Queenstown, New Zealand – Bungy Jump!
I took a little time off from blogging the past couple weeks to enjoy a birthday vacation to Queenstown New Zealand, Sydney Australia, and Lizard Island in the Great Barrier Reef. A trip of a lifetime. While the years are creeping up on me my kids were there to remind me that I’m still young enough to be crazy and adventurous!
My son Graham felt compelled this year to gift me the trip a lifetime for my birthday, by taking me to New Zealand and Australia. The 2 weeks of traveling was quite the experience breaking out of my comfort zone – the requirement for this gift.
You see, oftentimes on Sundays my son will stop by and we will take our dogs on a long walk, just the two of us. On one of our walks he asked me tons of questions, typical of him especially since he’s in broadcasting – always looking for a great story. On this one occasion he asked if there was something I’d like to do but have been fearful of? I vaguely recall mentioning that I wish I wasn’t so terrified about bungy jumping or sky diving and would love to break out of my comfort zone. He asked me if we ever went to New Zealand would I go bungy jumping? I think I said “sure” figuring it would never happen.
Weeks later Graham surprised me with the itinerary for a trip to Queenstown New Zealand, Sydney Australia, and Lizard Island in the Great Barrier Reef. With that gift he said, “now you can conquer your fears and bungy jump! OMG I nearly died at the thought, but felt so special that he would think to give me such an incredible present.
On April 14th we left to our first destination – Queenstown. We arrived on April 16th and got situated at our AirBNB – a beautiful condo looking over the waters.
We immediately changed clothes, and went into town to grab a bite to eat at Winnie’s.
Straight from lunch we headed to Nevis Bungy a 134 meter (approximately 440 feet) jump where they prepped us (son & daughter) before boarding the lift to take us over to the bungy jumping cage.
Over the next week I’ll share my trip and the food we ate and experienced. However, to start off I’d like to share with you the video of my bungy jump at #NevisBungy in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Before watching the video I want to tell you some things you’ll see but not know the story behind. To start:
- You’ll see me sitting in a chair where Nevis Bungy preps you for your jump. I’m dancing in my seat to a 70s song that was perfect to get me revved up for takeoff, but have to say I was trying to fool myself. I looked relaxed and like an idiot bouncing around, but was terrified!
- When I walk up to this 1 foot square platform and catch a glimpse of what’s below, I got butterflies in my stomach and had to take a step back. The guy standing with me said, “you’re not going to back down now, you need to go.”
- I walked onto the platform, butt in one direction and feet going towards the platform, with the guy leading me there. He had me wave at the camera then counted down 3..2..1 and jump. I jumped at 1 and did it without thinking. Go figure! You can see and hear my kids in the background – they’re my cheerleaders!
- The rest was easy and didn’t hurt my body at all, something I was concerned about. In fact for a brief moment I actually had the sensation that I was floating, of course then I went for a dive!
- After the second bounce you’re suppose to grab a cord and yank on it to move you to a sitting position. It didn’t work for me or quite a few others, so instead I held onto it so I wasn’t hanging upside down the entire time. I guess I didn’t yank hard enough.
Now you can watch the video of me bungy jumping 134 meters from Nevis Bungy in Queenstown, New Zealand.
Would I do it again? NO!!! However, I’m glad that’s been marked off my kids bucket list of things they think I need to do!
Have you ever gone bungy jumping? If so, where? Please tell me about your experience.
Oh my gosh, you are very brave!! I think I just experienced it through you and that’s enough for me 🙂 BRAVO to you!!!
Thanks Chris. It wasn’t easy leading up to the day but somehow I overcame my fears and dove right off. I almost can’t believe it myself.
Your son is so sweet! And my GOD…you bungy jumping…that’s SOMETHING, Vicki. I would probably get a heart attack…
I was sure I’d have one and when they pulled me up I’d be dead. Heaven only knows how I survived.
HOLY MOLY!!!! You are brave brave brave!!!! Awesome!
Not really, but somehow I mustered up enough courage to take the plunge. It’s so unlike me!
You rock! What a terrific gift — so thoughtful of your son. You’ll never forget this. 🙂
You’re right, I’ll never forget this and especially hearing the screams of joy coming from my kids as I jumped off the platform.
What a thoughtful gift—those memories will last a lifetime! I stood on that bridge looking down at the river, too, but neither I nor any of my kids (and especially Bill) had any desire to jump. You were SO brave!!!
It wasn’t a bridge it was actually a cage suspended in air. Honestly I have no clue how I finally got the courage to do it. When I did though I just wanted to jump and get it over with before I changed my mind. I’m glad it’s behind me.
Looks like you are having an absolutely wonderful time!!!!! Brave girl on the bungy jumping! You are a lot braver than me. 🙂
We did have a wonderful time. I’m not brave though, in fact, I honestly don’t know what possessed me to finally take the jump other than the fact my kids really wanted me to try it. I’d never do it again though, mainly because it really did nothing for me.