Did New Zealand invent bungee jumping?

Allan John “A. J.” Hackett ONZM (born May 1958) is a New Zealand entrepreneur who popularised the extreme sport of bungy jumping. He made a bungy jump from the Eiffel Tower in 1987 and founded the first commercial bungy site in 1988. He is also the father of freestyle skier, Margaux Hackett.

How many bungy jumps are there in NZ?

six bungy jumps
There are six bungy jumps across New Zealand’s North and South Islands, most of which are hosted by AJ Hackett Bungy, the world renowned bungy jumping company.

Where did bungee jumping originate in New Zealand?

Organised commercial bungee jumping began with the New Zealander, A J Hackett, who made his first jump from Auckland’s Greenhithe Bridge in 1986.

Who started bungee jumping in NZ?

AJ Hackett
This ancient ritual inspired the Oxford University Dangerous Sports Club in 1970s. AJ Hackett, along with a few mates, saw a video of this group in action and, in true Kiwi fashion, his imagination took over. He and Henry van Asch started developing Bungy cords with a bit of help from Auckland University Scientists.

When did bungee jumping start in New Zealand?

1980’s
Highlights. In the 1980’s, a couple of young kiwis, AJ Hackett(opens in new window) and Henry van Asch, set up New Zealand’s first commercial bungy jumping operation, with a jump from the historic Kawarau Bridge(opens in new window) near Queenstown.

What is the birthplace of bungee jumping?

New Zealanders Henry van Asch and A. J. Hackett are credited with the development of commercial bungee jumping.

When did bungee jumping start in NZ?

Highlights. In the 1980’s, a couple of young kiwis, AJ Hackett(opens in new window) and Henry van Asch, set up New Zealand’s first commercial bungy jumping operation, with a jump from the historic Kawarau Bridge(opens in new window) near Queenstown.

What’s the highest bungee jump in New Zealand?

Bungy – Nevis Bungy
Welcome to the best thing you’ve ever done. Go full throttle with our 134m Bungy (the highest in New Zealand). Free fall for 8.5 seconds in a blitz of pure fear and adrenaline.

Why is it called bungy jumping?

bungee jumping, sport in which the jumper falls from a high place with a rubber (“bungee”) cord attached both to his or her feet and to the jump site, and, after a period of headfirst free fall, is bounced partway back when the cord rebounds from its maximum stretch.

When was bungee jumping invented in NZ?

So, in 1989. the New Zealander adventurer A.J. Hackett (then anonymous) started the very first commercial bungee site in Queenstown , New Zealand .

Who invented the bungee?

Bungy jumping was almost unknown outside New Zealand until 1987 when its inventor, A. J. Hackett, made this illegal jump from the Eiffel Tower in Paris.

Where was the first bungee jump done?

Bristol
BBC Inside Out reveals the newly discovered footage of the world’s first bungee jump from the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol 35 years ago. The jump took place on 1 April, 1979, and was undertaken by members of the Oxford University Dangerous Sports Club.

Where is NZ highest bungy jump?

Queenstown
We challenge you to try the highest Bungy in New Zealand. At 134 metres above the raging waters of the Nevis River in Queenstown, this jump is not for the faint of heart.

Where was the first bungee jump?

BBC Inside Out reveals the newly discovered footage of the world’s first bungee jump from the Clifton Suspension Bridge in Bristol 35 years ago. The jump took place on 1 April, 1979, and was undertaken by members of the Oxford University Dangerous Sports Club. It led to the birth of a worldwide sport.