Best 2 Hour Tours and Experiences in Hanmer Springs

A historic bridge, a river below

The jump takes place at Waiau Ferry Bridge, a 135-year-old crossing above the Waiau River. That setting gives the experience more character than a purpose-built platform. You are not just looking down from a metal tower; you are stepping off a piece of local infrastructure with the river and alpine country around you.

The advertised freefall is 35 metres. That is enough height to make the pause at the edge feel serious, while remaining a practical introduction for someone who wants to try bungy jumping without choosing the tallest jump they can find. The view is a bonus, but in that last moment before the leap, your attention may be elsewhere.

This is Canterbury’s only bungy site, which makes it a useful addition to a Hanmer Springs visit if you want an activity beyond the thermal pools and nearby outdoor options. The jump is a compact attraction rather than a full-day excursion, so it can fit into a broader itinerary, provided you leave room for the drive and check-in.

From check-in to the river

Expect the experience to follow a simple sequence: arrive, check in, receive your safety instructions, get fitted with the required equipment, then take your turn on the bridge. The activity includes an English-speaking guide and professional bungy technicians. The exact order and pace can vary, but the total visit is listed at 30 minutes to one hour.

The meeting information gives Waiau Ferry Bridge as the meeting point, while the check-in details also name Hanmer Springs Attractions at 839 Hanmer Springs Road. Read the address and arrival instructions on your voucher carefully. If anything is unclear, contact the operator before setting out rather than trying to sort it at the last minute.

Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time. The listed daily sessions are 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 4 p.m., except Christmas Day. The voucher is valid only for the date and time booked, and late arrivals or no-shows are not refunded. That makes a little schedule padding worthwhile, especially if you are driving from Christchurch.

The briefing, harness, and jump

Before you go, staff fit you with a full-body harness and explain how the jump works. The harness, tether, and instruction are included in the price. The operator says participants are assessed by independent outdoor safety experts and are OutdoorsMark Safety Audit Certified. That is useful context, though it should not be taken as a reason to ignore the briefing or the activity’s risks.

You must sign a liability waiver. Bungy jumping is a high-adrenaline activity, and the waiver is a reminder to make an honest decision about your health and comfort level. Pregnant people and those with disabilities are not recommended to participate. If you have a concern about your ability to take part, check with the operator before booking.

Then comes the leap. You step from the bridge and drop 35 metres toward the river, with the bungy equipment controlling the fall. The freefall is the central event, and it passes quickly. The anticipation, the view from the bridge, and the first instant of leaving it may take up more of your memory than the time spent falling.

The staff who handle the jump are a major part of the experience. Past participants have praised their professionalism and friendly manner, including instances when staff helped resolve scheduling confusion. Still, check-in can be a weak link: one person who had booked and paid online found the front desk initially could not locate the booking. Keep your confirmation accessible on your phone and allow time to resolve any mismatch.

The walk back and the souvenir

After the jump, be prepared to walk uphill from the river back to the office area. One participant found this part difficult, so it is worth knowing before you go, especially if you have mobility concerns or simply assumed you would be returned directly to the bridge. The supplied information does not describe a transport option back up the hill.

A souvenir T-shirt and a certificate are included. The shirt is a fun memento, but delivery may not always go exactly as planned: one person reported that the promised shirt was not handed over. Ask about it before leaving, while staff can still check.

Photos and videos are available for an additional cost. Some participants have been pleased with their video, while others found photos disappointing when bright sunlight was behind the jumper. If the images matter to you, ask how they are captured and what package options are available before paying. Personal cameras and phones are permitted, but you are responsible for your own belongings. Staff also have a storage service for bags during the activity.

What the price includes, and what it does not

The listed starting price is $137.75. The package includes the 35-metre jump, required safety equipment, an English-speaking guide, a T-shirt, and a certificate. At that price, you are paying for a distinct, tightly run experience at a one-of-a-kind local site, not for a long excursion or a meal.

Tandem jumps are listed at NZD338 for two people. That can make the experience easier to share with a partner or friend, though you should confirm the exact arrangement and price when booking. Photos and video are extra, as are meals and personal expenses. Insurance is not included, and accident or travel insurance is recommended.

It is fair to think of the headline price as the cost of taking part, not the total cost of every extra. If you want a record of the jump, set aside more for media. If you are content to remember it without a professionally captured image, the included certificate and T-shirt provide a couple of simpler keepsakes.

Getting there and dressing for it

From Hanmer Springs town, the bridge is about a 10-minute drive. From Christchurch, allow roughly 90 minutes by car. The jump is therefore easy to pair with a stay in Hanmer Springs, but it is not right in the town centre. Plan your transport and timing rather than assuming you can walk over from the pools.

Wear light, comfortable clothing, preferably quick-drying material, and proper walking shoes or sneakers. Bring sunscreen. The recommendation for sturdy footwear makes sense both for the activity and the walk back uphill. You do not need a meal as part of the package, so plan food separately if the jump sits between other activities.

The experience runs daily at three stated times, but not on Christmas Day. Because the outing itself takes 30 minutes to an hour, it is fairly easy to fit around other plans. Still, avoid booking it so tightly that a delay would derail the rest of your day.

Who should book this jump?

I would consider it a good fit if you want a memorable burst of adrenaline, are curious about bungy jumping, and like the idea of doing it in a scenic spot with local character. The 35-metre height makes it a sensible first attempt for many people, and the inclusion of instruction, safety equipment, and a certificate keeps the package straightforward.

It is also a natural choice if you are already staying in Hanmer Springs and want something beyond a soak in the thermal pools. For a group, it offers a clear shared event, though not everyone has to jump. If you prefer a long guided outing, extensive activities, or plenty of time on the ground, this is not that kind of experience.

Before committing, check the age and weight limits: participants must be at least 10 and weigh between 35 and 200 kilograms. Consider the uphill walk, the extra cost of photos, and whether you are comfortable signing a waiver. Pregnant people and those with disabilities are not recommended to take part.

Should you book it?

Book the Hanmer Springs bungy if you want a short, high-impact activity with an unusually scenic setting and are ready for the leap. The 35-metre drop, historic bridge, and professional supervision make a strong package for a first jump. Go in with clear expectations: the action is brief, the walk back is uphill, media costs extra, and check-in details deserve a close look. If those trade-offs suit you, this is a memorable way to add a jolt of adventure to a Hanmer Springs stay.

FAQ

How high is the Hanmer Springs bungy jump?

The freefall is 35 metres, from the Waiau Ferry Bridge toward the Waiau River.

Where does the jump take place?

The jump takes place at Waiau Ferry Bridge in Hanmer Springs, New Zealand.

How long should I allow for the activity?

The activity is listed as lasting 30 minutes to one hour.

What are the scheduled session times?

Sessions are listed at 9:30 a.m., 12:30 p.m., and 4 p.m. daily, except Christmas Day.

What is included in the price?

The package includes the 35-metre jump, safety equipment, an English-speaking guide, a T-shirt, and a certificate.

Are photos and videos included?

No. Photos and videos are available for an additional cost.

What is the minimum age?

Participants must be at least 10 years old.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. Participants must weigh between 35 and 200 kilograms.

What should I wear and bring?

Wear light, comfortable clothing and proper footwear, such as sneakers or walking shoes. Bring sunscreen.

How far is the site from Hanmer Springs town and Christchurch?

The site is about a 10-minute drive from Hanmer Springs town and about a 90-minute drive from Christchurch.