Aerial view of a wooden suspension bridge with sturdy metal cables and timber supports spanning over a meandering river. The bridge connects two grassy banks within a serene park, surrounded by native and introduced trees. In the distance, the urban skyline is visible under a partly cloudy sky, with commercial buildings and vehicles hinting at the proximity of a town.

Whitipoua Bridge, Masterton

Abseil Access is extraordinarily proud to be a part of the completion of the Whitipoua Bridge over the Waipoua River in Masterton – our 90th bridge we’ve worked on. The bridge was designed to be accessible, with ramps at each end and a capacity of 100 people.

Masterton District Council approved the construction of the bridge in 2020, with resource consent then required for the site near Bentley St and Railway Cres. The bridge will serve as an important connector for the Masterton community, allowing foot and cycle traffic to cross the Waipoua River with ease.

A collage of images showing detailed Maori carvings on wooden posts of a bridge over a tranquil river and a person standing on a sandy area addressing a seated group of people.

The bridge stands at 50m long and is rated to hold 100 people, ensuring it is capable of serving the people of Masterton strongly well into the future.  Speaking to Stuff.co.nz, Masterton mayor Mayor Lyn Patterson said:

“This is a beautiful bridge, with an important link to mana whenua that highlights the significance of the environment and the history of this place.”

The occassion was marked by Mike Kawana of the local iwi with a karakia to bless the bridge. Adorning the siding of the bridge is 50 paewhiri (tōtara board carvings) representing past, present and future – these were provided by the Manawhenua Iwi lead by Sam Te-tau.

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An elevated perspective of a newly constructed wooden suspension bridge with diagonal metal bracing, casting sharp shadows on the ground below. The bridge spans a narrow river, bordered by freshly landscaped embankments with soil and young grass. The surroundings are tranquil, with sparse vegetation and a few trees on a sunny day with scattered clouds.
A collage of images showing detailed Maori carvings on wooden posts of a bridge over a tranquil river and a person standing on a sandy area addressing a seated group of people.
A group of people seated outdoors, attentively watching a person standing in a clearing, speaking. Behind them, the newly constructed Whitipoua Bridge stands prominent against a bright, partly cloudy sky framed by the natural silhouette of a tree's branches.
Three people posing with smiles on the Whitipoua Bridge under a clear blue sky. The sturdy wooden structure of the bridge features a sign that reads 'Max load 100 people' and reinforces the secure and welcoming nature of the community infrastructure.
A diverse group of onlookers gathers in an open space, listening to a speaker standing in the centre of a freshly raked sandy area. The Whitipoua Bridge is visible in the background under a bright sky with light clouds, with a bare tree branching overhead.
An aerial view of the newly constructed Whitipoua Bridge, a suspension bridge with a wooden walkway and timber towers crossing a serene river. The surrounding area blends green spaces, a winding path, and urban structures in the background under a sky with light cloud cover.
An aerial view of the newly constructed Whitipoua Bridge, a suspension bridge with a wooden walkway and timber towers crossing a serene river. The surrounding area blends green spaces, a winding path, and urban structures in the background under a sky with light cloud cover.
Aerial view of a wooden suspension bridge with sturdy metal cables and timber supports spanning over a meandering river. The bridge connects two grassy banks within a serene park, surrounded by native and introduced trees. In the distance, the urban skyline is visible under a partly cloudy sky, with commercial buildings and vehicles hinting at the proximity of a town.
An elevated perspective of a newly constructed wooden suspension bridge with diagonal metal bracing, casting sharp shadows on the ground below. The bridge spans a narrow river, bordered by freshly landscaped embankments with soil and young grass. The surroundings are tranquil, with sparse vegetation and a few trees on a sunny day with scattered clouds.
A newly constructed wooden suspension bridge with sturdy metal cables stretches across a gently flowing river, connecting two grassy banks in a rural landscape. Mature trees flank the river, and a pastoral setting unfolds in the distance under a dynamic sky of puffy clouds, with hints of urban structures on the horizon.
A collage of images showing detailed Maori carvings on wooden posts of a bridge over a tranquil river and a person standing on a sandy area addressing a seated group of people.loading=
A group of people seated outdoors, attentively watching a person standing in a clearing, speaking. Behind them, the newly constructed Whitipoua Bridge stands prominent against a bright, partly cloudy sky framed by the natural silhouette of a tree's branches.loading=
Three people posing with smiles on the Whitipoua Bridge under a clear blue sky. The sturdy wooden structure of the bridge features a sign that reads 'Max load 100 people' and reinforces the secure and welcoming nature of the community infrastructure.loading=
A diverse group of onlookers gathers in an open space, listening to a speaker standing in the centre of a freshly raked sandy area. The Whitipoua Bridge is visible in the background under a bright sky with light clouds, with a bare tree branching overhead.loading=
An aerial view of the newly constructed Whitipoua Bridge, a suspension bridge with a wooden walkway and timber towers crossing a serene river. The surrounding area blends green spaces, a winding path, and urban structures in the background under a sky with light cloud cover.loading=
An aerial view of the newly constructed Whitipoua Bridge, a suspension bridge with a wooden walkway and timber towers crossing a serene river. The surrounding area blends green spaces, a winding path, and urban structures in the background under a sky with light cloud cover.loading=
Aerial view of a wooden suspension bridge with sturdy metal cables and timber supports spanning over a meandering river. The bridge connects two grassy banks within a serene park, surrounded by native and introduced trees. In the distance, the urban skyline is visible under a partly cloudy sky, with commercial buildings and vehicles hinting at the proximity of a town.loading=
An elevated perspective of a newly constructed wooden suspension bridge with diagonal metal bracing, casting sharp shadows on the ground below. The bridge spans a narrow river, bordered by freshly landscaped embankments with soil and young grass. The surroundings are tranquil, with sparse vegetation and a few trees on a sunny day with scattered clouds.loading=
A newly constructed wooden suspension bridge with sturdy metal cables stretches across a gently flowing river, connecting two grassy banks in a rural landscape. Mature trees flank the river, and a pastoral setting unfolds in the distance under a dynamic sky of puffy clouds, with hints of urban structures on the horizon.loading=