This is where Bungy Jumping all began

---

In the afternoon of 11th April, we drive a distance of 30km from Queenstown to Kawarau Bridge, the original spot where bungy jumping started. It is impossible not to stop and watch in awe at the people who want to bungy jump from the top of the bridge and hang upside down waiting to be picked up in a dingy. The zip line is a new attraction but we opt for neither this time and maybe never!

Passing numerous fruit stands and wineries we also pass by the stone cairn marking the 45th Parallel - the halfway point between the equator and the South Pole. Our last stop is at Woody’s Wood Turning Gallery where Woody shows us the various types of NZ woods used here, such as Rimu, Manuka or Kauri from the Northland, i.e. the northern part of the North Island.

I may not have mentioned this before, but new to our rentals this year is Tourism Radio. This is powered through an FM station and via a GPS (satellite navigational system) which can be switched on at any point in the journey to hear about tourist attractions and places to stay or where to eat before we reach the next town or city. We also hear about the history of New Zealand and learn so much more about the country. In between, we listen to music but it’s often a distraction for us so is turned down. This is how we learned about Woody’s gallery.

Our next camper van park lies close to the very blue Lake Wanaka, the 4th largest lake in NZ and we park just as the sun is going down.

---

Photos

Original Bungy Jump Location
poster for Kawarau Bungy Jumping

Woody at his gallery
yes, that is a hole in his jumper but his woodwork is flawless

Karawau Bridge bungy preparation
plenty of ropes for safety

looking down from the viewing platform
it's a long way down from the Karawau Bridge

ready to go!
what a brave girl

dingy pick-up after the jump
very wet and hanging upside down

Bungy viewing platform
that's Howard waving

preparing to zip line
"help - not sure I like this"

zipping togetherness
ready for take-off