Pros & cons
PROS
- Historic 1920 dam‑top bridge kept for walking and cycling
- Direct link on the Queenstown Trail
CONS
- No vehicle access
- Often confused with the bungy bridge in Gibbston
Overview
Sitting at the outlet of Lake Wakatipu in Frankton, the Old Kawarau Falls Bridge is a bite‑size dose of Queenstown history. Traffic now uses the newer two‑lane bridge beside it, leaving this one to walkers and cyclists—perfect if you're already cruising the Queenstown Trail and want a quick, quiet detour with context.
A bit of history
The bridge runs along the top of the Kawarau Falls Dam, completed in 1920 to hold back lake water in hopes of exposing downstream gold. The scheme never really paid off—the water didn’t drop enough, and returns were modest—but the single‑lane bridge built over the dam became an everyday lifeline for decades.
What it’s like today
With the modern highway bridge taking cars, this historic span has been preserved for people on foot and bike. It’s a short, atmospheric crossing where you can literally tread the line between past engineering ambition and today’s recreational trail network.
What it’s not
Don’t mix it up with the Kawarau Suspension Bridge out toward Gibbston—the one famous for bungy jumping. That’s a different site altogether.
Best time to visit
Our research lists no set hours. Treat it as a quick stop woven into a walk or ride on the Queenstown Trail—easy to enjoy whenever you’re passing through.
Where it is
-45.0281, 168.7392Tips for Kawarau Falls Bridge (Old), Frankton
- 01Fold it into a Queenstown Trail ride or walk rather than making a special trip.
- 02Cars use the new SH6 bridge; this old span is for feet and bikes only.
- 03For bungy viewing or jumping, head to the separate Kawarau Suspension Bridge in Gibbston.
Near Kawarau Falls Bridge (Old), Frankton
All places →All trails →
0.2 mi awayKawarau Falls Scenic ReserveRiverside green space with Remarkables views and easy trailsTrailhead · Parking
0.9 mi awayFrankton BeachQuieter lakeside swim spot with big Remarkables viewsRestroom · Parking
1 mi awayDriftaway CampgroundModern lakeside holiday park with hot tubs and knockout viewsCampground · Restroom
2.4 mi awayLower Shotover BridgeHistoric truss bridge with big river views on the Queenstown TrailRestroom · Exhibit
2.5 mi awayJacks Point TrackLakeside singletrack with big Remarkables views and a breezy vibeModerate · 8.7 mi · 4 hr
3.5 mi awayQueenstown Hill Time WalkShort, steady climb to Queenstown’s best skyline and lake viewsModerate · 3.1 mi · 2.5 hr
3.8 mi awayQueenstown Gardens Lakefront LoopEasy lakeside loop through Queenstown’s gardens with constant viewsEasy · 1.2 mi · 30 min
4 mi awayLake Alta TrackShort alpine climb to a blue cirque lake above Queenstown.Moderate · 2.3 mi · 1.8 hr
