A.J. Hackett. Who? But you'll know the extreme sport he popularized - the Bungy Jump! The plan? Head to the AJ Hackett for the Auckland Harbour Bridge Bungy.

Today's port stop was in New Zealand's biggest city - Auckland!

Bill organized an adventure for me - bungee jumping! He has already experienced the "ordeal" (not his choice but a birthday gift) off of a hot air balloon. I guess it was my turn to venture into something new.

All I knew of New Zealand was minimal:

• a little of its Māori culture;
• their famous residents - domestic sheep (in 2023, the sheep population was 25.3 million);
• the adorable kiwi;
• the Hobbiton Movie Set from both The Lord of the Rings and Hobbit film trilogy;
• and that it's home to bungy jumping 

Can you really bungee jump off the Harbour bridge?

Well, Yes... yes you can! How? With the bungy operation from Allan John "A. J." Hackett, the entrepreneur who popularized the extreme sport of bungy jumping.

AJ Hackett opened the world's first commercial bungy operation at the Kawarau Bridge, on November 1988.  Since then AJ Hackett Bungy NZ [affiliate link] has offered other thrill-seeking locations:

Auckland - The jump I'll be participating in.

• Auckland Bungy - diving off a Bungy Pod platform underneath the Auckland Harbour Bridge down 40m (131ft or about 9-13 stories high) over the waters of  Waitematā Harbour. An opportunity to touch the water but not always guaranteed. Can combine with the Auckland Bridge Climb [affiliate link]. After you're jump, you're given a discount to try their Auckland SkyJump and Skywalk based in NZ's tallest building - the Auckland Sky Tower. 

Taupō

• Taupō Bungy - head-first hurtling 47m (154ft) towards crystal clear Waikato River.

Queenstown

• Kawarau Bridge - enjoy Kawarau River views before plunging 43m (141ft) at the "birthplace of bungy jumps."
• Nevis Bungy - If you're wondering, "What's the highest jump in New Zealand?" New Zealand's highest bungy jump at 134m (439.6ft) with sweeping panoramic views of the Nevis Valley and the Southern Alps is the Nevis Bungy. If you have the "go big or go home" spirit, look into this Queenstown exhilarating activity.

Booking Your Jump

Thinking about diving into an adventure? Getting your spot for the Auckland Harbour Bridge Bungy jump is easy. We simply went online to book, and it's a good idea to do this early so you're sure to get in. With different times available throughout the day at Auckland Bridge Bungy, you can pick what works best for you.

Pricing as of April 2024:

• Bungy Jump: $210 NZD / ~$125 USD
• Photos and Video: $65 NZD / ~$40 USD
• Spectator: $20 NZD / ~$12 USD

TIP: Check out Klook [affiliate link] to find discounted attraction, tours with unique experiences and more!

As a cruise ship passenger it was a little nerve-wracking to book activities outside of the guarantees of the cruise excursion desk. Sometimes cruise ship can change the trip itinerary for various reasons and at the last minute. Are you willing to risk it? Note: booking directly with the bungy operation, they had a Non-refundable policy if you cancel your experience less than 48 hours before the scheduled activity time.

• First available check-in at 9:30am
• Last available check-in at 2:30pm

We were sweating the timeline of our reservation because our cruise did conduct a U-turn to the previous port due to a passenger needing medical attention. Luckily, announcements were made that the cruise doctor was able to stabilize the passenger that we wouldn't affect our arrival to the port of Auckland. Hope that personal made a full recovery.

Preparing for Your Auckland Harbour Bridge Bungy Jump

Essential Items to Bring

Getting ready for your bungy jump off the Auckland Harbour Bridge? Here's what you should bring to make sure it's a blast:

• Make sure to wear clothes that are comfortable but also shoes that are flat, won't slip off, and cover your whole foot. This is important for keeping safe when you jump.
• With the weather being chilly at times, especially in winter, layering up is smart so you don’t get too cold while waiting for your turn.
• Most importantly, come with an eager heart full of adventure and be ready to dive into the thrill this lifetime experience will offer.

This checklist covers everything from safety gear like proper footwear and warm clothing including jackets suited for Auckland’s unpredictable weather; ensuring comfort throughout this adrenaline-pumping activity.

Getting There

Our Royal Caribbean - Ovation of the Seas cruise provided a 9-minute shuttle from where we docked at Mechanic's Bay to Queen's Warf. From there we called an Uber to take us to AJ Hackett Auckland Bridge Bungy & Climb about another 15-minute ride to check-in.

The Thrill of the Jump - What to Expect on the Day Of

Jumping off the Auckland Harbour Bridge Bungy is an adventure like no other. Standing at the edge, you gaze down at the water shining below and feel a surge of adrenaline. When you finally jump, there's this incredible moment of free-fall where everything rushes by in a blur. The mix of excitement, fear, and that intense rush makes it something you can't really put into words. It's thrilling from start to finish and leaves you wanting to do it all over again.

This activity is definitely not meant for those who shy away from thrills but if seeking out once-in-a-lifetime experiences that leave lasting memories sounds like your thing or if chasing adrenaline highs excites you then look no further because this place promises an unmatched adventure.

Check-in was smooth. They give you a locker for your belongings. They have restrooms. They get your weight and get you harnessed up. Then you're escorted to their Bungy Pod underneath the bridge.

Exclusive Access to the Bridge

The whole thing kicks off from a Bungy Pod hanging under the bridge itself. On your way there, amazing views of both the harbor and Auckland's city skyline will catch your eye.

Safety Measures and Instructions

By the time you reach where all the action happens, the jump masters will walk you through what needs to be done to stay safe. They'll make sure your bungee cord and harness are all snug. They'll explain how to get yourself upright again since you'll be diving headfirst to prevent any whiplash on the rebounds.

Memorable Moments from the Jump

We had also met a few other cruise ship passengers who also made a reservation for a heart-pounding day at port so I was thinking I'd be in good company or so I thought. I actually saw them finishing their jump as I was heading to start mine. I found out I was the only one jumping on my timeslot. There was Bill, the jump masters and those participating in the Bridge Climb became my spectators.

Personalizing Your Bungy Experience - Music

The jump masters made my your bungy jump even cooler by allowing me to pick out a tune that plays while they prepped me for my leap. My song choice - OneRepublic - Good Life.

Capturing Your Jump on Camera - Photo and Video Package

I would absolutely recommend purchasing the photo and video package from Auckland Bridge Bungy. They also allowed me to bring my own GoPro which had a wrist strap.  Here are some of my own captures:

Here are a few captures by AJ Hackett's outfit: