Te Rewa Rewa Bridge

TARANAKI TASTER TOUR

This spectacular 83m bridge over the Waiwhakaiho River is on an extension to the New Plymouth Coastal Walkway. It is used by both cyclists and pedestrians. The steel arch structure, intended to represent a whale skeleton or a braking wave, was designed by Novare Design and built by Whitaker Civil Engineering. The designer, Peter Mulqueen, had worked for Calatrava.

The Waiwhakaiho river itself is special to Taranaki Iwi and the region, running directly to the sea from Mount Taranaki and carrying many healthy trout. Although it is spoken without incorporating the 'h' sound, the spelling remains, as to remove the 'h' would change the name from the very appropriate meaning of 'spiritual umbilical cord', 'to sinking vessel'.

The rivermouth and Fitzroy Beach, not far to the west, have surf breaks and a holiday park.

TARANAKI TASTER TOUR