Bridal Veil Falls (Waikato)

For other places with the same name, see Bridal Veil Falls (disambiguation).
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 / -37.90833; 174.89639
Type Plunge
Total height 55 metres (180 ft)
Watercourse Pakoka River
The Bridal Veil Falls from the bottom

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 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]

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 about 2 million years ago and blocked the valley.[4]

Access and recreational activities

Approximately 15 minutes from the nearby town of Raglan, the falls can be found after an easy 10-minute walk[5] 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, by 261 steps cut into a well maintained path.[6]

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

See also

Neighbouring areas
Karioi Te Mata
Ruapuke Te Uku Wind Farm
   Wairēinga/Bridal Veil Falls  
Aotea Harbour
Lake Disappear (formed by the same volcanic events)

References

  1. 1 2 DoC 2013 consultation document page 97
  2. ↑ CW Vennell & Susan Williams (1976). Raglan County Hills and Sea 1876-1976. Wilson & Horton for Raglan County Council. p. 292. ISBN 0868640026.
  3. ↑ Te Ara Encyclopedia - formation of waterfalls
  4. ↑ Barry Clayton Waterhouse, P. J. White (1994). Geology of the Raglan-Kawhia Area. Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences (N.Z.). pp. map. ISBN 0-478-08837-X.
  5. ↑ Tramper.co.nz
  6. ↑ "New Stairs at Waireinga-Bridal Veil Falls". www.raglan23.co.nz. Retrieved 2016-03-25.
  7. ↑ Department of Conservation - area guide
  8. ↑ DoC 2013 consultation document page 97

External links

1898 photograph in Auckland Weekly News

Accounts of visits in 1893, before formation of the road, and in 1900

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