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Natural formation · Waitomo Caves, Waikato
Mangapohue Natural Bridge
Double limestone arch about 17 meters over a stream, remnant of a collapsed cave, roughly 26 km from Waitomo, with a short trail, boardwalks and oyster fossils in the rocks.
Illustrative images. The pictures in this guide are illustrations based on the real place, not photographs, and may differ from it.
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About Mangapohue Natural Bridge
The Mangapohue Natural Bridge is located in a Department of Conservation (DOC) reserve, about 26 km west of the village of Waitomo, on the road toward the coast. The Mangapohue stream carved the limestone over thousands of years; the roof of an ancient cave collapsed and left a double rock arch standing, about 17 meters high.
A short trail of about 15 minutes departs from the parking area, crosses a narrow gorge on wooden boardwalks and passes beneath the arch. On the other side, the path continues across pastures with limestone outcrops, where you can see giant oyster fossils millions of years old.
At night, in some sections of the trail near the arch, glowworms often appear on the damp walls, visible with the flashlight switched off.
On the same road there are other reserve stops, such as the Marokopa waterfall viewpoint and the Piripiri track, with a small cave.
Before you go
Practical information
Cidade Turismo reviews its information regularly, but something may have changed. Check with the place before planning your trip.
How much time to set aside
20–30 minutes for the arch trail; about 1 hour including the circuit through the pastures.
Best time
During the day, when the gorge is lit, or after dark to look for glowworms by the arch — bring a flashlight. On rainy days the boardwalks become slippery.
How to get there
By car, about 25 minutes from the village of Waitomo via Te Anga Road heading west, with parking at the trailhead. There is no public transport.
Tip
Combine with Marokopa waterfall, a few kilometres further along the same road. To see glowworms at night, bring a flashlight and turn it off when you are next to the arch walls.
Official website
Get your questions answered
Frequently asked questions about Mangapohue Natural Bridge
Where is the Mangapohue Natural Bridge?
On Te Anga Road, about 26 km west of the village of Waitomo.
Is the Mangapohue Natural Bridge trail difficult?
No. It is short, about 15 minutes on boardwalks to the arch.
Are there glowworms at the Mangapohue Natural Bridge?
At night glowworms often appear on the damp walls beside the arch, visible with the flashlight switched off.