Rangitīkei at Bulls Bridge
The Rangitīkei River waters flow strong and swift at Bulls Bridge. The river's force led to the dramatic collapse of the bridge here in 1973. This disaster prompted research into the scouring (erosion of the river bed) of New Zealand rivers and new design rules to prevent future bridge collapses.
If you're travelling north, as soon as you're over the bridge, turn left to travel back under and upstream. You'll find plenty of parking and a perfect raised area overlooking the river with a picnic table. There are no toilets at this spot – but they aren't too far up the road in town.
What is Horizons doing to improve the River?
Rivers have a range of things that need to be balanced to keep the water clean so its fish and plant life can survive and we can enjoy these special spots.
Horizons works to improve water quality by:
• Helping to fence off rivers and streams so stock do not get into water and contaminate it
• Helping rural land users to stop soil eroding from hills and into water
• Ensuring waste that has to go into water is properly treated to meet water quality standards
• Monitoring water that is taken out of the river so there is enough for everyone, including the fish
Our River's future
While you can enjoy the Rangitikei River this summer, work needs to be done to make sure future generations will be able to swim in it too. Horizons will do this by continuing to support work that reduces the sources of sediment and bacteria getting into the river.