Monkeytoe was proud to support the development of the Te Hangāruru Trail, a new off-road walking and cycling route connecting Horopito to National Park Village through the rugged and scenic Waimarino region in New Zealand’s central North Island.

This project required a safe, durable crossing that could be installed in a remote and difficult-to-access environment, helping link communities, riders, and hikers along the evolving trail network.

The Challenge

Traditional bridge construction methods were not feasible for this site due to limited road access and challenging terrain. The structure needed to be light enough to be air-lifted into place by helicopter, yet strong enough to handle the elements and consistent use by pedestrians and cyclists. Environmental impact also had to be minimised to protect the surrounding landscape.

The Solution

Monkeytoe delivered a purpose-built flyable aluminium bridge — fully prefabricated offsite, engineered for quick installation, and designed for long-term performance in harsh outdoor conditions.

By using high-strength marine-grade aluminium, the bridge offers exceptional durability, corrosion resistance, and minimal maintenance, all while keeping the weight low enough for efficient aerial transport and placement.

This innovative approach showcased Monkeytoe’s expertise in engineering solutions for hard-to-reach places, making access possible where others couldn’t.

The Outcome

The completed bridge now provides a safe, reliable, and visually unobtrusive connection along the Te Hangāruru Trail — improving accessibility for walkers and cyclists and helping advance regional tourism and recreation goals.

It’s another example of Monkeytoe’s “Everything Better” philosophy in action: using innovation and safety by design to bring connection to even the most remote locations.