A TALE OF TWO BRIDGES
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TALE OF THE OLD BRIDGE The Mangaweka Bridges span the Rangitīkei River, marking the boundary between the Rangitīkei and Manawatū districts. Just north of Mangaweka, travellers turn onto Ruahine Road—the beginning of the Manawatū Scenic Route—and follow it a short distance to reach this remarkable crossing. Built in 1904, the original Mangaweka Bridge holds a special place in New Zealand’s engineering history. It is the country’s only remaining cantilever road bridge, a rare and striking example of early bridge design. Despite its importance, the bridge waited an extraordinary 114 years for an official opening, which finally took place on 7 March 2015. Today, the bridge stands as a testament to ingenuity, perseverance, and the region’s rich past. Watch the video below to discover the full story behind this unique structure. P.S. The new Manawatū–Tararua Highway, built to replace the Manawatū Gorge route, also features a modern cantilever bridge. |
WHY THE OLD BRIDGE NEEDED TO BE REPLACED. The life of the old bridge as a functional bridge had been under threat. Because of safety concerns, the weight restriction was reduced to 6000 kgs, meaning vehicles any larger than a medium-sized motorhome could no longer cross the bridge. The Rangitikei & Manawatu District Councils agreed to build a brand new bridge downstream from the existing bridge, which was completed in January 2022. FATE OF THE OLD BRIDGE. But what of the fate of the old bridge? Mangaweka Heritage enthusiasts have argued it is the only one of its kind left in New Zealand and should be kept as a tourist icon allowing foot traffic & cyclists to enjoy the marvellous river views, papa cliffs and surrounding beauty. After much consultation, including public submissions, Manawatu District Council voted on 22nd August 2019 to keep the bridge. So now the Mangaweka Bridge Trust promotes the bridge as a tourist icon. 
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NEW MANGAWEKA BRIDGE OPENING. On the 20th May 2022 the new Mangaweka Bridge was officially opened, but not open to the public, until the 2nd June 2022 after the approaches were tarsealed. On that wet May day the rain eased long enough for the opening of the new bridge. A Maori pou, created by designer Maihi Potaka was erected on the Rangitikei side of the bridge symbolising the tie between the two districts. The old bridge is open to walkers and cyclists only. Click on the link button to view the timelapse of construction of the new bridge. |
After the ribbon was cut by Manawatū deputy Mayor Michael Ford, Rangitikei Mayor Andy Watson and Te Rūnanga o Ngāti Hauiti chairperson Heather Gifford and the crowd walked from one side to the next just in time before the rain returned. Fortunately, the remaining speeches were held under cover at Awastone.
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Awastone sits either side of the bridge, which will be the connection between the main accommodation and restaurant situated on the east side of the bridge with the Mangaweka Campground situated on the west side.
The old and new bridges side by side. The Mangaweka campground sits nestled amongst the trees on the left-side of the new bridge on the edge of the Rangitikei River.
