The first time I did the bungy jump at the Kawarau River bridge, I had wanted to be dunked into the river. However, because of rainfalls in the Queenstown area the previous week, the river levels had risen and was carrying debris which posed a potential danger to anyone being dunked into the river. Therefore, the dunk option was not available that day.

Nevertheless, I remained determined to make an attempt to do a bungy jump which would dunk me into the river below, so I made arrangements for a second attempt on my last day in New Zealand in the morning before my return flight to the US.

If at first you don't succeed ...

I had the option of being fully immersed or just partially dunked. I asked to be dunked up to my waist.

Ready, set, go!

I'll admit that I felt just a little anxiety about this jump, more so than the previous jump at Kawarau or the significantly higher jump at Nevis. I wasn't as concerned about the jump itself as much as I was about the shock of plunging into the cold waters below. However, I have adopted a counterphobic attitude towards life: do those things that make you nervous or fearful. Experience has taught me that this attitude leads to more intense and enjoyable experiences as well as personal growth.

No one had told me to go take a flying leap, but I did it anyway!

I was the second person to jump that day, so the bungy operators were still calibrating the proper length of cable to use. Unfortunately, they were a little too conservative in my case, and I only managed to dip my hands into the water.

SO close!

Yes, the water was cold, but not so cold that I think a waist-deep immersion would have been too much of a shock. Yes, I was disappointed that I only managed to shake hands with the river instead of having a more intimate encounter. But yes, also, I thoroughly enjoyed the experience for what it was rather than remain fixated on the disappointment of what it wasn't.

Safe landing, still thrilled!

I seriously considered trying just one more jump in the hope that I would achieve my goal of becoming a Dunkin' Do-Nick, but I saw that a queue already was lining up. I was worried about allowing sufficient time to get back to the B&B, retrieving my luggage and getting to the airport. Missing that Queenstown to Auckland flight was not an option! This would just be another item for the to-do list when I return to New Zealand.

Gone guy

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Last revised: August 27, 2015.