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Visitors to the Mountains to Sea – Ngā Ara Tūhono Great Ride will benefit from 15 new bridges and boardwalks as part of an upgrade to two of the trail’s most remote sections.
The Department of Conservation is overseeing the project, which will replace bridges and boardwalks on the Mangapurua and Kaiwhakauka sections ahead of and during the 2026/27 Great Ride season.
DOC project manager Louise Brown says the work has been planned to minimise disruption.
“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.”
The Mangapurua upgrades will be carried out between August and mid-October, with work on the Kaiwhakauka section following in November and December.
Ngā Ara Tūhono Charitable Trust general manager Lynley Twyman says the investment will help protect access while preserving the character of the trail.
“They are about protecting access, improving safety, and making sure this remarkable journey can continue to be enjoyed into the future.”
Visitors are encouraged to check trail conditions before travelling, with temporary closures required at times during construction.
