View source for Earth:Mangapohue Natural Bridge

{{Use New Zealand English|date=May 2019}}
[[File:Two rock arches at Mangapohue Natural Bridge.jpg|thumb|right|Double rock arches at Mangapohue Natural Bridge]]

The '''Mangapohue Natural Bridge''' consists of two rock arches formed by the Mangapohue Stream in the Marokopa River valley near [[Earth:Waitomo Caves|Waitomo]], New Zealand.

The 17 m high limestone arches are a remnant of an ancient cave system.<ref>[http://www.waitomo.org.nz/waitomo-things-to-do-and-see/mangapohue-natural-bridge/ Mangapohue Natural Bridge - Destination Waikato] (from the official tourism website for Waitomo (not-for-profit). Accessed 2014-01-09.)</ref> The smaller lower rock arch spans the Mangapohue Stream and cannot be walked through, while the larger upper arch is situated straight above the lower arch and contains a platform to view the stalactites on the upper arch's ceiling.

The arches can be reached by the sealed Te Anga Road from State Highway 3 approximately 25&nbsp;km west of the [[Earth:Waitomo Caves|Waitomo Caves]].<ref>[http://www.waitomo.govt.nz/events/te-kuiti-visitor-information-centre-i-site/sights-and-activities/walks-and-reserves/ Walks and reserves] {{webarchive|url=https://web.archive.org/web/20140109035530/http://www.waitomo.govt.nz/events/te-kuiti-visitor-information-centre-i-site/sights-and-activities/walks-and-reserves/ |date=2014-01-09 }} (from the Waitomo District Council website. Accessed 2014-01-09.)</ref> From the carpark, the wheelchair-friendly walk takes 5 minutes to reach the natural bridge. The walk leads through a scenic limestone gorge, crossing the stream once on a timber bridge, and ending at a viewing platform below the rock arches. Steps lead to a further viewing platform between the lower and upper arch. A track also continues some 15 minutes further over farmland.<ref>[http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/waikato/waitomo-pureora/mangapohue-natural-bridge/ Mangapohue Natural Bridge track] (from the New Zealand Department of Conservation website. Accessed 2013-07-20.)</ref>

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[[Category:Natural arches]]


{{Sourceattribution|Mangapohue Natural Bridge}}