Wairēinga / Bridal Veil Falls | |
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Māori: Wairēinga | |
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Location | Waikato, New Zealand |
Coordinates | 37°54′31″S 174°53′48″E / 37.908518°S 174.896636°E |
Type | Plunge |
Total height | 55 metres (180 ft) |
Watercourse | Pakoka River |
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]
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]
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.