Pillars of Hercules Bridge. Central Plateau. New Zealand.
S 39° 08.910 E 175° 48.980
60H E 397717 N 5666076
A new suspension footbridge across the upper Tongariro River at the Pillars of Hercules in the Kaimanawa Forest Park was built in May 2006. .
Waymark Code: WM57RN
Location: New Zealand
Date Posted: 11/24/2008
Views: 14
The Pillars of Hercules is a 40m deep gorge that the Tongariro River passes through, deep in the Kaimanawa Forest Park. It is a popular scenic view point and part of a mountain bike loop track.
Abseil Access Ltd won the tender to manufacture and install this 68m long bridge which spans 44m across the top of the gorge for the Department of Conservation.
The project involved digging tower foundations and anchor block trenches 2m deep. 5m3 of 20mpa concrete was poured to secure the 4 anchor rods and 6m towers. A helicopter was required for the transportation of the digger, timber components and concrete pouring.
The galvanised cables are 22mm thick and support 21 steel hangers and timber planks. An aerial cable way and rope access skills were required to install these heavy items over the deep gorge.
The new suspension bridge, built in May 2006 is much higher above the river than the old bridge, and is now the viewing point over the Pillars of Hercules. It can be reached by a side road off SH.1.
Visit Instructions:
Walk across the bridge! That is why you came here, wasn't it?
Bring a camera so that you can take a photo of the bridge. Upload at least one photo that you took of the bridge, you or others can be in the photo.
Include any additional history that you may know or have learned about the bridge.
Last but not least, include any story you may have about finding the bridge or your journey across the bridge.