Structures built for the purpose of encouraging visitor use and enjoyment of the natural environment also provide for practical access options across waterways, along steep slopes and through wetland areas.

The main form taken in these instances are bridges, boardwalks, retaining and stairways. In another function we see the practical meld with the environment to provide a previously unrealised experience such as a mangrove boardwalk, viewing platform or a Canopy Walkway.

A variety of bridge styles can be used to span crossings greater than 2.5m, with the choice of bridge commonly being influenced by location, budget and function. Te Ngahere has extensive experience in the construction of timber beam, pole, glue laminated, prefabricated steel and cable bridges. To date the largest single span bridge Te Ngahere have built is a 20m bridge built in Kawerau Reserve, on the North Shore.

Handrails are almost always required on bridges and depending on there function, location and user group there are design specifications that need to be followed. Te Ngahere are experienced in working with a variety of handrail types including timber (pine or hardwood), metal (steel, stainless, copper or powder coating), or a combination of these materials.

View gallery of Suspension Bridges or gallery of Single Span Bridges.

Traditionally providing for all weather access across ‘boggy’ areas, boardwalks are becoming increasingly common as a solution for protecting ecologically sensitive areas, from the impacts of visitor use.

Depending on ground conditions the footing design is crucial to getting the required loading and profile. Boardwalks are a good way of elevating and containing users to a designated area. When installed to the relevant standards boardwalk provides excellent options for whellchair access.

View the Mangrove Boardwalk gallery.

Stairways have two basic forms, in ground 'boxed' steps and above ground 'stringer' steps. Boxed steps involve the excavation and retaining of soil, along with the installation of timber 'boxes' to form a stairway with a uniform measured grade. As they are dug to the contours of the land they sit harmoniously with the environment.

Stringer steps are elevated above ground level via two or more main ‘stringer’ beams. Stringer steps are commonly used to ascend steep and difficult sites, as such there is facility to span large distances with limited environmental impact.

As with bridge construction, stairways are usually accompanied with a grip-able handrail for ease of access and may need barrier handrails depending on the fall height and user group.