The Ireland Road Bridge is the best place to view the Ahuriri River gorge in Canterbury, NZ. The Ahuriri Valley narrows significantly for several km between the peaks at the valley’s south end. Take the short turnoff from Birchwood Road, about five km from the State Highway 8 turnoff. A large parking area is in front of the bridge, and the best view of the gorge is from the bridge.
The gate on the far side was locked, preventing car access to Ireland Road. However, if the river is too high to cross safely, you can use the bridge to access East Ahuriri Track, also a section of Te Araroa. This track takes you to Lake Ohau to the north.
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