One of Auckland’s most popular waterfall walks will re-open in time for summer, with the replacement of a 35-year old bridge.
The Hunua Falls pedestrian bridge closed for an upgrade in July, replacing the ageing bridge that have connected visitors to the 30-metre high falls, and nearby tracks.
The upgrade, on the western edge of the regional park, was fast tracked by Auckland Council’s southern regional parks team and cost $350,000. It would re-open in mid-September.
Southern principal ranger Trent Taylor said with the ranges growing more popular, the new bridge would be more resilient to climate-related weather events and offer better accessibility.
“This new bridge is one of many enhancements we’ve made after severe flooding impacted the area in early 2023,” Taylor said in a statement.
“[It’s] recognising this site as a key attraction and entry point to the Hunua Ranges Regional Park for many Aucklanders and visitors alike.”
Hunua Ranges is Auckland’s largest regional park, spanning over 14,000 hectares, and home to a range of native wildlife including tūī, pīwakawaka (fantail) and kereru.
Along with the pedestrian bridge upgrade, five popular tracks have also closed and will re-open once the new 32 metre-long bridge was installed.
These are the Massey, Cossey Gorge, Wairoa-Cossey, Hunua Falls Lookout and Hunua Falls Upper Loop tracks.
Taylor said it was about time the western edge of the regional park had a fitting gateway.
“So more people can come and experience the sights this special area has to offer, now and well into the future.”
A short walk to the Hunua Falls would remain open, while access to the Falls Rd car park would be available, he said.
Taylor said visitors should check online before leaving home as intermittent car park closures may be required.
Franklin Local Board chair Angela Fulljames said the new bridge would guarantee continued safe access to a much-loved park.
“Every year, hundreds of thousands of people make the trip to the falls, and to access the remarkable walking options the regional park offers,” Fulljames said.
“The park is a tremendous asset for the city and replacing the footbridge means the site will be able to welcome people for many more years to enjoy all the park has to offer.”
Anyone who has visited the falls in summer would be aware of how popular it was, she said.
“But we would remind people that, while they are magnificent to look at, they should never swim there because of sudden depth changes and dangerous currents.
“We want everyone to share in the grandeur of the Hunua Falls, but we want them to do it safely.”
Repairs to upper sections of the Massey Track would be completed during the bridge upgrade, addressing slip damage from last year’s storms.
Final maintenance to the Wairoa-Cossey Track would be finished at the same time, completing an extensive upgrade over several years.
Road maintenance was set to be completed in August.
LDR is local body journalism co-funded by RNZ and NZ On Air.