Taupo’s big thrill is not just the drop. It is stepping from a 47-metre platform above the clear Waikato River, with the option to touch the water on the way down. At AJ Hackett, you can choose that bungy jump, a fast feet-first swing, or both.
I like two things here: the setting gives the adrenaline a sense of place, and you can share either activity tandem with a friend. Photos and video are included, too, so you can keep a record without carrying a phone onto the platform.
The main consideration is the price, especially if you choose both activities. This is also a high-risk experience, and the stated weight limits differ between the eligibility and booking information, so confirm your limits and the terms before paying.
- The key points before you book
- Two different ways to leave the platform
- The Waikato River is part of the appeal
- What to expect from arrival to the jump
- The staff and safety make a real difference
- Is the combo worth the extra cost?
- Who will get the most from Taupo Bungy & Swing?
- Practical details to settle before you go
- Should you book it?
- FAQ
- How high is the Taupo bungy jump?
- How fast does the Taupo Swing go?
- Can I do the bungy or swing with a friend?
- What are the weight limits?
- Are photos and videos included?
- Where is the meeting point, and when should I arrive?
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The key points before you book
- A 47-metre water-touch bungy: This is described as New Zealand’s highest water-touch bungy platform. You can opt to get wet.
- A swing that reaches 70km/h: The Taupo Swing starts with a mid-air pause, then drops and arcs through a 180-degree swing.
- Solo or tandem choices: You can do either activity alone or with a friend. Tandem swings have a combined weight limit of 180kg.
- Photos and video are included: Each activity includes a photo and video pack. Cameras and phones cannot go with you during the activity.
- A scenic Waikato River setting: The platform looks over the river and its valley, making the view part of the experience, not just the backdrop.
- Check the weight rules carefully: One section gives a 30kg to 140kg range, while booking information states 35kg to 150kg. Confirm the applicable limit directly before booking.
👉 See our pick of the Best Tours In Taupo
Two different ways to leave the platform
The bungy and swing share a dramatic river setting, but they deliver different kinds of nerves. The bungy is a straightforward leap from a 47-metre cliff, with the possibility of touching the water below. If the thought of stepping off a platform is the part that scares you, this is the activity that puts that moment front and center.
The swing offers a different rhythm. You begin suspended in the air, then release into a fast, feet-first descent. It can reach 70km/h and swing through a 180-degree arc. That pause before the drop may feel like a small mercy, or it may give your imagination too much time to work.
Choose the bungy if the idea of a freefall and a possible river splash is what you want to remember. Choose the swing if you prefer the sensation of speed and a broad arc through the air. If you cannot decide, the combo lets you try both, though the added cost is worth weighing against how much you enjoy high-adrenaline activities.
You can do either one solo or tandem with a friend. Tandem can make the moment feel less solitary, but it does not make the drop less real. For a tandem swing, the combined weight limit is 180kg. The information provided does not give a separate combined limit for tandem bungy, so ask the operator if you plan to jump together.
You can also read our reviews of more tours and experiences in Taupo.
The Waikato River is part of the appeal
Many high-adrenaline activities could take place against almost any view. Taupo’s setting gives this one a more memorable frame: the Waikato River below is noted for its clear water, and the platform sits above a river valley. You have a striking view before the jump, then a very short time to take it in once you leave the edge.
The bungy’s water-touch option makes the river more than scenery. If you want the splash, make that choice clear with staff before your jump. If you would rather stay dry, the activity still gives you the drop and river views without aiming for the water.
The swing also takes you toward the river, but its appeal is the accelerating rush and wide arc rather than a water touch. You may find that the scenery helps settle your nerves while waiting, or that the height takes over your attention. Either way, the view gives companions on the ground something worthwhile to watch.
This is a convenient add-on if you are already visiting the central North Island. The site is about five minutes by car from Taupo Centre and roughly one hour from Rotorua. That makes it possible to fit the activity into a Taupo stay or consider it during a Rotorua-based trip, though transport and time planning still deserve attention.
What to expect from arrival to the jump
The meeting point is AJ Hackett Taupo Bungy & Swing at 202 Spa Road, Taupo. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled time, and have your mobile voucher ready. The activity information includes round-trip transfers, but also says to phone the operator to pre-arrange transport within Taupo. Confirm where any transfer picks you up and how it works before setting off.
You will need to sign a liability waiver acknowledging the risks. Professional guidance and the necessary safety equipment are included. The staff are described as friendly, upbeat, and attentive, with particular care for people who are nervous. That matters here: the equipment is one part of feeling secure, and calm, clear direction is another.
For safety, you cannot take a phone, camera, loose clothing, or other equipment with you during the activity. Personal glasses are not permitted, but prescription safety glasses are available free in strengths of -2, -3, and -4. If you rely on glasses, check that one of these strengths will suit you.
The activity includes a photo and video pack for each experience. That is a useful practical touch: you can focus on the jump instead of trying to film it yourself. One detail to clarify at the site is how you select or receive your pack. The stated information says the pack is included, while the purchase options and delivery process are not fully described.
