That first second will get your attention.

The Nevis Catapult at AJ Hackett in Queenstown is built for pure, measurable adrenaline: you’re launched 150 metres across the Nevis Valley, accelerating fast enough to hit up to 100kph in 1.5 seconds, with forces up to 3G. It’s the kind of thrill you can understand instantly because the numbers are part of the experience, not marketing fluff.

I also like how the whole thing is packaged for low-stress fun. You get return transport from Queenstown CBD or the Kawarau Bungy Centre, plus photos and video included, so you’re not scrambling for souvenirs right after you come down. One thing to consider: it’s not a casual activity, and it comes with firm limits (minimum age 13 and a weight range), so check those before you plan your day.

Key things to know before you go

• 150m flight over Nevis Valley with a high-speed release and a rebound ride back through the air
• Up to 3G of force and acceleration to 100kph in 1.5 seconds
• Return shuttle included from Queenstown CBD or Kawarau Bungy Centre (AJHBNZ shuttle)
• Photos and video included, made for people who want proof without extra steps
• Small group up to 6 participants, so you’re not stuck in a crowd

The Nevis Catapult: 150m, up to 3G, and what that means

The Nevis Catapult is AJ Hackett’s big-ticket, heart-in-your-throat moment in Queenstown. The headline is the launch distance: you’ll fly 150 metres across the Nevis Valley. That’s long enough that you stop thinking about the safety gear and start thinking about what it feels like to be in the air for real.

Then there’s the physics side, and I mean the practical side. You’re told you can experience forces up to 3G, and that you can reach 100kph in 1.5 seconds. If you’ve done other adrenaline activities, you already know your body reacts differently to speed than it does to height. Here, the “wow” is both speed and the way the rebound hits you after the flight. The rebound part matters because it turns the ride into a sequence, not just a single launch.

Also, you’re not going to get a slow scenic preview. This is the fast version. So if you tend to tense up when you anticipate something, do yourself a favor: focus on the briefing and breathing, not on counting down to the moment.

The 4-wheel-drive ride and safety briefing you’ll actually remember

Before you ever feel the catapult, you’ll ride up via winding mountain roads in a rugged 4-wheel-drive vehicle. That section is more than transport. It helps you shift from town mode to “we’re going up high and out into the valley” mode. It also gives you a little time to settle your thoughts, ask questions, and notice how the terrain changes as you climb.

When you arrive, you’ll get a safety briefing from expert guides before the launch. That matters for two reasons. First, it sets expectations for how the ride works and what to do with your body during the launch and rebound. Second, it cuts down on your mental noise. Adrenaline works better when you’re not guessing.

The guides’ job here is also timing. They’re not just telling you safety rules. They’re guiding you through the moment you’ll feel your stomach drop and then swing back into the air again. So pay attention during the briefing like you mean it, even if you’re the type who likes to joke through the nerves.

Standing by for launch: the moment before you fly

You’ll be at the catapult site in the Nevis Playground area. The activity is described as the world’s biggest human catapult, and the setup is designed to feel like a real operation, not a quick gimmick.

Here’s what you can plan around emotionally. The ride is high-speed, and that means your brain wants to overthink. The best approach is the one your guides likely encourage: take a big breath, keep your focus narrow, and go through your checklist calmly. If you’re with friends, try not to compare nerves. The best strategy is to match the calm of the process, not the volume of your group.

Also note the ride has clear boundaries. You’re launching and rebounding across a valley, so you’ll want to be ready to follow instructions precisely when it’s your turn.

After the rebound: why this feels different from other thrills

Many adrenaline attractions give you a single peak moment. The Nevis Catapult is built around a sequence: you soar across the valley and then experience a thrilling rebound on the way back. That rebound turns what could be a one-off scream into something with pacing—launch, air time, and then the jolt of the return.

The fact that you’re told the ride includes forces up to 3G is also a hint about why it sticks with you. Your body notices acceleration and deceleration. Even if you’re used to fast rides, the sensation of being propelled and then snapped back into motion is its own category.

If you’re the kind of person who loves a thrill that you can’t “just watch,” this is one of those activities. You do the ride, and then you walk away thinking about the speed and the rebound more than the view.

Photos and video included: getting your memories without extra hassle

I’m a fan of activities that include the proof. Here, photos & video are included, and that’s a big part of the value for a lot of people. When you’re doing something this intense, it’s hard to trust your memory. You’re focused on your body, the briefing, and the sensation of flight. Later, having photos and video helps you relive it without needing to hunt for a rental camera or plan a complicated setup.

Since the included media is part of the package, it also reduces decision fatigue right after the ride. You don’t need to think about whether you should buy content or where you’ll store it. It just comes with the experience.

Price and value: NZD 176 for 4 hours of adrenaline

At $176 per person for a 4-hour block, you’re not paying for a short “ride-and-run.” You’re paying for a guided operation, a high-speed launch setup, and the included add-ons: return transport and photos/video.

