Bluff Road Connectivity Project

Matarangi and Kūaotunu resident and ratepayer groups are exploring a proposal to establish a suspension bridge at Bluff Cove to enable a safe cycling and pedestrian reconnection between their two communities.

In December 2021 a significant rock fall in the area resulted in the closure of Bluff Road 500m beyond Rings Beach bridge at Fisherman’s Rock. The ongoing risk of rockfall and slips means the coastal road link through to Matarangi remains closed.

The Matarangi Residents and Ratepayer Association and Kūaotunu Residents and Ratepayers Association have since worked together to create the proposal to build a suspension bridge, which would bypass the rockfall and also one of the slip sites considered most dangerous.

Where is the project at? 

This project is community-led and any costs for construction are expected to be funded by the community. A community-funded feasibility study has been completed and a concept design developed and costed. Local iwi and TCDC have been consulted in the development of the concept. There needs to be geotechnical investigations and the assessment of the track to better inform the viability of the project. Considerable community consultation will start at that point. As the project is still in its feasibility stage, it has not yet been subject to a detailed design.

How is Council involved? 

In the 2024-2034 Long Term Plan our Council provided $52,000 towards investigations to establish the feasibility of reconnecting the two communities. The project remains a community-led project,. 

What’s next? 

From 28 October to 14 November 2025, geotechnical investigations are expected to be carried out at the Bluff Cove abutment sites for the proposed bridge. These investigators have special permission to access the site, and strict health and safety protocols will be in place to ensure the safety of those involved. Heavy machinery will be in use from 12–14 November to assist with these investigations. All public access will remain closed.

With summer approaching and increased visitors to our region expected, we’d like to remind people that the Bluff Cove section link to Matarangi remains closed. The risk of rockfall and slips makes this area too dangerous for people to access. The Department of Conservation’s Matarangi Bluff Walking track can still be accessed as an alternative route shown in yellow below but it involves stairs and requires a suitable level of fitness.

For more information, contact MRRAI or KRRA, and keep an eye on www.ourmatarangi.com and www.kuaotunu.nz.

Alternate walking track between Matarangi and Kūaotunu: