Adventure Magazine

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BUNGY - KIWI SMASHES WORLD RECORD
An Auckland man has reclaimed the world
record for the most bungy jumps in 24 hours –
raising more than $7,679 for the Mental Health
Foundation of New Zealand. Mike Heard
exceeded his goal of 800 bungy jumps in 24
hours, with a total of 941 from AJ Hackett
Bungy New Zealand’s Auckland Bridge Bungy
location on October 11th 2023.
Heard says he is stoked with the achievement
and was determined to bring the record back
home to NZ.
“It certainly wasn’t easy, and going into it, I
knew it would be a massive challenge. The
number of jumps we had to hit, added a whole
new level of nerves to this attempt for me”
he says. “But the record needed to be here,
because Bungy was invented in NZ and is
a part of our DNA. Remembering this, and
having the best Bungy crew in the business,
really helped me stay focused and motivated,
especially during the harder jumps.
“What’s even more important is this
experience provided an opportunity to raise
money for a really important cause, mental
health. The Mental Health Foundation is
a charity that helps improve the lives of
thousands of Kiwis with positive support. So
far, Kiwis have generously donated $7,679.”
Heard previously held the Guinness World
Record for the most bungy jumps in 24 hours
in 2017 – with a respective 430 jumps – yet
SUMMER ADVENTURE FOR EVERYONE
Hanmer Springs Thermal Pools & Spa has
unveiled two state-of-the-art hydro slides,
adding a $3.2 million thrill to New Zealand’s
premier aquatic experiences.
The newly opened Violet Vortex and Waiau
Winder slides, named by popular vote, set a
new standard. The Violet Vortex provides a
high-speed adventure, with extra twists and
turns, while the Waiau Winder offers a more
leisurely pace with unique visual projection
technology.
The slides replace the original green and
beige slides built in 1998, which were
ridden 17 million times, and join the famous
Superbowl and Conical Thrill slides.
Hurunui Mayor Marie Black officially opened
the slides, emphasising the slides as
was trumped by a Frenchman with 765 jumps
at Highland Bungy in Scotland last year.
AJ Hackett Bungy New Zealand managing
director and co-founder Henry van Asch says
he’s delighted Heard has achieved his goal
and returned the world record to its rightful
home.
“I’ve been bungy jumping for 35 years and I’ve
only done a few more jumps than that myself.
941 jumps in a 24 hour period is a seriously
big effort and I think worthy of not just a world
record but an unofficial title. Congratulations
Mike Heard, Crown Prince of Bungy."
Heard made his first leap on Tuesday at
7am, finishing 24 hours later, on Wednesday,
October 11.
“To achieve something like this, you need
people who will encourage and inspire you,
especially when it gets tough,” Heard explains.
“I am beyond grateful to the team who helped
make this possible and for all the incredible
support.
“Training and preparation are essential, but it
only takes you so far. It is the people you do it
with and for, who really make it all worthwhile.”
Kiwis can continue to support Heard and the
Mental Health Foundation by donating via the
Mental Health Foundation of New Zealand’s
Move for Mental Health fundraising platform.
solidifying Hanmer Springs as a must-visit
destination.
The slides are open now, with extended
summer hours! New Zealand residents are
invited to sign up for the PoolsPlus Loyalty
Card, securing 20% off individual entry prices.
www.hanmersprings.co.nz
Whether it’s a day trip with the family or a multi-day adventure deep into the wilderness, Bivouac has the best
gear, from the top brands, to keep you safe, comfortable, warm and dry. Our friendly staff are happy to provide
expert advice, ensuring you get the right equipment and the right fit. If you need it for tramping, we have it,
because at Bivouac Outdoor we ARE tramping.
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Photo: Mark Watson
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