NZ’s longest suspension bridge to open in Aoraki Mt Cook National Park

Wednesday, 22 July 2026

The new 189-metre-long Hooker Valley Bridge will open to the public from 3pm on July 28 after a private event and blessing from mana whenua.

New Zealand’s longest suspension bridge will officially open in the Aoraki Mount Cook National Park next week.

The $4.85 million bridge replaced the former bridge across the Hooker River which was much smaller and closed last April after rainfall and storms caused riverbank erosion.

Construction of the new bridge began in August 2025, with contractors battling the elements of working in a sub-alpine environment including 180kph winds, multiple unseasonal snowfalls and unruly visitors.

Department of Conservation Aoraki Mt Cook district operations manager Sally Jones said the finishing touches and final checks on the new 189 metre bridge would be done this week.

The new Hooker Valley bridge is New Zealand’s longest suspension bridge.

Jones said the opening of the new bridge would be an “incredibly special moment” as it was an impressive feat of engineering and construction skill.

“The completion of this project is a significant milestone for Aoraki and a testament to the dedication, skill and commitment of everyone who has helped make this happen,” Jones said.

She said the new bridge provided a safer crossing that would enhance the visitor experience in the area.

“Building something of this scale in such extreme conditions is no small achievement, and I am incredibly proud of what our contractors, partners and staff have achieved together.”

This photograph shows the old Hooker Valley footbridge, to the right, and the new one being constructed next to it.

The engineer and architect behind the bridge design, Dan Crocker of DC Structures Studio, said it was “exhilarating” to finally see the bridge completed.

“It’s not just the longest suspension bridge in New Zealand; it’s the longest single span footbridge of any kind in the country,” Crocker said.

“Getting the opportunity to design a bridge like this in one of our most iconic locations was an amazing experience. I can’t wait to see people crossing it.”

Jones said the track up the Hooker Valley was the one of the most popular day hikes in the country, attracting hundreds of thousands of visitors each year.

DOC said the new bridge was expected to bring an estimated $167m in revenue to the Mackenzie District over the next ten years.

The engineer and architect behind the unique bridge design, Dan Crocker of DC Structures Studio, said seeing the bridge finally completed was “exhilarating”.

Jones reminded people of the winter conditions at Aoraki at this time of year, and urged any visitors to check forecasts and conditions before heading outdoors.

“The reality at this time of year is that the track can be very icy and it can also be extremely cold.

“People need to be prepared for sub-alpine conditions. You need good solid walking boots or shoes, warm winter clothing, hats and gloves.”

“The views are awe inspiring, but the weather and the environment can be brutal.”

Jones said the best part of the day in winter was often late morning to mid-afternoon when the sun had warmed things up a bit.

The bridge would be open to the public from 3pm on July 28 after a private event and blessing from mana whenua.