7 New Zealand family-friendly walks to discover Edifice bridges this summer

Ready for a family adventure this summer? Explore New Zealand’s diverse landscapes on these seven family-friendly walks, each featuring bridges built by Edifice Structures. From gentle strolls to slightly more challenging tracks, there’s something for everyone!

1. Ruakuri Walk & Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk, Waikato

Waitomo is renowned for its fascinating cave systems and unique geological formations. Two key locations offer family-friendly experiences with Edifice Structures’ contributions:

– Ruakuri Walk, Blackwater Rafters Bridge, Ruakuri Natural Tunnel Cave Viewing Platform

The Ruakuri Walk also offers a short, easy walk to a viewing platform built by Edifice overlooking the stunning Ruakuri Natural Tunnel, home to glowworms. Discover a forested gorge, natural sculpted cliffs and low limestone arches on this spectacular loop walk – plenty to keep kids interested.

Level: Easy
Time: Allow 30-45 minutes for the viewing platform walk
Entry fees: Free
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– Mangapohue Natural Bridge Walk, Mangapohue Bridge

This easy loop walk takes you to a magnificent natural rock arch, with the historic Mangapohue Bridge providing safe passage.
Level: Easy
Time: 20-30 minute loop walk.
Entry fees: Free
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2. Ngā Manu Nature Reserve, Ngā Manu Bridge, Wellington

Immerse yourselves in the beauty of native New Zealand flora and fauna at Ngā Manu Nature Reserve in Waikanae. This 14-hectare (35-acre) reserve protects the largest remnant of coastal lowland swamp forest on the Kāpiti Coast and serves as a vital “stepping stone” for birds traveling between Kapiti Island and the Tararua Range. Ngā Manu is home to a diverse range of birdlife, including kākā, kākāriki, tūī, kererū, and more, as well as tuatara and kiwi. Several well-maintained paths and bridges, constructed by Edifice Structures, provide easy access to explore the diverse habitats within this special sanctuary.

Level: Easy, various short walks available.
Time: Allow 1-2 hours to explore the reserve.
Entry fees: starting from $8
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3. Great Barrier Island Kaiaraara Track, Kaiaraara Suspension Bridges, Auckland

Escape to the pristine beauty of Great Barrier Island and explore the Kaiaraara Track. This track features several suspension bridges built by Edifice Structures, adding an element of adventure to your hike. Note that this is a longer track but can be broken into shorter sections, we particularly recommend the Kaiaraara Track to Mt Hobson (Hirakimata), a 6-km walk that takes you through the remains of the old kauri dam and up to the summit of Mt Hobson (Hirakimata) for a 360-degree panorama.

Level: Easy to Moderate
Time: 6-8 hours for the full track, 3 hours for the Kaiaraara Track to Mt Hobson (Hirakimata)
Entry fees: Free
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4. Tucker Beach Trail, Kimi-ākau Suspension Bridge, Otago

The Shotover Gorge Trail is a brand new section linking the northern side of the Whakatipu Basin to the wider Queenstown Trails network thanks to the impressive 90-meter Kimi-ākau Suspension Bridge built by Edifice. This is a must-see for any visitor to the Queenstown area. This track can be challenging for younger children, so we recommend you admire the Kimi-ākau Suspension Bridge from Tucker Beach. Tucker Beach Trail offers a pleasant riverside walk or bike ride, easily combined with a visit to the Shotover Gorge.

Level: Easy
Time: 1.5hr return from Lower Shotover Bridge
Entry fees: Free
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5. The Timber Trail, Maramataha Suspension Bridge (Quick Route), Manawatū-Whanganui

Edifice-built Maramataha Suspension Bridge is one of the highest and longest suspension bridges in New Zealand. While the full Timber Trail is a 85-km multi-day hike using historic bush tramways, old bulldozer and haul roads, if you want to get a shorter, family-friendly taste of the Timber Trail, consider the quick route to the Maramataha Bridge. This 5km short route return trip with a gentle 130m elevation gain is an easy walk or cycle on a well-maintained gravel or compacted dirt path. The trail undulates gently, making it suitable for all fitness levels and weather conditions. Alongside the Maramataha Bridge, Edifice also built two other suspension bridges and four fixed bridges.

Level: Easy
Time: 1.5 hour return
Entry fees: Free
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6. Three Mile Pack Track – Ōkārito Coastal Walk, Three Mile Lagoon Suspension Bridge, West Coast

Explore the diverse coastal environment of Ōkārito on the Three Mile Pack Track. This walk takes you through lush forest before descending to Three Mile Lagoon, a sheltered estuary fringed with rimu forest. You’ll traverse the Edifice-built Three Mile Lagoon Suspension Bridge, a key feature of this scenic walk. Note that walking along the beach back to Ōkārito is only recommended within one hour either side of low tide, with the actual times affected by natural influences.

Level: Easy
Time: 3.30 hours return
Entry fees: Free
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7. Wainui Falls Track, Wainui Falls Suspension Bridge, Golden Bay

Wainui Falls is the largest fall in the Golden Bay! This short walk begins across open farmland before entering a lush native forest of nikau palms, rātā trees and ferns. The track climbs steadily, offering glimpses of the Wainui River below. Keep an eye out for New Zealand’s giant native snail, Powelliphanta (remember, look but don’t touch!). Cross the river at the Edifice-built suspension bridge, and a short walk further reveals the majestic falls, often surrounded by a misty spray. Edifice also built the four glued laminated boardwalks and bridges to facilitate access.

Level: Easy to Moderate (some uphill sections)
Time: 1-1.5 hours return
Entry fees: Free
Click here for more information

Stay tuned for upcoming articles exploring Edifice Bridges on New Zealand’s Great Walks and Cycling and Mountain Biking trails!

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