Queenstown: Nevis Thrillogy (Bungy, Swing, Catapult)

Queenstown’s Nevis Thrillogy packs three major adrenaline rides into one rugged trip: a 134m bungy, a 300m swing arc, and a catapult launch that reaches 100kph in 1.5 seconds. You travel into the remote Nevis Valley by 4WD shuttle, then take on each challenge in turn.

I like the variety. The bungy is a pure freefall, the swing is a long soaring arc, and the catapult gives you a short, sharp blast with a moment to prepare. I also like that the photos and video are included, since you can focus on the experience instead of protecting your phone.

The main consideration is emotional as much as physical: the bungy can feel intimidating, especially if it is your first jump. One participant found the instructions hard to follow while nervous and had an unpleasant retrieval when the cord did not work as expected. The swing and catapult may be better choices for anyone unsure about committing to the jump.

Key points to know before booking

• The 134m bungy is Australasia’s highest, with about 8.5 seconds of freefall over the Nevis Valley.
• The Nevis Swing drops 70m and travels through a 300m arc, making it a longer, more sweeping ride than the bungy.
• The Nevis Catapult reaches 100kph in 1.5 seconds, with forces of up to 3G.
• A 4WD shuttle is required, with pickup from central Queenstown and about 40 minutes of travel to the Nevis site.
• The small group is limited to six people, and a photo and video package is included.
• The package costs $481 per person, with a stated saving of $210 compared with booking the rides separately.

Three Nevis rides, three very different fears

The clever part of the Thrillogy is that these are not three versions of the same ride. Each one asks your body and mind to handle speed in a different way.

The Nevis Bungy is the most psychologically demanding. You stand in a jump pod suspended over the valley, look down at the drop, and step into a freefall of 134m. The advertised freefall time is 8.5 seconds, which is long enough for the first shock to give way to the strange sensation of hanging in open space.

The Nevis Swing gives you a 70m drop, but the real ride continues as you sweep through a 300m arc. It feels less like a straight fall and more like a huge pendulum crossing the canyon. You can ride solo or tandem, so this is the most flexible option if you want to share the moment with someone else.

The Nevis Catapult is the quickest and most forceful of the three. You launch 150m and reach 100kph in 1.5 seconds, with up to 3G of force. You get a few seconds to prepare before the launch, which can be useful if the thought of a surprise drop bothers you.

I would not rank these rides simply from mildest to wildest. Your reaction depends on what you dislike. The bungy tests your willingness to step off. The swing tests your tolerance for a long, open ride. The catapult tests your response to sudden acceleration.

The 4WD ride into the Nevis Valley

Your day begins at the Queenstown Bungy Centre inside The Station building, at the corner of Shotover and Camp Streets. Check in at least 30 minutes before departure. From there, the mandatory AJ Hackett shuttle takes you toward the Nevis Valley.

The trip to the site takes about 40 minutes by bus, according to the supplied experience details. The shuttle is not just a transfer between two city locations. It carries you into a remote, rugged setting that feels far removed from Queenstown’s compact center.

That remoteness adds to the sense of occasion. You are not walking up to a ride beside a shopping street and stepping straight back into town. The setting is part of the challenge, and the canyon views give the three rides a much bigger stage.

The whole outing is listed as four hours, although some booking information gives a two to four hour range. I would set aside the full four hours. You need time for transport, check-in, weighing, safety preparation, and the three separate activities.

Transport can also be arranged from the Kawarau Bungy Centre, but you need to contact the reservations team before your trip time. For most visitors staying in central Queenstown, the Queenstown Bungy Centre is the simplest meeting point.

The 134m Nevis Bungy

The bungy is the ride that gets the most attention, and for good reason. At 134m, it is described as Australasia’s highest. You reach the jump pod by cable car, so even getting to the starting point becomes part of the experience.

That cable car ride creates a useful pause. You have time to look across the Nevis Valley, take in the height, and decide how you are going to handle the final step. It can also give nerves plenty of room to grow. If you are already anxious about heights, the approach may feel almost as serious as the jump.

Once you leave the platform, the freefall lasts about 8.5 seconds. That is the clearest reason to choose this ride over a shorter bungy elsewhere. You get a long, open drop before the cord takes over.

The practical advice here is simple: listen closely during the briefing, ask the crew to repeat anything you do not understand, and tell them if fear is affecting your concentration. One participant found the instructions unclear because nerves and language difficulties got in the way. That is a reminder to speak up before you reach the edge.

There was also an incident in which the retrieval cord did not work and the participant was pulled back up upside down. That is not presented as the normal outcome, but it is a fair consideration for someone who wants a calm, predictable experience. The crew’s handling of your concerns matters, so ask questions before the jump rather than trying to sort them out while standing at the edge.

If the bungy feels too much on the day, the package still includes two other rides. You should not feel that declining one jump makes the rest of the day a failure.

The 70m Nevis Swing

The swing is the strongest choice for many people who want a huge thrill without the same all-or-nothing moment as the bungy. You drop 70m, then travel through a 300m arc across the canyon.

That long arc changes the sensation. The bungy is about the instant of stepping off and the freefall that follows. The swing gives you a longer ride, with more time to see the valley and feel the motion build and settle.

You can choose a solo or tandem swing. A tandem ride lets you share the experience, though the supplied information does not specify how pairings are assigned. If you want to ride with a particular person, ask the crew at check-in.

