Cyclists can once again ride the full St James Cycle Trail loop, near Hanmer Springs, with the opening of a new bridge across the Waiau Uwha River.

The 68m bridge replaces the old McArthur Bridge, which was removed after it was severely damaged by rockfall in 2021.

While the 64km Great Ride cycle trail has remained open, it hasn’t been able to be ridden as a full loop without the bridge, as it spans a gorge and the river is unsafe to cross.

Department of Conservation North Canterbury operations manager Leeann Ellis says having the new bridge open for summer will increase tourism and visitor opportunities.

“We know the Hanmer Springs community and keen riders across New Zealand have been looking forward to the new bridge to reconnect the Great Ride.

“Cyclists, trampers and hunters now have safe, all-weather access across the upper Waiau Uwha to make full use of the St James Conservation Area and beyond.

“It’s taken longer than we’d hoped but the new bridge has been built to be more robust and resilient to climatic changes.”

St James Trails Trust manager Mark Inglis says the new bridge completes the trail once again and will bring a welcomed boost to the local economy.

“It’s fantastic to have the trail stitched back together with this stunning bridge.

“We’re expecting thousands of riders to come and ride the completed trail. It’s been assessed cyclists spend on average $500 per trip – so they will bring a real boost to the local economy.”

Mark Inglis says the new bridge is a big improvement on the old one and spectacular. “It spans right across the gorge, 17m above the river, and is completely rideable.

The bridge is located 60m downstream of the old bridge to avoid future rockfall hazards.

Nationally, the Great Rides attract more than one million visitors to the regions, which equates to $1b worth of expenditure each year. And with cycle tourism on the rise in New Zealand, the goal is to increase that visitor expenditure to $2b in the next 10 years, says Janet Purdey.

Improvements to the cycle trail are planned, with funding applications submitted to the Ngā Haerenga New Zealand Cycle Trails’ Fund for support to move some of the challenging sections of trail away from the 4WD track. There are also plans to upgrade the trail on the western side of the river now access has been restored.

The St James Cycle Trail offers challenging riding through stunning scenery of mountain peaks, high country lakes, alpine meadows and beech forest. It’s best suited for fit, experienced mountain bikers, who can complete the trail in one long (6–9 hour) day or a two-day trip, stopping overnight in campsites or one of three huts.

The 14km Homestead Run loop offers a shorter ride for families and those with less experience and time.