Paihia to Opua Coastal Track – Boardwalk and Bridge
Project location
Te Haumi Inlet, Bay of Islands
Client
Far North District Council
Services provided by Frame Group
Detailed Design and Engineering
Consents Management
Construction Management
Partners
Steve Bowling Contracting – Construction Contractor
Southern Skies – Planning
Frame Group worked with Far North District Council to deliver a major upgrade of the Paihia to Opua Coastal Walkway, one of the most scenic and popular public tracks in the Bay of Islands. The project involved the staged replacement of marine boardwalks, steps and bridges through sensitive mangrove environments, with a strong focus on minimising environmental disturbance, reusing existing infrastructure and aligning delivery with available funding.
Early investigation and in-situ testing confirmed that most of the original boardwalk foundation piles could be retained and reused within the tidal wetland. This significantly reduced site disturbance, minimised consenting requirements and lowered overall project costs. The upgraded infrastructure now provides safer, more accessible walking connections, with improved step geometry and gradients, wider paths, wheelchair-compatible kerbs and improved sightlines.
The design also incorporated measures to improve long-term resilience to sea level rise and slope instability. Boardwalk alignments were refined to reduce environmental impact and construction complexity, using prefabrication and existing foundations where possible. Careful attention to kerb detailing, timber finishes and bridge curvature resulted in a durable, visually cohesive track that supports tourism, community access and long-term maintenance outcomes.
