Nevis Swing, Bungy & Catapult by AJ Hackett

The Nevis Playground puts three big-ticket thrills above the remote Nevis Valley: a 300-metre swing, New Zealand’s 134-metre bungy and a catapult that launches you at a claimed 150 kilometres per hour. The approach is part of the event, with a 4WD shuttle and suspended cable car taking you into the canyon country.

I like two things especially: you can choose the level of commitment, from one ride to all three, and the included photos and videos mean you leave with proof beyond a shaky grin. The main drawback is the time and weather uncertainty: the drive takes roughly 40 to 60 minutes each way, and wind can delay or cancel an activity, so keep your day flexible.

Nevis Playground at a glance

1 / 9

• The swing covers 300 metres across the valley: Ride solo or tandem, with a dramatic drop into a wide arc through the canyon.
• The bungy is 134 metres high: It is the site’s biggest jump, reached by cable car access.
• The catapult is a different kind of rush: Rather than a long swing or bungy drop, it fires you into the canyon at a reported 150 kilometres per hour.
• The remote setting is part of the trip: You travel by shuttle from Queenstown, then use a suspended cable car to reach the activity area.
• Photos and videos are included: You get a record of your ride without having to decide afterward whether to pay extra for the basic footage.
• Pick your own level of adventure: Book one activity or combine two or all three, depending on your budget and appetite for a big day.

👉 See our pick of the 13 Best Guided Tours In Queenstown

Leaving Queenstown for the Nevis Valley

Your day starts at the AJ Hackett Bungy Centre at the corner of Camp and Shotover streets in Queenstown. Arrive 30 minutes before your booked time, check in inside the station building and bring a printed voucher. Mobile vouchers are not accepted, and the shuttle is mandatory. You cannot drive yourself to the remote site.

The ride out takes about 40 to 60 minutes, depending on conditions. A 4WD shuttle heads up a rough, dirt road toward the Nevis Playground, and the climb itself can feel like a warm-up for the main event. The valley scenery is a reward, but the road may also make your stomach flutter before you reach the jump platform.

Allow about four hours for the full outing, including the transfer, check-in and activity. That is a sensible block of time to protect in your schedule. Wind or other poor weather may delay the rides, and a later appointment could become a tight fit. If conditions force the operator to cancel, you can reschedule or request a full refund.

Getting set for the jump

At the site, staff fit your safety equipment and give you an orientation before the activity. Expect harness checks and clear instructions; the crew’s careful equipment checks and calm encouragement are a recurring part of the experience. That matters when your mind has begun offering perfectly reasonable reasons to stay on solid ground.

There are lockers and toilets at the site, and a small box is available at the swing area for items such as a phone or hat. Wear walking shoes or sneakers, and leave personal glasses off for safety. Free prescription safety glasses are available in strengths of -2, -3 and -4.

You must be able to fit into the harness and weigh between 35 and 200 kilograms. Participants must be at least 10 years old. Children aged 10 to 14 need a paying adult with them. The activities are not recommended for people with high blood pressure, epilepsy or heart disease, or for pregnant women. You will sign a liability waiver, so read it carefully and ask staff about anything you do not understand.

Choosing the Nevis Swing

The swing is a strong choice if you want a high-adrenaline ride without making a solo bungy jump. You begin above the valley, then release into a fast fall before sweeping through a long arc across the canyon. The 300-metre span gives the ride a broad, open feeling, and the height and speed make the first seconds count.

You can ride alone or tandem. If you want to go with a partner, book two adults and tell the team at check-in that you want a tandem ride. That shared option can make the moment easier to face, though you will still feel the drop and the force of the swing. Some riders choose a forward or upside-down pose, but follow the staff’s instructions about what is allowed for your ride.

The swing runs on a schedule every 40 minutes between 8:00 a.m. and 2:40 p.m. Choose a time that gives you breathing room before and after, especially if you have another booking in Queenstown. A gusty day can mean waiting while conditions improve, and the operator may suspend activity if the wind is too strong.

Taking the 134-metre Nevis Bungy

The Nevis Bungy is the most direct test of nerve on site. At 134 metres, it is New Zealand’s biggest bungy, and the height is the headline for good reason. You step off and drop into the canyon, with the bungy cord turning the plunge into a rebound rather than a long pendulum ride.

For a first-time jumper, the waiting can be harder than the jump itself. Staff explain the process, fit and check your gear, and encourage you through the decision. Their job is not to make the height disappear, but to keep the instructions clear and the checks methodical. That can give you something useful to focus on while your knees debate the plan.

Choose the bungy if the plunge is the experience you came for. If you are torn between activities, the swing offers a different sensation and is often the one people pick as their favourite, while the bungy tends to feel like the more intimidating challenge. Doing both makes for a fuller day, and a more expensive one.

