"When I say jump, you say 'how high'!" (Bungee Jumping in Queenstown, New Zealand)

So who in their right mind would voluntarily jump off a bridge for fun?! Yes me, I am one of those crazy people. But being an adrenaline junkie means that I couldn't travel through New Zealand without going bungee jumping. That would just not do! I have been wanting to do it for so long, ever seen I went sky diving back in 2011 (wow has it already been 6 years?). This was definitely a bucket list moment!

Bungee jumping was invented in New Zealand at the Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown, the same one I jumped off of. It's known for its beautiful surrounding scenery - turquoise water below, and yellow/orange leaves on the mountains (because I went during their Fall). It makes the fall less scary, right? Regardless you will still enjoy the beautiful scenery even if you jump or not. I actually wanted to do the Nevis Bungee because it's the highest one in New Zealand but it was about $60usd more expensive so being on the tight budget that I am, I opted for the cheaper one. Although it was lower, it had an amazing view. The bridge is above a beautiful blue river with yellow and orange trees surrounding it. I can see why they chose this location as the origin of bungee jumping. 

The Jump (or Fall)...

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I wasn’t nervous at all even after I checked in and was outside watching the people before me jump. I was really excited! But as I was walking on the bridge towards the entrance to get geared up, I started this feel a bit of nerve hit me. When it was finally my turn and I was standing on the plank of wood looking down at the river running below, that was when all the nerves and fear kicked in. I was actually terrified! I held onto the handle and wouldn’t let go. The worker had to say encouragements to me and pry my fingers off the side handle (got it all on video haha). I counted to 3 and was still completely terrified. I couldn’t believe I was about to willingly jump off a bridge. But I couldn’t back out because I already paid so off I went.

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I more like fell off the bridge but the adrenaline was incredible! It’s nothing like I’ve ever done before. It’s a much different feeling than skydiving. You fall and when you reach the bottom, you ricochet back up a couple times. I felt like a doll handing on a string being yo-yo-ed up and down. When I finally stopped, they lowered me down and a raft was in the water to help me get off.

When I got off, the buzzed stayed with me for awhile. With all the blood that rushed to my head, I couldn’t think straight and was just on a high. When people talked to me after and told me directions, I couldn’t even process anything they were saying. I immediately wanted to do another jump! It was so exhilarating. But of course, I couldn’t because of money ); But it’s definitely something I want to do again! Maybe in Macau? It has the highest bungee jump in the world! Sorry Mom!  

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