I have read that years ago it was the custom in Scotland for a prayer to be said as the old-timer crossed a bridge: "God bless the bridge and the man who made it." It is a sentiment that could well be echoed by those who cross treacherous rivers in the northern part of the South Island. It was many years after the first settlers arrived before bridges became common and various methods of crossing the swift and treacherous rivers were used. We recount the experiences of some of these settlers and explorers.