You've found two of Taupo's leading adventure activities in one place. Located in the stunning volcanic Waikato River Valley, Taupo Bungy is considered one of the world's most spectacular bungy sites, featuring the world's first cantilever platform and New Zealand's first 'splash cam'. Taupo Cliffhanger is New Zealand's newest extreme swing, which lets swingers take in the view while they swing through nature. Located upstream of Huka Falls, and just 5 minutes from the Great Lake.
The idea of bungy jumping originated in the 1950's, when
footage was obtained by the BBC and David Attenborough, during a
trip to the South Pacific nation of Vanuatu. Here they
witnessed the ancient ritual of 'land-diving', whereby men and
boys dive from a tall wooden tower (some up to 30metres high),
with vines attached to their ankles in an attempt to break their
fall. This practice continues today as both a land fertility custom
and as a test of manhood.
In 1979, a group known as the Oxford University Dangerous
Sports Club, executed the first modern bungy jump, from a 250 foot
bridge in Bristol, England. Even though they were arrested
following this experiment, they went on to bungy from the Golden
Gate and Royal Gorge bridges in the USA.
Commercial bungy jumping began with New Zealander, AJ Hackett in
the 1980's.
Taupo Bungy commenced operation in 1991, and since then more
than 350,000 people from all over the world have taken the
plunge.
Taupo Cliffhanger has been a concept in the making for many
years. Finally, in 2009, the site obtained consent from all the
parties involved to begin construction for an extreme swing. The
platform was constructed off-site, brought in and attached to the
underneath of the existing, bungy platform. Enormous logs were
erected in A-frame fashion on either side of the cliff, and
cables connected, which established the path of the swing. With a
tonne of ropes and equipment attached, rigorous testing
began. The first commercial Cliffhanger swing took place on
December 13th, 2009, and has swung over 15,000 customers to
date.