Waiohine River Wairarapa North Island New Zealand
Photo & Vacation Spot

The 25 year old tippy swingbridge across the Waiohine River is the first hurdle for hikers starting out on the trails of the Tararua Forest in the Wairarapa, North Island, New Zealand.

Originally installed by the New Zealand Forestry Service around 25 years ago, the old swingbridge which crosses the Waiohine River has a particularly generous swing which can prove to be a challenge for hikers especially in high winds.

The construction of a new bridge is planned (to be completed in May/June 2007) and this old bridge will soon be removed.

Although the Waiohine River looks gentle and meandering, looks can be deceiving! The Tararua Ranges are an efficient catchment area in the Wairarapa and during heavy rainfall the usually calm and gentle rivers become dangerous and unforgiving torrents. The steep rocky mountains which surround the Waiohine River do little to slow the run-off of rain wate.

Swingbridge across the Waiohine River in the Waiohine Gorge, Tararua Forest Park, Wairarapa, North Island, New Zealand.