Bridal Veil Falls (officially Wairēinga / Bridal Veil Falls; ) is a plunge waterfall located along the Pakoka River in the Waikato area of New Zealand. The waterfall is high, and has over time caused the formation of a large pool at the base of the waterfall. The falls are in the DoC 2013 consultation document page 97 Wairēinga Scenic Reserve (created in 1884) with tawa-dominated forest.DoC 2013 consultation document page 97
Formation The water cascades over a basalt cliff, formed by volcanic activity,Te Ara Encyclopedia – formation of waterfalls when an Okete Volcanics vent, on the hill just to the north, erupted 2.57 million years agoStipp, J. J. (1968). The geochronology and petrogenesis of the Cenozoic volcanics of North Island. New Zealand [Ph. D. thesis]: Canberra, Australian National University. and blocked the valley.
Access and recreational activities Approximately 15 minutes from the nearby town of Raglan, the falls are an easy 10-minute walkTramper.co.nz 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.
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 lifeDepartment of Conservation – area guide (the threatened spider orchid Corybas “Kaitarakihi” (Corybas aff. rivularis)).DoC 2013 consultation document page 97
See also List of waterfalls List of waterfalls in New Zealand Waterfall Formation
References
External links 1898 photograph in Auckland Weekly News Accounts of visits in 1893, before formation of the road, and in 1900