Queenstown: Nevis Thrillogy (Bungy, Swing, Catapult)

The Nevis Thrillogy stacks three very different tests of nerve into one trip: a 134m bungy jump, a huge canyon swing, and a catapult launch that reaches 100kph in 1.5 seconds. The setting is the remote Nevis Valley, and even getting to the bungy pod involves a cable car ride.

I like that you get three distinct kinds of adrenaline in one outing, and that the package includes photos and video. The main consideration is the price: at $481 per person, this is a major splurge, and the bungy may not suit you if heights or a last-second jump feel like too much.

The Nevis Thrillogy at a glance

• A 134m bungy above the Nevis Valley: The jump is Australasia’s highest and includes about 8.5 seconds of freefall.
• A swing with a 300m arc: You drop 70m before sweeping across the canyon, solo or tandem.
• A catapult with a sudden launch: The 150m ride reaches 100kph in 1.5 seconds and can produce up to 3G.
• One remote setting, three different challenges: A rugged 4WD shuttle takes you from Queenstown into the Nevis Valley.
• Photos and video are included: You do not have to decide whether to buy a record of each ride afterward.
• A small group and a full half-day: The group is limited to six participants, and the trip is listed as four hours, though the stated duration range is two to four hours.

Leaving Queenstown for the Nevis Valley

The day begins at the Queenstown Bungy Centre in The Station building, at the corner of Shotover and Camp Streets. Check in 30 minutes before departure. That early arrival gives the crew time to handle the practical details before the shuttle heads out.

The trip includes a mandatory 4WD shuttle into the Nevis Valley. It is part of the outing, not a transfer you can skip, and it carries you away from central Queenstown to a more isolated setting for the three rides. One account put the drive to the Nevis bridge at about 40 minutes, so plan for a meaningful stretch of travel before the jumping begins.

I see the remote location as both a benefit and a trade-off. You get a dramatic canyon setting and a sense of being far from town, but you need to commit several hours to the outing. The stated duration is four hours, while the activity information gives a range of two to four hours, so use four hours as the safer planning allowance.

Transport can also be arranged through the Kawarau Bungy Centre, but you need to contact the team in advance. The standard pickup and check-in point is the Queenstown Bungy Centre.

The 134m Nevis Bungy: the biggest mental hurdle

The bungy is the headline challenge for many people. At 134m, it is described as Australasia’s highest, with around 8.5 seconds of freefall. Reaching the jump pod means taking a cable car ride, which adds a distinct step between arriving at the site and standing at the edge.

The jump asks for a different kind of courage from the rides that follow. You have to choose to leave the platform, and that pause at the edge can be the hardest part. If this is your first bungy, listen closely to the instructions and ask the crew to repeat anything you have not understood. Nerves can make even clear directions harder to take in.

There is a useful caution here. A participant on a first jump described feeling that the instructions were unclear in the moment, along with an unsupportive staff comment and a retrieval-cord problem that left them being pulled back upside down. That is an individual account, not a guarantee of what you will encounter, but it is worth knowing. If you feel rushed or uncertain, say so before you jump and ask what will happen during retrieval.

The bungy is the ride to choose if you want the sharpest test of resolve. If you are not ready to jump, the Swing and Catapult are still part of the package and offer very different ways to experience the canyon. You should check with the crew about any changes to your planned order or participation before you arrive.

The Nevis Swing: a long, sweeping rush

The Swing pairs a 70m drop with a 300m arc across the canyon. Rather than asking you to leap into a straight freefall, it sends you into a broad sweep. You can ride solo or tandem, which gives you a choice about sharing the moment.

This was the most consistently praised part of the day in the feedback available, especially for the crew’s reassuring approach and the feeling of being secure. That matters on a ride where a calm, clear harness check can help you focus on the view and the movement instead of worrying about the setup.

I like that the Swing changes the rhythm after the bungy. The first ride is a direct jump; the Swing carries you through a longer arc. The scale is substantial, but if making a solo leap feels like a bridge too far, this may feel more approachable. It is still a serious height and speed experience, not a gentle scenic ride.

