There are more than 3000 bridges on walking tracks around New Zealand, the majority of which save walkers from getting wet feet while hiking in the front country.

Several bridges on South Island tracks are usually removed in winter in order to avoid damage from avalanches.

Bridges usually removed are:

• Upper Stony Bridge on the Dart Track
• Multiple bridges on the Milford Track
• Multiple bridges on the Routeburn Track
• Hukere Stream bridge on Cascade Track to Angelus Hut

DOC advises trampers to check its website or to contact the local DOC visitor centre prior to setting out to check if any bridges have been removed.