Narrator: Auckland, New Zealand. At first glance, it looks like any other city. But it soon becomes clear that this is a city for adventurers. They’re either on the ground—looking up—or in the air—looking down. If you follow the eyes of the people on the street, you’ll soon discover that they’re gazing up at Auckland’s tallest building, the Sky Tower. Adrenaline junkies, harnessed of course, jump from the top of the building. Despite the safety precautions, it can make even the most die-hard adventurers feel a little queasy.
Man: That’s as far as you can go. I’ll give you two safeties, just to make sure you’re nice and safe. Then I’ll push you off. OK?
Tanya: So I just stay here?
Man: OK, yeah, just hang tight and smile. You’ve got to keep smiling, OK. That’s good. Don’t think about falling. OK, and here comes Tanya in three, two, one.
Narrator: You either have to be a little crazy—or a New Zealander—to take such a leap of faith in the first place. Everyone can join in, courage permitting. We’re up next—we must be mad. I’m feeling pretty uneasy about this. Here at the Kawara Bridge in Queenstown is where it all began. This is the world’s first commercial bungee jumping site. A dip in the river below is part of the thrill, but not everyone has the nerve to leap head-first from the bridge.
Woman: I don’t want to do it.
Man: Yes you do. You paid your money to do this.
Woman: Take the money.
Man: Take the money? Take the money and run! Well, we can do that. Out you go hugger. Just little wee steps out to the edge. I’ll come on out with you.
Woman: Don’t push me.
Man: No, I won’t push you. We’re just going for a little walk out to the edge. Keep on going, a couple more wee steps. Right out here. Little bit more, hugger. Ok, you’re going to push yourself. When you’re ready? OK, five, four, three, two, one.
Woman: Wait. How many minutes is it?
Man: How many minutes? It’s very quick. Oh hugger, you’re alright. Stand up nice and tall. Right, here we go. Five, four, three, two, one.
Narrator: Once you’ve overcome your fear and experienced the incredible sensation of falling freely, you’ll want to do it again and again. Of course, it helps if you’re a little crazy to begin with. The adrenaline rush is addictive, and the only way to satisfy it is by jumping all over again.