To Bungy or Bungee ?

Tandem From a platform suspended between two mountains, jumpers plunge 134 metres towards the Nevis River.

Plunging head first towards the ground with only an elastic rope for company may seem like a really stupid idea (particularly when you are standing looking over the precipice ready to jump), but that does little to explain why bungy (or bungee) jumping is such a popular adventure activity.

The thrill comes of course from the adrenaline rush which is emphasised by the need to overcome some basic self preservation instincts.

To make matters worse, once your ankles are strapped into the bungee cord and you have hopped to the edge of the platform you are then given a count down of 3 to jump. If you can’t manage to push yourself off after 3 attempts, you usually have to give up so there is added pressure particularly as you will have paid by this time and there aren’t any refunds for non jumpers!)

There are some great locations to jump (and we can’t build up enthusiasm to bungee from a crane in a car park). New Zealand, home of A J Hackett Bungy, has several great jump sites, both in the North and South Islands including one the drops 134m.

This is another great activity to get the blood racing and you feel on an adrenaline high for some time afterwards.