Trying the Nevis Catapult

The Catapult is the site’s most unusual option: a high-speed launch into the canyon, advertised at 150 kilometres per hour. It is not simply another version of the swing or bungy. The sudden acceleration is the point, and it may feel more abrupt than the other rides.

That force is worth considering before you book. One participant who combined all three activities found the catapult fun but experienced some whiplash from the sudden speed. That is not a reason to avoid it automatically, but it is a useful reminder that this ride can be physically jarring. If you have a medical concern, speak with the operator before taking part.

The Catapult can be booked on its own or paired with the swing or bungy. If you want variety without signing up for every activity, a two-ride package gives you a chance to compare very different kinds of motion.

Combining activities without overdoing it

You can book one activity, two activities or all three. The available combinations include swing and catapult, swing and bungy, bungy and catapult, and a three-activity package with all of them. The full set is a substantial dose of adrenaline, but it also makes the remote transfer feel more worthwhile.

Think about what you want from the day rather than collecting rides just because they are available. The swing and bungy have distinct profiles: one sends you through a wide arc, while the other gives you the unmistakable drop. Add the Catapult if sudden acceleration appeals to you. If you are already anxious about heights, one activity may be plenty.

For a tandem swing, select two adults when booking and tell staff at check-in. The package details and prices vary by activity. The listed options begin at US$167.75 for the Catapult, US$184.85 for the Swing and US$224.65 for the Bungy. Two-activity choices start at US$295.70, while all three start at US$457.79. A separate headline starting price is also shown, so check the exact rate for your chosen package before you pay.

What the price includes

The package includes round-trip transfers from Queenstown, safety equipment, an orientation, tax, and photo and video packs. Those extras improve the value, particularly if you have been comparing activity prices and wondering whether the memory package will add another charge. Here, the photos and videos are included, and some activity packages also come with a complimentary T-shirt.

The price is still a serious outlay for a short burst of action. The best value comes if you choose an activity you genuinely want, or combine rides you would otherwise book separately. Do not let a discounted bundle talk you into all three if one is enough. Your legs and budget may both appreciate a little restraint.

Who will enjoy this most

This is for you if a major adrenaline ride is high on your Queenstown list and you are comfortable with a remote site, a structured safety process and a firm booking time. It can suit first-timers as well as experienced thrill-seekers: staff provide a briefing and equipment checks, while the rides themselves offer a real challenge at several levels.

The tandem swing may appeal if you want to share the moment with a partner. Families can consider the age rules, but children aged 10 to 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult, and every participant must meet the weight and harness requirements. The activities are not recommended for certain medical conditions, so take the restrictions seriously rather than treating the waiver as routine paperwork.

If you prefer a relaxed sightseeing outing, this is not the right use of half a day. The shuttle ride, preparation and weather-dependent schedule are all part of the commitment. The view is striking, but the main purpose here is to leave your comfort zone, not to sit back and admire the valley.

Should you book the Nevis Playground?

Book it if you want one of Queenstown’s defining high-adrenaline experiences and can give the outing a flexible four-hour window. The Swing is a good pick for a sweeping ride, the Bungy for a more straightforward leap of faith, and the Catapult for sudden speed. If you cannot choose, a two-activity combination offers variety without making the whole day a three-ride marathon.

Before booking, check your exact package, time and price, then plan your Queenstown schedule around weather delays. Bring proper shoes, a printed voucher and a willingness to listen closely during the safety briefing. The Nevis Playground asks for nerve and time, but the included transport and media packs help make the cost easier to justify.

FAQ

Where do I meet the shuttle?

Meet at the AJ Hackett Bungy Centre at the corner of Camp and Shotover streets in Queenstown. Register inside the station building 30 minutes before your scheduled time.

Can I drive to the Nevis Playground?

No. Participants must take the shuttle to the activity site. Round-trip transfers from the Queenstown meeting point are included.

How long should I allow?

Allow about four hours for the outing. The drive takes roughly 40 to 60 minutes each way, and weather may affect the timing.

What time does the Nevis Swing operate?

The Swing operates every 40 minutes from 8:00 a.m. to 2:40 p.m. Your voucher is valid only for the date and time you booked.

What is the minimum age?

Participants must be at least 10 years old. Children aged 10 to 14 must be accompanied by a paying adult.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. Participants must weigh between 35 and 200 kilograms and must be able to fit into the harness.

What should I wear?

Wear walking shoes or sneakers. Personal glasses cannot be worn for safety reasons. Free prescription safety glasses are available in strengths of -2, -3 and -4.

Can I ride the swing tandem?

Yes. Select two adults when booking, then tell the team at check-in that you want a tandem ride.

Are photos and videos included?

Yes. Free photo and video packs are included with the activity.