A smoother Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono Great Ride experience is coming for visitors, with 15 new structures – bridges and boardwalks – on the way for the Mangapurua and Kaiwhakauka sections.
The Department of Conservation has led the planning for the bridge installations, working alongside the Ngā Ara Tūhono Charitable Trust to support visitor communications and reduce disruption where possible.
Installations on the Mangapurua section are due to take place between 1 August and mid-October 2026, ready to open for Great Ride season. The Kaikwhakauka works will occur in November/December, operating with bypasses.
DOC Project Manager Louise Brown says the work on the bridges is planned to minimise disruption to trail users.
“Many of the bridges have been built offsite, and for the most part existing structures will remain in use until the new bridges are completed, so you’ll still be able to get out naturing.
“However, there will be a couple of times where we need to close a track completely, and we’ll aim to give two days’ notice on our website.”
The two tracks are remote and iconic stages of the Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono Great Ride, passing through Whanganui National Park and connecting riders, walkers and trampers with the history, ngahere, waterways, and stories of the Mangapurua and Kaiwhakauka valleys.
The replacements will be a mixture of aluminium truss bridges and timber bridges. Two boardwalks will also be replaced in the Kaiwhakauka Valley.
Ngā Ara Tūhono Charitable Trust Kaihautū Ara/General Manager, Lynley Twyman says the project is an important investment in one of the most memorable parts of the Great Ride.
“The Mangapurua and Kaiwhakauka sections are a truly special part of the Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono journey. They offer riders and walkers a powerful sense of remoteness, history and connection — from the old valley settlements and the Bridge to Nowhere through to the Whanganui Awa.
“These bridge upgrades are not about changing the character of the experience. They are about protecting access, improving safety, and making sure this remarkable journey can continue to be enjoyed into the future.
“This work demonstrates that although these trails are free to access, they rely on strong partnerships, ongoing maintenance, and investment from agencies, councils, iwi, communities, operators and trail supporters.”
Visitors to the Mangapurua and Kaiwhakauka Tracks are encouraged to check the Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono trail status page and the DOC website before travelling. Follow signage, and be aware contractors will be working with machinery on site.
The Mangapurua Track has a seasonal winter closure for cyclists from King’s Birthday weekend through to the Friday before Labour Weekend.
Background information
Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono trail status: www.mountainstosea.nz/trail-status
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