A new footbridge will provide access from the Taiwawe car park/Bull Paddock down to Hot Water Beach's cafes and shops.

Installed recently the project was undertaken by Bridge It Ltd who fitted the 17 metres long footbridge, which weighs about 5 tonnes and cost and cost $51,000.

The new 17m long footbridge installed at Hot Water Beach recently. Photo: TCDC

The new bridge also connects the Pa track access down to Hot Water Beach.

The Thames-Coromandel District Council says in the next few weeks they will be building access footpaths on both sides of the bridge.

'On the northern side it will link to the existing car park and footpath and on to the Pa track to the beach.

'On the southern side it will link to the existing footpath and adjacent reserve area and on to the cafes and main car park.”

Another benefit now is pedestrians won't have to cross the road to use the existing bridge over the Taiwawe Stream and then cross back once they are over it.

Delivery of the new footbridge. Photo: TCDC