Tauranga Bridge
Introduction
The historic Tauranga Bridge, spanning the Waioeka River, is the only surviving harp suspension bridge left in New Zealand. It was built in 1922 by the Public Works Department to provide access to sheep farms up the Tauranga valley.
Features
Visitors enjoying the views from the
Tauranga Bridge
Today the bridge is the most significant tourist attraction on the Opotiki to Gisborne highway and offers visitors a high quality, short-stop visitor experience. Sitting at the start of the 5 km Tauranga Track it provides stunning views of the Waioeka River and surrounding native bush.
The bridge is protected by the Historic Places Trust and is of national significance for its engineering design and appearance. From a tower at one end, each suspension cable passes under a different bridge crosspiece, before rising to the tower at the other end. This creates an unusual and attractive 'harp-like' pattern, hence the term harp suspension bridge.
Location
The Tauranga Bridge is located 27 kilometres from Opotiki off State Highway 2 in the Waioeka Gorge. The bridge is a five minute walk from the carpark.
Places to stay
The closest DOC accommodation to the bridge is the Manganuku campsite, a further 20 km south in the Waioeka Gorge.
Plan and prepare
Please leave the area in as natural a state as possible. It is kind to the environment and appreciated by other visitors. Take a last look before you leave, will the next visitor know that you have been there?
back to top