Clifden Suspension Bridge — Attraction in Tuatapere Te Waewae Community

This suspension bridge was an important transport link in what was a relatively remote part of Southland.

It was officially opened by Sir Joseph Ward on 5 April 1899. It was designed by C H Howarth and the total cost was £5007. The bridge was built in 1898-99 to span the Waiau River and replaced a punt which had operated since the early days of settlement.

At that time the river was often swift and dangerous (the flow has now been severely reduced by hydroelectric development on Lake Manapouri). The bridge was an important transport link and was influential in the opening up of the area east of the Waiau River.

A single lane bridge, it was originally used by horse and cart traffic and later by vehicles. It remained in operation until 1978 when a new bridge was built 130 m downstream to cater for traffic to and from the Manapouri power project. This bridge represents a high standard of design and bridge carpentry. Although modest by international standards it was designed after the development of drawn wire construction for suspension bridges and new materials such as steel. The building of a bridge of this span was a significant local engineering feat made possible by the tensile properties of the steel cable.

A feature of the bridge is the Clifden Roll of Honour, a plaque commemorating those men from the district who gave their lives in WW1. The plaque is attached to the north tower at the eastern end of the bridge.

Clifden Suspension Bridge is located on SH99, 16 km north...

The Clifden Suspension Bridge is located on SH99, 16km north of Tuatapere over the Waiau River, NZ. Designed by the Southland County Engineer C H Howarth, it is a fine example of a solid vehicular suspension bridge, with high standard of civil, mechanical and bridge carpentry design. It was built as a single lane bridge, 111.5 metre long, 3.5 metres wide, tapering towers are 7.5 metres high, connected to 27 steel cables attached to concrete pillars. It still has its historic wooden decking and beams that were made from seasoned core totara wood. It was built during 1898-99 taking about ten months to complete and was opened on 5 April 1899 by Sir Joseph Ward.

Design is somewhat similar to, but a much smaller version of the famous Clifton Suspension Bridge over the river Avon in Bristol, Britain. Before the bridge was constructed, settlers depended on a ferry to get stock and supplies across the river which was always a challenging feat given the huge volume of gushing water of the river at that time..

It remained in use until 1978 when the current two lane concrete pillar bridge was opened a bit further downstream.

The Clifden Suspension Bridge is listed as a Category 1 Historic Place by Heritage...

A historic suspension bridge built in 1899 across the Waiau river. It is 111.5 m long and was originally the main bridge crossing in the area. It is listed as a category 1 historic place by Heritage New Zealand. It was closed in 2010 due to safety concerns and reopened again in late 2013, after repair work was completed. It is now accessible for pedestrians to enjoy the views and marvel at the suspension...