The ‘bridge to somewhere’ at Aotuhia was built in 1937 across the Whangamomona River, and is a similar design to the ‘bridge to nowhere‘ in the Whanganui National Park.
Abandoned. There is a sense of desolation, a forlorn air about a bridge that serves no function. The promise of farms to returned soldiers (World War I) in the remote backcountry of the North Island makes these bridges very poignant. Failed dreams with a bridge as a memorial.
DIRECTIONS FROM STRATFORD (TARANAKI)
Stratford to Makahu to Bridge to Somewhere and abandoned settlement of Aotuhia
STRATFORD IS THE EASIEST ACCESS ROUTE – GRAVEL ROADS, NARROW AND WINDING
Stratford on the Forgotten World Highway, take the road to Makahu then continue on the Upper Mangaehu Road for 23km. You will turn slightly left onto Whangamomona Road, Aotuhia. Here is the Bridge to Somewhere.
This road also takes you past the start of the Matemateaonga Track, an experienced hiking multiple day journey in the central North Island. Stratford is a quiet Taranaki town known for its chiming clock as its centrepiece attraction.
BRIDGE TO SOMEWHERE CAN BE ACCESSED ON THE FORGOTTEN HIGHWAY 43
You can access the Bridge to Somewhere from the Forgotten Highway town of Whangamomona. Access to the bridge is via the 18km long unsealed Whangamomona Road. This road is strictly for the dedicated 4WD, motorbike, mountain bike or the intrepid hiker. There are warning signs about the unrepaired road conditions.
Whangamomona Hotel State Highway 43 is located on the corner of Whangamomona Road. Ask at the Whangamomona hotel about road conditions before embarking on this trip.
The ‘bridge to somewhere‘ at Aotuhia was built in 1937 across the Whangamōmona River, and is a similar design to the ‘bridge to nowhere‘ in Whanganui National Park. Aotuhia, 20 kilometres south-east of Whangamōmona, was opened up to European settlement in 1896.
Source: The ‘bridge to somewhere’ – Taranaki places.
INTERESTING FACT NOTE AFFILIATE PARTNER STATEMENT
Tangarakau, Mount Dampier falls are part of the Forgotten Highway which features as one of the top New Zealand Road Trips.
BEST BITS TRAVEL GUIDE