"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!  

Video

Bungee Jumping at Kawarau Bridge (where it originated) in Queenstown, New Zealand