The $730,000 bridge, which spans the Catlins River 12km west of Owaka, replaces one closed in November 2009, after it was damaged by an overloaded vehicle.
Residents of the area had been forced to cross the river through a ford, constructed by Bruce Pullar, until the new bridge was opened for use in July.
More than 150 people attended the official opening yesterday, where entertainment included tours of the old Tawanui sawmill, an electric fishing demonstration by Fish and Game New Zealand, a motorcade of classic transport across the bridge and a family picnic by the river.
"It was a great show. Everyone is very happy to have the bridge open again," Catlins Promotions secretary Fergus Sutherland said yesterday.
A booklet on the history of the original Tawanui bridge and its successor was being compiled, he said.
The original bridge was built in 1881, as one of seven sections forming the second bridge across the Clutha River at Balclutha.
It was moved to Tawanui in 1935, when the present concrete Balclutha bridge was constructed.
