The swingbridge built across the Ohinemuri River in more recent years, connects the Karakangahake Gorge main reserve carpark to the 45-minute walkway across the river. Picture shows a group returning to the reserve after completing all or part of the walkway. On far left/middle another recently built swingbridge crosses the Waitewheta River tributary.

Built in recent years by government agencies, the swingbridge crossing the Ohinemuri River from the eastern (Waihi side) of the Karangahake carpark reserve has transformed the gorge's 45-minute easy loop walkway into one of the most accessible from a State Highway in New Zealand.

Within just a few years of developing the carpark and reserve, along with the swingbridge, it is already apparent that the powers that be are going to have to develop another layby carpark in the near future to cater for the rapidly increasing popularity of the Karangahake Gorge for both New Zealanders and tourists.