Bridal Veil Falls (Waikato)
Waterfall in Waikato, New Zealand
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Bridal Veil Falls (officially Wairēinga / Bridal Veil Falls; Māori: Wairēinga) is a plunge waterfall located along the Pakoka River in the Waikato area of New Zealand. The waterfall is 55 m (180 ft) high, and has over time caused the formation of a large pool at the base of the waterfall. The falls are in the 217 ha (540 acres)[1] Wairēinga Scenic Reserve (created in 1884)[2] with tawa-dominated forest.[1]
| Wairēinga / Bridal Veil Falls | |
|---|---|
| Māori: Wairēinga | |
Bridal Veil Falls, as seen from the second lookout. | |
 Interactive map of Wairēinga / Bridal Veil Falls | |
| Location | Waikato, New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 37.908518°S 174.896636°E |
| Type | Plunge |
| Total height | 55 metres (180 ft) |
| Watercourse | Pakoka River |
Formation
The water cascades over a basalt cliff, formed by volcanic activity,[3] when an Okete Volcanics vent, on the 226 m (741 ft) hill just to the north, erupted 2.57 million years ago[4] and blocked the valley.[5]
Access and recreational activities
Approximately 15 minutes from the nearby town of Raglan, the falls are an easy 10-minute walk[6] through native bush, along the Pakoka River. Facilities include parking, long-drop toilets and four lookout platforms. River crossings are bridged. It is a steep descent to the falls base by 261 steps cut into a well maintained path.[7]
400m beyond Bridal Veil car park, where Kawhia Rd becomes gravel, is the start of the 6 km Pipiwharauroa Way walking and cycling track.
Swimming and rock climbing
- The pool should not be swum in as water quality does not meet health standards for swimming.
- Abseiling and rock climbing are not permitted due to damage to endangered plant life[8] (the threatened spider orchid Corybas “Kaitarakihi” (Corybas aff. rivularis)).[9]
