Short answer: A new suspension bridge on the Tongariro River Trail at Tūrangi was named Te Tauranga o Waikari on 16 October 2026. It replaces the 70-year-old Major Jones bridge, takes up to 20 people at a time and was funded by the International Visitor Levy. Explera DMC New Zealand plans group walks and rides on the trail.
Tūrangi sits at the southern end of Lake Taupō, on the way between Taupō and Tongariro National Park. The riverside trail is an easy addition to a programme in the area.
What is new on the trail?
- The name. Ngāti Tūrangitukua gifted the name at a karakia and naming ceremony on Friday 16 October 2026. It refers to the tūpuna Waikari, who anchored nearby, and to the area as a tauranga: an anchorage, fishing ground and crossing place.
- The partners. The Department of Conservation (DOC) built the bridge in partnership with Ngāti Tūrangitukua and the Tūwharetoa Māori Trust Board.
- The location. It stands beside the old Major Jones bridge, a short distance from the Koura Street entrance in Tūrangi.
- The design. Steel cable supports and a timber deck, a little wider than the old bridge, which gives cyclists easier access. It is anchored with around 70 tonnes of concrete.
- The funding. The bridge was funded through the International Visitor Levy (IVL), which most international visitors pay when they apply for a visa or an NZeTA.
Who uses the Tongariro River Trail?
DOC says the trail has around 50,000 visitors a year, including walkers, cyclists and anglers. It is a shared trail, so groups meet other users along the river and on the bridge.
How should groups plan the crossing?
- Cross in smaller parties. The bridge has a load limit of 20 people. A coach group of 40 crosses in at least two parties, with a guide or tour leader at each end.
- Brief the riders. Cyclists share the trail and the bridge with walkers and anglers. Tell riders to slow down and give others room.
- Use the name. Call the bridge Te Tauranga o Waikari in programmes and commentary, and explain what the name means.
- Combine the day. The trail pairs well with a stay around Taupō or a day in Tongariro National Park. See our Tongariro Alpine Crossing briefing and our Rotorua and Taupō guide.
How Explera DMC New Zealand can help
We plan cycling and rail trails, guided walking and coach transfers for travel agents and tour operators. See our Tiaki Promise briefing for how clients can care for the places they visit.
FAQ
What is the new bridge on the Tongariro River Trail called? Te Tauranga o Waikari. Ngāti Tūrangitukua gifted the name at a ceremony on 16 October 2026.
How many people can be on the bridge at once? Twenty. Larger groups cross in smaller parties.
Who paid for the bridge? It was funded through the International Visitor Levy, which most international visitors pay when they apply for a visa or an NZeTA.
Can cyclists use the bridge? Yes. It is a little wider than the old Major Jones bridge, which gives cyclists easier access to the trail.
How busy is the trail? DOC says it has around 50,000 visitors a year, including walkers, cyclists and anglers.
Sources
- 2026 media releases, Department of Conservation, entry of 20 October 2026
- New bridge underway for Tongariro River Trail, Department of Conservation, 14 April 2026
- Name gifted to new Tūrangi bridge, Inside Government NZ, 21 October 2026
Talk to the trade desk
Explera DMC New Zealand trade desk — b2b@explera.co.nz, WhatsApp +66 93 656 8090, B2B portal b2b.expleradmc.com.
