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
© Noel Jones on Wikipedia2. 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
© Fraser Gunn - Tourism New Zealand3. 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
© russellstreet on Wikipedia4. 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
© Robert Young on Flickr5. 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
© NZPocketGuide.com6. 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
© NZPocketGuide.com7. 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
© Chris Gin on Wikipedia8. 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.
© iTravelNZ on Flickr9. 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
© NZPocketGuide.com10. 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
© NZPocketGuide.comIf You Liked This Article, The You Might Like:
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Plus, if you’re feeling inspired, be sure to bookmark The Best Travel Guide to New Zealand to plan the perfect trip.
