Visitors to New Zealand’s remote but famous Bridge to Nowhere near the Whanganui River were surprised to find abseilers working on the isolated structure. – Image: Department of Conservation/DOC
World famous Bridge to Nowhere in New Zealand owes its enduring stature to a regular beauty regime, with a recent ‘facelift’ the latest treatment. Abseilers sandblasted the almost 90 year old structure near Whanganui, drilled and filled holes to make the renowned tourism attraction safer for visitors.
Department of Conservation (DOC) Project Lead Michael Christie says it’s ironic the bridge has become such a popular destination with tourists.
“It’s remote, a relic of past settlements, standing alone in otherwise dense bush – and the Bridge to Nowhere has become somewhere to see.
“But with that comes the challenge of maintaining such a structure in the middle of nowhere,” says Michael. “It’s a 1-hour jetboat trip from the nearest town, with a 40-minute walk into the bridge itself.”
“For this mahi, we’ve flown contractors in and set them up with a bit of a campsite while they’re working here. This isn’t a go home to a soft bed kind of job!”
DOC has a regular maintenance schedule to keep the bridge in good condition.
Site Foreman Vincent Smith says the process is fairly straightforward, with a few additions to protect the heritage bridge and natural environment.
“Structurally, the bridge is still very sound, so we’re really doing this work to ensure it remains that way for many years to come.
Michael says the refreshed Bridge to Nowhere is fully open to visitors in time for Conservation Week on 20 to 26 April.
“The bridge is remote, but not out of reach. Whether you catch a jetboat or cycle through, take a side trip from the Whanganui Journey or head out tramping, it’s a truly unique place for your naturing adventures.”
DOC has a regular maintenance schedule to keep the bridge in good condition for the many visitors – Image: Department of Conservation/DOC
New Zealand history of the bridge
A wooden swing bridge was constructed across a stream in 1919. This connected the isolated valley with riverboats that brought goods along the Whanganui River.
However, settlers in the area had always expected that roading access would be improved.
In 1936 a new steel-reinforced concrete bridge was finally opened.
The “valley of abandoned dreams”
By the time construction was finished, many of the region’s settlers had abandoned their farms. The physical labour and economic hardship in the remote valley had taken their toll on farmers and their families.
By 1942 only three of the original settlers remained in the valley. They were eventually forced to leave when the government of the day decided that road access would no longer be maintained. By 1944, everyone had gone.
The concrete bridge – now known as the Bridge to Nowhere because of the missing road – is the symbol of that ill-fated settlement in an area known as the “valley of abandoned dreams”.
The bridge today
The Bridge to Nowhere gets more use now than it did when it was first built. It is the unofficial flagship of Whanganui National Park and a major visitor attraction on the Whanganui Journey – one of New Zealand’s Great Walks.
Background information
The Bridge to Nowhere is one of the heritage icon sites cared for by DOC, helping to bring New Zealand’s history to life: DOC icon sites .
NAN/DOC 16 April 26
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