The staff and safety make a real difference
A jump may last only moments, but the build-up can be the hardest part. The staff have a central role in helping you understand what happens and move through the process. The overall feedback for AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand is very strong, and comments on this Taupo experience repeatedly praise the team’s professional, friendly approach.
One parent described staff helping a nervous daughter get through the jump. That is a useful clue if you are booking for someone who is keen but unsure: the team appears accustomed to guiding people through the hesitation, rather than treating nerves as a problem. Still, encouragement is not a substitute for being ready. You should be comfortable with the risks and willing to proceed.
The operator can refuse participation if someone appears intoxicated, with no refund in that circumstance. The activity is not recommended for people with high blood pressure, epilepsy, or heart disease, or for pregnant women. Read the risk disclosure before purchase and speak to a medical professional if you are unsure whether it is appropriate for you.
Travel insurance is strongly recommended, specifically insurance that covers high-risk activities. New Zealand’s Accident Compensation Corporation scheme may not provide enough cover for your needs. Insurance is not included in the activity price, so treat it as a separate part of your planning.
Is the combo worth the extra cost?
The listed starting price is US$119.99, while the package prices supplied for the individual options and combo are higher: US$136.35 for the swing, US$156.20 for the bungy, and US$235.75 for both. Prices can depend on the package and booking details, so check the live price, currency, and exact activity selection before you pay.
The combo costs more, but it buys two distinct experiences, not two versions of the same drop. If you have made the trip to the site and want both the bungy’s plunge and the swing’s fast arc, the combination can make sense. If you are unsure about heights, choosing one activity first is the more sensible way to manage both the price and your nerves.
The included photo and video pack adds value, particularly if you want a record of the jump. A separate review of the experience notes that the cost can feel high, even while describing the activity as fun. That is a fair way to think about it: you are paying for specialist equipment, trained staff, and a short, intense activity in a distinctive setting. It is not an inexpensive casual stop.
The booking information gives different weight limits in different places: 30kg to 140kg under eligibility, and 35kg to 150kg under booking limitations. Do not guess which one applies to your chosen activity. Check with the operator before booking, especially if you are near either end of the range. For tandem swings, the stated combined limit is 180kg.
Who will get the most from Taupo Bungy & Swing?
This suits you if you want a concentrated burst of adrenaline and are happy to pay for a specialist activity rather than a long guided outing. It is also a good fit for friends or family members who want to share the same setting but choose different levels of challenge. One person can jump while another watches, or you can opt for a tandem swing if you meet the combined weight limit.
It is not the best choice if you want a relaxed river outing, have a strong aversion to heights, or would rather spend your budget on a longer activity. The experience is built around the moment of release, not a lengthy tour or a series of stops. The location is scenic, but the main event is the jump or swing.
Children aged 10 and older can participate. For ages 10 to 14, signed parental consent is required. Check the weight limits and any current booking conditions for the selected activity before arranging it for a child.
Practical details to settle before you go
The voucher is valid only on the date and time specified, so plan around that appointment and arrive 15 minutes early. Confirmation is expected within minutes after booking. If it does not arrive, contact customer support.
You can cancel for a full refund if you do so at least 24 hours before the activity date, using destination local time. If extreme weather or another unforeseen event leads the operator to cancel, you can reschedule or request a full refund. Weather can affect an outdoor activity, so leave some flexibility in your plans if you can.
For transport within Taupo, the contact number provided is +64 (07) 3765682. The site is a five-minute drive from Taupo Centre, and the activity details also list round-trip transfers. Since transport arrangements may require advance coordination, confirm the pickup details rather than assuming a shuttle will be waiting.
Should you book it?
Book Taupo Bungy & Swing if a dramatic river setting, a 47-metre jump, or a 70km/h swing sounds worth the cost and you are prepared for the risks. I would choose the combo if both experiences genuinely appeal to you; they offer different sensations, and the included photo and video pack means you can leave your phone behind.
If you are uncertain, pick one activity rather than paying for both under pressure. Check the weight discrepancy, insurance cover, transport arrangements, and medical guidance before booking. Then arrive ready to listen to the staff, take in the river view, and decide whether the final step is one you want to make.
Taupo Bungy Jump or Swing Experience by AJ Hackett
“The staff were very enthusiastic and willing to serve me even before my scheduled appointment. The safety measures are excellent, allowing you to c…”
FAQ
How high is the Taupo bungy jump?
The bungy platform is 47 metres high. It is described as New Zealand’s highest water-touch bungy platform, and you can opt to touch the water.
How fast does the Taupo Swing go?
The swing can reach speeds of 70km/h and arcs through a 180-degree angle.
Can I do the bungy or swing with a friend?
Both activities can be done solo or tandem. Tandem swings have a maximum combined weight limit of 180kg.
What are the weight limits?
The information gives two different ranges: 30kg to 140kg under eligibility and 35kg to 150kg under booking limitations. Confirm the applicable limit with the operator before booking.
Are photos and videos included?
Yes. A photo and video pack is included for each activity. You cannot carry a camera or mobile phone during the activity.
Where is the meeting point, and when should I arrive?
Meet at AJ Hackett Taupo Bungy & Swing, 202 Spa Road, Taupo. Arrive 15 minutes before your scheduled activity time.
