'Bloody stupid idea' becomes global phenomenon

Monday, 12 November 2018

Bungy jumping was once dubbed a 'bloody stupid idea'. Today, it's a global phenomenon.

Thirty years ago bungy jumping was dubbed a 'bloody stupid idea'. Today, it's a global phenomenon.

New Zealand's iconic adventure tourism company, AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand, celebrated 30 years in the business on Monday.

Co-founder and managing director Henry van Asch said the company launched the world's first commercial bungy jumping operation at the Kawarau Bridge in Queenstown in 1988.

A kayak jump was one of several stunts off the Kawarau Bridge on the 30th anniversary of AJ Hackett Bungy NZ on Monday.

'Reaching 30 years for a venture that many dubbed a 'bloody stupid idea' at the time is a fantastic achievement,' he said.

**READ MORE:

Three women jump together during AJ Hackett Bungy NZ's 30th anniversary celebrations.

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* Flashback: Bungy jumping

AJ Hackett and Henry van Asch at the Kawarau Bridge on the 30th anniversary of their adventure company, AJ Hackett Bungy NZ, on Monday.

A fearless punter jumps off the Kawarau Bridge while riding a bike.

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* AJ Hackett opens bungy and tourism centre in Singapore

* Secret Nevis Thriller attraction gets $500,000 from taxpayers**

'Thirty years ago, AJ and I hosted 28 thrill seekers – mostly our friends – looking to try out this thing we'd been talking about for years. At the time, we had no idea it would become a global phenomenon, we just loved bungy jumping and wanted to share it with others.'

To celebrate the milestone, the company is giving away limited-edition, gold 'fanny packs' during November through a social media-led treasure hunt in secret locations in Queenstown. Bungy buses were also be 'wrapped in gold' to mark the birthday on Monday and host an awards ceremony honouring crew members.

The company unveiled its world-first adventure tourism experience – the Nevis Catapult – in August, located in the remote Nevis Valley near Queenstown. The catapult allows thrillseekers to experience up to 3Gs of force and speeds of almost 100kmh in just 1.5 seconds as they are propelled 150 metres across a ravine before dropping suddenly towards the valley floor and experiencing a series of jaw-dropping bounces.

In May, the company also launched its 'Live More Fear Less' campaign and new company brand at the annual TRENZ travel and trade event in Dunedin.

Van Asch won the Queenstown Chamber of Commerce Lifetime Achievement Award last week. He is also an Officer of the New Zealand Order of Merit and a New Zealand champion on snow for speed skiing and on dirt for downhill mountain biking.