This Content Is Only For Subscribers
Parts of the former suspension bridge in the Hooker Valley at Aoraki / Mount Cook National Park are being offered for sale as construction of its replacement nears completion.
The old 90-metre bridge, which closed in April 2025 due to riverbank erosion and safety concerns, is now being dismantled and removed from the site.
Department of Conservation asset delivery manager Anthony Clegg says a range of bridge components will be available, including structural steel, cables, timber and fittings.
“The 90-metre-long bridge will be removed in sections, so we’re selling individual components rather than a complete bridge structure,” Anthony says.
The bridge was originally constructed in 2012 and became a popular access route for walkers and climbers visiting the Hooker Valley.
Anthony says DOC hopes as much of the structure as possible can be reused or repurposed.
“We’d like to see as much of it as possible reused or repurposed rather than disposed of,” Anthony says.
“The components are being removed through a deconstruction process, so some items may show wear or damage. All pieces will be offered on an ‘as-is’ basis.”
New bridge nearing completion
At the same time, work is continuing on the replacement 189-metre suspension bridge, which is expected to open towards the end of July.
Anthony says the scale of the new bridge highlights the engineering involved in the project.
“It’s amazing seeing the walking platform nearly complete spanning right across the river,” Anthony says.
“It’s more than double the length of the old one and it will be a very special experience watching the first people crossing it in a couple of months.”
Anthony says the Hooker Valley remains one of New Zealand’s iconic naturing destinations, with views towards Aoraki / Mount Cook.
Bidding process opens
DOC is inviting expressions of interest from people interested in purchasing components from the old bridge.
“We’re open to proposals and interested in opportunities to recover some value from the materials, while ensuring they can be put to good use,” Anthony says.
The department will run an online bidding process through its procurement team.
Bids close at 1pm on July 3, while questions can be submitted until June 30 to [email protected]
