Four French trampers have escaped with only minor injuries after a bridge on the Lake Waikaremoana track gave way and they fell eight metres into the water below.

The cable of the Hopu Ruahine bridge failed yesterday around 1pm.

Department of Conservation spokesman Herbert Christophers said there were three women and one man on the bridge at the time.

 "The trampers fell into the water when the bridge slumped, police said that there's no serious injuries, just a few scratches and bruises."

Labour's conservation spokeswoman Ruth Dyson said it's a huge relief they landed in the water and were uninjured.

She said every bridge on on all Great Walks needs to be checked as soon as possible.