The highest railway viaduct in New Zealand is the 97 m high Mohaka viaduct spanning the Mohaka River about half way between Napier and Wairoa. This bridge is of steel girder construction, is 270 m long and was opened in 1937. Excursionists will be disappointed that high windbreaks on both sides spoil the view for passengers. 55 kb picture, Location map
The 2nd highest railway viaduct in New Zealand is the 81 m high North Rangitikei viaduct spanning the Rangitikei River. It is the northern-most of the 3 large viaducts on the Mangaweka Deviation, opened in 1981, between Mangaweka and Taihape on the North Island Main Trunk Line. It is of concrete construction built by the cantilever technique from both ends. The central span is a clear 110 m long, the longest equal span of any railway bridge in New Zealand. Together with the approach spans on both sides, the bridge is 160 m long. Being of concrete construction, relatively short and often crossed at high speed, it is easily missed by travellers. 44 kb picture, Location map
The 3rd highest railway viaduct in New Zealand is the 78.6 m high Makatote viaduct about 10 km south of National Park on the North Island Main Trunk Line. This viaduct is of steel girder construction, is 262 m long and was opened in 1908. 61 kb picture, Location map
The 4th highest railway viaduct in New Zealand (also the 2nd longest viaduct in New Zealand) is the 78 m high, 315 m long, South Rangitikei viaduct spanning the Rangitikei River. It is the southermost of the 3 large viaducts on the Mangaweka Deviation, opened in 1981, between Mangaweka and Taihape on the North Island Main Trunk Line. It is an impressive all-concrete structure with twin-shafted vertical piers carrying a continuous prestressed hollow box superstructure of six spans. It incorporates an earthquake resistant feature that is unique in New Zealand and rare in the world. In an earthquake the pier bases could lift up to 13 cm to allow energy and pressure to shift from one pier leg to the other. The rocking action is controlled by large "energy dissipaters" installed in the pier bases. 39 kb picture, 81kb picture, Location map
The 5th highest railway viaduct in New Zealand is the rarely photographed, 78 m high, 187 m long, Waikare viaduct just north of Putorino between Napier and Wairoa. This viaduct is of steel girder construction, opened in the early or mid 1930s. Location map
The 6th highest railway viaduct in New Zealand is the 73 m high, 160 m long Kawhatau viaduct spanning the Kawhatau River. It is the middle viaduct on the Mangaweka Deviation opened in 1981, and is of almost identical construction and dimensions as the North Rangitikei Viaduct described above. The central span is a clear 110 m long, the longest equal span of any railway bridge in New Zealand. 44 kb picture, Location map
The 7th highest railway viaduct in New Zealand is the 72.5 m high, 229 m long, Makohine viaduct between Marton and Mangaweka on the North Island Main Trunk Line. This viaduct is of steel girder construction and is a well-known landmark for road users of State Highway 1. Location map
The 8th equal highest railway viaduct in New Zealand is the 71.6 m high, 160 m long Waikoau viaduct between Napier and Wairoa. It is of steel girder construction with a 76 m long central span weighing 300 tonnes, the third equal longest span of any railway bridge in New Zealand. Location map. Here is a 54 kb picture of the nearby 65.5 m high Matahorua viaduct which has an identical central span. Location map
The 8th equal highest railway viaduct in New Zealand (and the highest viaduct in the South Island) is the 71.6 m high, 146 m long Staircase viaduct on the South Island Midland Line. It is of steel girder construction. Location map
The longest high railway viaduct in New Zealand is the 51 m high, 414 m long new Hapuawhenua viaduct just north of Ohakune on the North Island Main Trunk Line. This viaduct is of concrete construction and is situated on a graceful 420 m radius curve. Opened in 1987, it replaces an older steel structure that is now used for recreation and bungie jumping. Location map
The longest railway bridge in New Zealand is the 1743 m bridge spanning the Rakaia River south of Christchurch. It comprises 143 steel plate-girder spans on concrete piers. Completed in 1939, it replaces an even longer timber structure built in the 1870s. Location map
The 2nd longest railway bridge in New Zealand is the 1138 m bridge spanning the Waitaki River between Timaru and Oamaru. Location map
The 3rd longest railway bridge in New Zealand is the 700 m bridge spanning the Waiau River in North Canterbury. Location map
Rebuilt following Cyclone Bola in 1988, the Waipaoa River bridge near Gisborne was extended by 146 m to 475 m, making it the longest railway bridge in the North Island, Location map, eclipsing the 448 m Tauranga Harbour bridge completed in 1924, Location map