The swing also received the clearest praise for staff support. One participant found the crew especially reassuring here and described the ride as the highlight of the day. That makes sense: the swing gives the staff more time to help you get comfortable with the harness and the release before the ride begins.

I would choose the swing if you want a dramatic photo, a long sensation of movement, and a little more control over how you approach the challenge. It is still serious, but you are not simply stepping into a straight drop and waiting for the cord.

The 150m Nevis Catapult

The catapult is the surprise option in this three-ride package. It launches you forward for 150m, reaches 100kph in 1.5 seconds, and can produce up to 3G of force.

The short preparation period is one of its useful features. You have a few seconds to get ready before the launch, unlike a sudden acceleration you might encounter without warning. That does not make it gentle. It simply gives you a moment to focus on what is about to happen.

The catapult may appeal to people who dislike the visual drama of looking straight down. You still face a powerful launch and considerable speed, but the sensation is more about acceleration than the long pause of a bungy.

One participant expected the catapult to be the hardest ride and ended up preferring it. That is a helpful reminder not to decide in advance which activity will scare you most. Some people fear the step into empty space, while others handle a fast launch better.

If you are uncertain about the bungy, the catapult and swing still give you two major rides for your money. Ask the crew about the order and preparation before you start, especially if you need a little extra time to settle your nerves.

What the $481 price includes

The package price is $481 per person, and the stated saving is $210. That is a large charge for one activity, but it includes all three Nevis rides, transport from Queenstown, and the photo and video package.

The value depends on how many rides you genuinely want. If you plan to do only one activity, buying a three-ride package may not suit you. If you already want the bungy, swing, and catapult, the saving makes the bundle more sensible than paying for each experience separately.

The included media matters more than it first appears. These are rides where using your own camera is impractical or unsafe. You can concentrate on listening to the crew and taking in the moment, then leave with photos and video of the jumps and launches.

The small group size, limited to six participants, is another point in the package’s favor. It should make the day feel more personal than a large coach-based attraction, although the exact waiting time between rides can vary. With three activities and safety checks for each one, you should not expect an instant ride, repeat ride, or quick city excursion.

Who should book the Nevis Thrillogy?

I would recommend this to an adult or older teenager who wants a full adrenaline day rather than a single signature activity. It suits people who enjoy variety and want the chance to compare three very different kinds of speed.

It can also work well for a mixed-confidence group. One person may be eager to bungy, another may prefer the swing, and someone else may discover that the catapult is their favorite. Since all three are included, you do not have to predict perfectly which one will suit you.

The minimum age is 13. Anyone under 15 must be accompanied. The weight range is 45kg to 127kg, and children under 13 cannot take part.

You should also be comfortable with a high-energy day in a remote setting. The experience is wheelchair accessible, but you should confirm any personal mobility needs with the provider before booking, since the day includes a mandatory shuttle and several different ride setups.

The English-language instruction is important. If you are not confident understanding spoken English during safety briefings, arrange for clarification before each ride. You need to understand the harness, release, and retrieval instructions clearly.

Timing, cancellation, and useful planning details

Check in 30 minutes before departure at The Station building. Arriving early matters because the shuttle is mandatory, and missing it could affect the entire schedule.

Wear something suitable for movement and changing outdoor conditions, although the supplied information does not give a specific clothing list. Keep in mind that you will be secured into harnesses and filmed, so practical clothing is a better choice than anything loose or delicate.

The activity offers free cancellation up to 24 hours before departure for a full refund. You can also reserve now and pay later, which helps if your Queenstown plans depend on weather, transport, or other bookings.

The group is limited to six, but the day still has a fixed structure. If you are visiting during a busy period, book early enough to get a departure time that fits your plans. Leave room after the activity rather than scheduling a tight connection.

Should you book it?

Book the Nevis Thrillogy if you want all three major Nevis challenges and can accept the high price. The saving, included media, small group, and transport make the package easier to justify for a committed adrenaline seeker.

Think twice if you mainly want a scenic outing or if the bungy is already making you miserable. You can still have a strong day with the swing and catapult, but the package is designed for people ready to attempt the full set. My practical pick for a nervous first-timer is to treat the bungy as optional, pay close attention to the briefing, and let the swing or catapult become the day’s personal victory.

FAQ

Where does the Nevis Thrillogy begin?

Check in and pickup are at the Queenstown Bungy Centre inside The Station building, at the corner of Shotover and Camp Streets in central Queenstown.

How early should I arrive?

You should check in 30 minutes before your trip departs.

How long does the experience take?

The advertised duration is four hours. Other activity details give a range of two to four hours, so you should allow up to four hours.

What rides are included?

The package includes the Nevis Bungy, Nevis Swing, and Nevis Catapult.

How high is the Nevis Bungy?

The bungy jump is 134m high and includes about 8.5 seconds of freefall.

How far does the Nevis Swing travel?

The swing drops 70m and travels through a 300m arc. You can ride solo or tandem.

How fast is the Nevis Catapult?

The catapult reaches 100kph in 1.5 seconds and can produce up to 3G of force.

Are photos and videos included?

Yes. A photo and video package is included with the Nevis Thrillogy.

What are the age and weight limits?

The minimum age is 13. Participants under 15 must be accompanied. The weight range is 45kg to 127kg.