10 Picture Perfect Bridges in New Zealand

Last Updated: 30 August, 2022

New Zealand’s Brilliant Bridges!

With so many hills in New Zealand, it would take us forever to get anywhere without bridges. We really take those structures for granted! From the lost Bridge to Nowhere stuck in the middle of Whanganui rainforest to the super busy 1km-long Auckland Bridge, there are certain bridges definitely worth stopping by for a quick Kodak moment. With that in mind, here are some of the most scenic bridges in New Zealand!

If architecture is your thing, see: 20 BIG Things in New Zealand, or how about these lonely lighthouses in picturesque places?

1. Te Matau Pohe Bridge

Meaning the “fishhook of Pohe” in Maori, the bridge was designed by New Zealand firm Knight Architect. See this bridge in Whangarei, the hub of the Northland region. For more things to do in Whangarei, see The Complete Guide to Whangarei.

Location: Whangarei, North Island

2. Aoraki Mt Cook Swing Bridges

Nestled in the Hooker Valley, yes you read that name correctly, the walking tracks around Mt Cook offer two awesome swing bridges with spectacular mountain backdrops. Find out more about these walks in 10 Must-Do Hikes Around Mt Cook.

Location: Aoraki Mt Cook, South Island

10 Picture Perfect Bridges in New Zealand

3. Te Rewa Rewa Bridge

Situated on the award-winning New Plymouth Coastal Walkway, this pedestrian bridge is a major highlight of the walk. Most people interpret it as a breaking wave or whale bones. However, you look at it, you can only be impressed by the way it frames the volcano of Mt Taranaki on a clear day when looking inland.

Location: New Plymouth, North Island

4. The Kawarau Bridge

Hidden in the stunning Kawarau Gorges, this bridge is the birthplace of commercial bungy jumping, and started Queenstown‘s reputation as the “Adventure Capital of the World”.

Location: Queenstown, South Island

5. Hokitika Gorge Swingbridge

Use the swing bridge to cross the breathtaking milky blue waters of the Hokitika Gorge near Hokitika. Some are even tempted to jump off it into the water! Find out more in 23 Unforgettable Walks in Hokitika.

Location: Hokitika, South Island

6. Bridge to Nowhere

This historic bridge nestled in rainforest has no access to any road whatsoever. The only way to get to it is to hike or bike through the forest. See it as part of the Whanganui Journey or while jet boating or hiking in the Whanganui National Park.

Location: Whanganui National Park, North Island

7. Auckland Bridge

The 1km Auckland Bridge links Auckland City with North Shore. Should you choose to bungy jump from the bridge, you will get a pleasant view of the city… while you scream at the top of your lungs!

Location: Auckland, North Island

8. Rakaia River Bridge

New Zealand’s longest bridge is 1.8km (1.1 miles)! It sure beats making your way over the braided rivers. Find it on the South Island between Christchurch and Ashburton.

9. The Blue Pools of Haast Swing Bridges

Like Hokitika Gorge, a swing bridge crosses the vibrant blue waters of the Blue Pools of Haast! This is one of the many awesome attractions seen along the Haast Pass Highway between Haast and Wanaka in the South Island!

Location: Haast Pass, South Island

10. Arapuni Swing Bridge

At 152m (500ft) long, the Arapuni Swing Bridge is the main attraction in the town! Cross this mammoth bridge to see the Waikato River and power stations running in the depths below. The Arapuni Swing Bridge is part of the Waikato River Trails for walkers and cyclists.

Location: Arapuni, Waikato, North Island

If You Liked This Article, The You Might Like:

Plus, if you’re feeling inspired, be sure to bookmark The Best Travel Guide to New Zealand to plan the perfect trip.

Sources:

The information in this guide has been compiled from our extensive research, travel and experiences across New Zealand and the South Pacific, accumulated over more than a decade of numerous visits to each destination. Additional sources for this guide include the following:

Tourism New Zealand (General travel advice - Updated [2025])
Adventure Mark (Health and Safety Audit - Updated [2025])
Work Safe NZ (Adventure Activities Guidelines - Updated [2025])
Department of Conservation (Tracks, hikes, campsites and more - Updated [2025])
AdventureSmart (Know before you go - Update [2025])
NZ Māori Tourism (Official Māori Tourism platform - Updated [2025])
Tourism Export Council New Zealand (Tourism trade association - Updated [2025])
TIA (Independent tourism association - Updated [2025])
Tiaki Promise (Care for people place and culture - Updated [2025])
Council websites and freedom camping maps (Local travel advice region by region - Updated [2025])

Our editorial standards: At NZ Pocket Guide, we uphold strict editorial standards to ensure accurate and quality content.

About The Author

Don Benny V. & DOC

This article was supplied by the Department of Conservation (DOC) and reviewed and published by Don Benny.

The DOC is the government agency charged with conserving New Zealand’s natural and historic heritage.

Don is a seasoned travel editor with a deep passion for exploring New Zealand, Asia and the Pacific. Having explored much of New Zealand’s North Island first-hand, from the cultural heart of Rotorua to the wine country of Wairarapa and the capital charm of Wellington, he brings local insight and a traveller’s eye to every piece he writes. Don Benny’s travel advice is shaped by real experiences, and he loves helping visitors uncover both iconic highlights and hidden gems throughout Aotearoa.

About Don About Our Team