If you are booking with someone else, tandem riding can make this a shared challenge. The activity information does not spell out how tandem pairing works, so confirm the arrangement with the operator if riding together is important to you.

The Nevis Catapult: a launch, not a fall

The final challenge is the Catapult, a 150m launch that reaches 100kph in 1.5 seconds and can generate up to 3G. The quick acceleration is the defining feature. Unlike the bungy, where you step off, or the Swing, where you move through a wide arc, the Catapult sends you forward with startling force.

One participant who expected to like it least ended up calling it a favorite, especially enjoying the short pause before launch. That small interval matters: you know what is coming, but the body still has to meet the moment when the acceleration hits. If you prefer a burst of speed to a long period of hanging or swinging, this could be your best match.

The Catapult also makes the three-ride package feel genuinely varied. You are not paying to repeat the same sensation three times. Each activity presents a different question: Can you step off? Can you let the swing carry you? Can you handle a rapid launch?

Is $481 good value for three rides?

At $481 per person, the Thrillogy is expensive by ordinary Queenstown activity standards. The value depends on whether you want all three Nevis rides and are prepared to pay for a bundled, half-day outing rather than choosing one challenge.

The package advertises a $210 saving, and it includes the Bungy, Swing, Catapult, plus a photo and video package. That bundle is useful if you want a record of the day and know you are interested in all three activities. If you only want one ride, the full package may be more than you need; compare individual options before committing.

The included media adds practical value. You can focus on the moment rather than arranging your own recording, and you leave with a record of each activity. The exact photo and video format is not specified, so check with the operator if delivery method or sharing options matter to you.

There is also a cost in time. The outing takes two to four hours, with four hours given as the standard duration, plus the 30-minute check-in requirement. Build in extra room around it rather than scheduling another fixed activity immediately afterward.

Small group, clear limits, and useful planning

The group is limited to six participants, a small enough number to make the outing feel less like a large bus tour. The instructor language is English. The provider is AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand, and the activity is listed as wheelchair accessible, though the information does not explain which parts or accommodations that covers. Contact the team directly if you need specific accessibility details.

The minimum age is 13. Anyone under 15 must be accompanied. The weight range is 45kg to 127kg, so check that you fall within it before booking. Children under 13 cannot take part.

You can reserve now and pay later, and cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the activity for a full refund. Those terms help if your plans are still shifting, but they do not change the physical requirements or the need to get to the check-in point on time.

Who should book the Nevis Thrillogy?

I would choose this if you want a full-on day built around three major adrenaline rides, not a single quick thrill. It suits people who are curious about bungy, swing, and launch-style rides and like the idea of comparing how each one feels. The small group, shuttle into the valley, and included media help make it a complete outing rather than three isolated activities.

It can also work for a mixed-confidence pair. One person may be set on the bungy while the other is more drawn to the Swing or Catapult. Still, the package price covers all three, so decide whether you are comfortable paying for the full set even if you ultimately feel unable to do one ride.

I would pause if you have strict time limits, are outside the stated weight range, or want a low-cost activity. And if the bungy is the only ride you care about, compare the price of booking it alone. The Thrillogy makes most sense when the variety is the point.

FAQ

How long does the Nevis Thrillogy take?

The stated duration is four hours, while the activity information gives a range of two to four hours. Allow four hours for planning, plus the 30-minute check-in requirement.

Where do I check in?

Check in at the Queenstown Bungy Centre inside The Station building, on 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.

Is transport included?

A mandatory shuttle from central Queenstown takes you into the Nevis Valley. Transport can also be arranged via the Kawarau Bungy Centre if you contact the team beforehand.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 13. Participants under 15 must be accompanied, and children under 13 cannot take part.

What is the weight range?

The stated range is 45kg to 127kg.

Can I choose a tandem Swing?

Yes. The Nevis Swing is offered solo or tandem.

Are photos and video included?

Yes. A photo and video package is included in the activity.

Can I cancel for a refund?

You can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.