A new 42 m suspension bridge across the Routeburn River in NZ's South Island is now open, reconnecting the Lake Sylvan Track after storms in 2020 and 2023 damaged and destroyed the previous bridge.
The Department of Conservation (DOC) prioritised resilience in designing the new structure, placing it about 600 m upriver from the original site, which was prone to erosion.
DOC Whakatipu Wai Māori Operations Manager David Butt says the new site was selected for its stability. The bridge stands 11 m above the river’s median height, improving its resistance to flooding and erosion.
To link the bridge to the Sylvan Campsite and surrounding tracks, DOC built 1.5 km of new trail. The Lake Sylvan Track is especially popular with locals and visitors seeking an easy walk in Mt Aspiring National Park, offering scenic views and opportunities to spot native birds like titipounamu, pīwakawaka, and toutouwai.
The bridge also restores access to more remote backcountry routes like Beans Burn and the Sugarloaf/Rock Burn Track. Before the pandemic, the area attracted 11,000–14,000 walkers annually.
“This track offers a gentler connection to nature,” says Butt, “and it’s a great alternative for those who don’t have time or experience for the full Routeburn Track.”
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