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Story: Southland places

Clifden bridge, 2008

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Clifden bridge, 2008

The Clifden bridge was opened in 1899 across the powerful Waiaua River. It replaced a punt which had previously provided access to the farm settlements of Wallace County. With a span of 111.5 metres, the bridge was at the time of opening the longest suspension bridge in New Zealand. It was closed in 2010 by, after restoration, was re-opened for pedestrian and cycle traffic in 2013. The east tower of the bridge holds a plaque commemorating the Clifden men who died in the First World War.

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by Jock Phillips

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David Grant, Southland places – Western Southland, Te Ara – the Encyclopedia of New Zealand, https://teara.govt.nz/en/photograph/20212/clifden-bridge-2008 (accessed 24 June 2026).

Story by David Grant, published 2 March 2009, updated 25 May 2015.