The 'Bridge to Nowhere' is one of the odd bridges that lead to nowhere. The bridge, set in lush green forest, has no roads leading to it. It is a concrete arch bridge spanning the Mangapurua Stream in Whanganui National Park, North Island, New Zealand. Constructed in 1936, the 'Bridge to Nowhere' is 130 feet long and 125 feet high.
The Mangapurua valley was first opened in 1917 to settle the soldiers returning from World War I. The 'Bridge to Nowhere' used to provide access to the settlers across the Mangapurua valley. However, economic hardship, and problems associated with the remoteness and difficulty of access, resulted in many families abandoning their farms. Finally, the entire settlement was closed in 1942. Almost all the signs of the settlement has vanished in course of time, however, the bridge still remains.
Today, the 'Bridge to Nowhere' has become a big tourist attraction. It is accessible by mountain bike or tramping on a variety of different tracks, or by boat or kayak, followed by a 45 minute walk along maintained bush trails.
The Mangapurua valley was first opened in 1917 to settle the soldiers returning from World War I. The 'Bridge to Nowhere' used to provide access to the settlers across the Mangapurua valley. However, economic hardship, and problems associated with the remoteness and difficulty of access, resulted in many families abandoning their farms. Finally, the entire settlement was closed in 1942. Almost all the signs of the settlement has vanished in course of time, however, the bridge still remains.
Today, the 'Bridge to Nowhere' has become a big tourist attraction. It is accessible by mountain bike or tramping on a variety of different tracks, or by boat or kayak, followed by a 45 minute walk along maintained bush trails.
