Rebuilt to last: Te Waihou Walkway/Blue Spring upgrade

Few places in New Zealand capture the imagination quite like the famous ‘Blue Spring’. Located near the South Waikato town of Putāruru, its crystal-clear waters draw thousands of visitors each year. But when Cyclone Gabrielle and other storms hit in the summer of 2023, the popular walkway took a hammering. Bridges and staircases were damaged, sections of boardwalks washed out, and the track was forced to close. For locals and visitors alike, it was a great loss. Access was partially restored – from the northern entrance (Leslie Rd) – in late 2024 in time for the summer season, with a full reopening completed by the end of June, 2025.

Today Te Waihou Walkway is safer, stronger, and more accessible. Cambridge contractors Keir Projects delivered the physical works for their client, South Waikato District Council, in collaboration with Raukawa who oversaw cultural and environmental outcomes. Waipu-based timber manufacturer  Northpine supplied much of the solid timber (notably 200x50 H5 SG8 beams) required for the boardwalks.

Strength you can trust

“This project shows exactly why Northbeam is trusted for civil works,” says Northpine spokesperson Steve Challis. “Keir Projects were rebuilding in a challenging environment – over and around water, through farmland, in a popular and iconic tourist setting. The timber needed to deliver strength, durability and reliability, as well as being cost-effective.” 

Treated up to H6 standard and available in lengths up to 7.2m, Northbeam is a range of beams and square posts that provide the structural integrity required, while blending seamlessly into the natural environment. For visitors, that means boardwalks that feel secure underfoot.

The challenges of precision in a protected landscape

Keir Projects faced an array of challenges: tight access, strict gear restrictions, and the delicate task of protecting Te Waihou’s pristine ecosystem. Much of the construction was done by hand, with helicopters transporting timber into otherwise inaccessible areas. 

Enhancing the visitor experience

At 4.7 kilometres, Te Waihou Walkway is not a particularly long or demanding trek, but it is one of the most beloved in the Waikato. The upgrades involved the creation of new boardwalks, steps and stairs, a viewing platform, wider paths and replacement of weathered structures. Visitors are now guided more safely and carefully along the track.

“When you’re rebuilding in a place like Te Waihou, contractors need materials that can stand up to constant use and exposure to the elements, but still sit naturally and harmoniously within the landscape,” says Steve. “Northbeam’s exceptional natural density makes it stronger and stiffer, so it ticks a lot of boxes for civil contractors needing to meet the requirements of structural engineers and other specifiers.”

The result here is a safer, more enjoyable experience that also helps protect the fragile ecosystem.

For the South Waikato, this reopening is more than just the return of a popular walk – it’s a renewed connection to a regional taonga. 

Northbeam: Fit for purpose

Civil contractors, engineers, and designers looking to deliver high-performance outdoor infrastructure can take confidence in Northbeam’s track record. From boardwalks and bridges to wharves and marinas, this range of SG8/SG10 treated Radiata continues to prove its worth in complex, high-profile projects across the country. Northpine’s ability to source the right kind of logs, proven technical excellence (recognised with at least 12 industry awards for wood processing), and timely delivery to customers, has been key to their growth and success over the last 25 years.

At Te Waihou, Northbeam from Northpine is doing exactly what it is produced for: performing under pressure, enhancing safety, and helping to preserve the natural beauty of one of New Zealand’s most remarkable landscapes.