Unless you’re heli-fishing (something I am yet to experience) bridges will usually be part of your journey to destination waters.  Whether slowing the car to have a quick peek, or using parking and access alongside, bridges are unsung heroes of travel and fishing in New Zealand.  In fact, it would largely impossible without it; over 4,000 bridges connect the state highway network alone, more than 10,000 on local roads and a couple of thousand rail bridges.

Whilst cars whir and click across the road surface above, the atmosphere below is still, different.  Bridges anchor themselves into the river bed, with supports showing evidence of waterlines, flood damage, and detritus from the inevitable pigeon population.

At their core bridges are absolutely functional, yet they are often adorned with colour – art even.  They happen to be the perfect canvas for spray can-wielding practitioners to practice and perfect the application of 80’s style lettering to concrete.

Whether it is art or vandalism is in the eye of the beholder.  I’ll allow you to choose your side of that bridge as you peruse these examples.