Bridal Veil Falls (Waikato)
| Bridal Veil Falls (Waikato) | |
|---|---|
 Bridal Veil/Waireinga Falls, as seen from the second lookout. | |
| Location | Waikato, New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 37°54′30″S 174°53′47″E / 37.90833°S 174.89639°E |
| Type | Plunge |
| Total height | 55 metres (180 ft) |
| Watercourse | Pakoka River |
Bridal Veil Falls (Māori Waireinga) is a plunge waterfall located along the Pakoka River in the Waikato area of New Zealand. The waterfall is 55 metres high, and has over time caused the formation of a large pool at the base of the waterfall. The falls are in the 217ha Wairēinga Scenic Reserve with tawa-dominated forest.[1]
Formation
Over time, the sandstone where the waterfall is located was worn down, leaving the hard basalt cliff behind. The water cascades from this cliff, and further erodes the sandstone at the base,[2] which is cause of the large pool.
Access and recreational activities
Approximately 15 minutes from the nearby town of Raglan, the falls can be found after an easy 10 minute walk[3] 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, not handicap enabled. Over 300 steps cut into a well maintained path.
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[4] (the threatened spider orchid Corybas “Kaitarakihi” (Corybas aff. rivularis)).[5]
See also
and the map in the Lake Disappear article - 4 km away and formed by the same volcanic events.