Hinaki Eel Trap Bridge

The Hinaki Eel Trap Bridge is a steel footbridge and sculpture that crosses Oakley Creek and incorporates elements of traditional fishing equipment into its design. The 20 meter structure connects residential areas and provides a direct passage for pedestrians and cyclists over the waterway.

The bridge was designed and built in 2015 by engineer Dan Crocker as a combined pedestrian crossing and art installation within Auckland's infrastructure development program. The structure merges practical transportation needs with artistic design rooted in local heritage.

The bridge references traditional Maori methods of catching eels, practices that have been central to life in New Zealand's waterways for generations. The design shows how these local fishing techniques continue to live in the modern landscape and shape the place's identity.

The bridge offers a dry, level path accessible to pedestrians and cyclists with no special requirements. Visitors can pass through at any time since it is publicly accessible, and lighting conditions change the visual experience throughout the day.

The steel beam construction casts constantly changing shadow patterns on the walkway that vary depending on the time of day and sun position. This optical effect makes each visit feel different and invites exploration of the same crossing multiple times.

Location: Auckland Region

Inception: 2015

Creator: Dan Crocker

Length: 20 m

Made from material: steel

GPS coordinates: -36.90344,174.73692

Latest update: December 14, 2025 18:47