Bridal Veil Falls (Waikato)

For other places with the same name, see Bridal Veil Falls (disambiguation).

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.
Location	Waikato, New Zealand
Coordinates	37.908518°S 174.896636°E / -37.908518; 174.896636
Type	Plunge
Total height	55 metres (180 ft)
Watercourse	Pakoka River

The Bridal Veil Falls from the bottom

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]

Wairēinga framed by native bush, as seen from the midway viewing platform

See also

• List of waterfalls
• List of waterfalls in New Zealand
• Waterfall Formation