Spanning the Arapuni gorge near the Arapuni Dam, the suspension bridge was a simple structure associated with New Zealand's largest civil engineering project at the time. Construction commenced in May 1925 and was completed within three months after April 1926, without any formal opening ceremony.
Visitors crossing the bridge are treated to breathtaking views of the scenic gorge, with visible geological features. The cliffs on the true right of the landing were formed by volcanic ignimbrite blocks, exhibiting vertical fissures resulting from cooling stresses.