The eagerly anticipated new suspension bridge up the Hooker Valley at Aoraki/Mount Cook National Park will open to the public on the afternoon of Tuesday July 28.
This week, the finishing touches and final checks are being made on the new bridge which spans 189 metres across the Hooker River.
It’s the longest suspension bridge in New Zealand and is an impressive feat of engineering and construction skill.
Aoraki/Mount Cook District Operations Manager Sally Jones says the opening of the new bridge is an incredibly special moment.
“The completion of this project is a significant milestone for Aoraki and a testament to the dedication, skill and commitment of everyone who has helped make this happen,” she says.
The project has cost $4.85 million. The new bridge replaces a much smaller one which closed last April after rainfall and storms caused riverbank erosion.
Construction of the new bridge began in August 2025 and since then mother nature has thrown everything at the building team. Working in a sub-alpine environment, the Abseil Access team and contractors battled 180 km winds and multiple un-seasonal snowfalls.
“Building something of this scale in such extreme conditions is no small achievement, and I am incredibly proud of what our contractors, partners and staff have achieved together. They have created a safer, more resilient crossing that will enhance the visitor experience for generations to come. I hope we haven’t put them off bridge building!” Sally says.
The engineer and architect behind the unique bridge design, Dan Crocker of DC Structures Studio, says seeing the bridge finally open is exhilarating.
“It’s not just the longest suspension bridge in New Zealand; it’s the longest single span footbridge of any kind in the country. Getting the opportunity to
design a bridge like this in one of our most iconic locations was an amazing experience. I can’t wait to see people crossing it,” he says.
The track up the Hooker Valley is the one of the most popular day hikes in the country attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year. It’s estimated the new bridge will bring around $167 million in revenue to the Mackenzie District over the next ten years.
The bridge will be open to the public from 3pm on Tuesday July 28th after a private event and blessing from mana whenua.
Sally Jones says it’s very important to remind people of the winter conditions at Aoraki at this time of year and to check forecasts and conditions before heading out naturing.
“The reality at this time of year is that the track can be very icy and it can also be extremely cold. People need to be prepared for sub-alpine conditions. You need good solid walking boots or shoes, warm winter clothing, hats and gloves,” she says.
“The views are awe inspiring, but the weather and the environment can be brutal. The best part of the day in winter is often around late morning to mid-afternoon when the sun has warmed things up a bit.”
NATURE LOOKS DIFFERENT FROM HERE
Nature isn’t scenery. Nature is a society that we rely on for everything, every day. It’s behind our identity and our way of life.