Transport alone is often what quietly makes these experiences feel expensive. In this case, return transport from Queenstown CBD or the Kawarau Bungy Centre is included, and it’s provided via the AJHBNZ shuttle. That’s not a minor detail if you’re basing yourself near the center of Queenstown or you’re already planning around AJ Hackett pickup points.

The trade-off is that you may still want to factor in optional spectator costs. There’s a spectator fee of $50 that includes access to the Swing Bridge platform and transport, but that’s not included in your price. If you have friends watching who want the best viewing spot, they’ll need to budget separately.

So the value call comes down to this: if you want a serious adrenaline experience in a small group with media included, the cost makes more sense than when you compare it to cheaper, shorter thrills.

Where it fits in your Queenstown day: timing and transport flow

This is scheduled as a 4-hour activity. That time includes more than the launch. You’ll have pickup and check-in time, your ride up, the briefing, and then the experience itself plus the return.

You’ll check in at the Queenstown Bungy Center in The Station building, on the corner of Shotover St and Camp St. The guidance is clear: check in 30 minutes before your trip departs. That timing is important because adrenaline activities run on the clock. If you arrive late, you risk missing the window and slowing the whole operation down.

Transport is also flexible. The default is the shuttle from Queenstown CBD. If you’re near AJ Hackett’s Kawarau Bungy Centre, transport can also be arranged through that pickup point—just contact the reservations team prior to trip time.

Also remember: return transport is part of what you’re paying for. So if you’re doing other Queenstown activities the same day, don’t book yourself into something that leaves no margin. Build slack.

Small group size: why the limit matters

One of the better details is the small group format. This experience is limited to 6 participants. In real life, that makes a difference.

With a small group, you spend less time waiting around, and you get more direct attention from guides when you have questions. It also makes the experience feel less like production line adrenaline and more like a guided event where safety and timing are handled by the staff.

If you prefer not to be surrounded by people when you’re trying to manage nerves, this size is a plus.

Who should book the Nevis Catapult (and who should skip it)

This isn’t for kids. The minimum age is 13. If you’re under 15, you must be accompanied. And there’s a weight range of 45kg to 127kg.

So this works best for:

• Teenagers and adults who want a big, measurable adrenaline ride
• People who like a structured experience with a safety briefing and a small group size
• Anyone who values photos and video included, not after-the-fact extras

Be cautious if:

• You don’t handle fast acceleration or strong forces well
• You’re unsure whether you fit the weight and age requirements
• You’re planning this as a casual afternoon activity without the mental commitment (because it isn’t subtle once it starts)

Quick reality check on the rules you must meet

These are the limits that matter for your planning:

• Minimum age: 13 years (under 15 accompanied)
• Weight range: 45kg–127kg
• Duration: 2–4 hours (your booking will show the exact block based on availability)
• Language: English
• Not suitable for children under 13

If you’re traveling with multiple people, it’s worth checking limits for everyone before you commit. That prevents the common headache of planning around one person’s requirements.

Should you book this catapult in Queenstown?

If your idea of a great Queenstown day includes speed, height-adjacent thrill, and a ride that’s built around a real high-force launch, I think you’ll love the Nevis Catapult. The biggest selling points are the numbers you’re promised—150m, up to 3G, and 100kph in 1.5 seconds—plus practical value like return shuttle and photos/video included.

If you’re traveling with people who just want viewpoints, consider that the spectator setup is separate (Swing Bridge platform access has a $50 spectator fee). And if you’re sensitive to intense sensations, be honest about whether the rebound and 3G forces are your kind of fun.

Overall, this is one of those activities that makes Queenstown feel like a place that takes thrills seriously. Book it when you want one big highlight that’s simple on logistics and unforgettable on sensation.

FAQ

Where is the Nevis Catapult located?

It’s in the Nevis Playground area, in the South Island of New Zealand.

How much does the Nevis Catapult cost?

The price is listed as $176 per person.

How long does the experience take?

The duration is listed as 4 hours in the overview, and it can be 2–4 hours depending on the scheduled availability.

What are the main thrill stats?

You’re launched across 150 metres over the Nevis Valley, reaching up to 100kph in 1.5 seconds, with up to 3G’s of force.

Are photos and video included?

Yes. Photos and video are included.

Is transport included from Queenstown?

Yes. Return transport from Queenstown CBD or Kawarau Bungy Centre is included via an AJHBNZ shuttle.

Where do I check in, and when?

Check-in and pickup are from the Queenstown Bungy Center in The Station building at the corner of Shotover and Camp Streets. Check in 30 minutes before your trip departs.

What is the minimum age?

The minimum age is 13 years. If you are under 15, you must be accompanied.

Is there a weight limit?

Yes. The weight range is 45kg–127kg.

Is the Swing Bridge spectator access included?

No. A spectator fee of $50 applies, and it includes access to the Swing Bridge platform and transport.