Bridal Veil Falls (Waikato) Explained

Wairēinga / Bridal Veil Falls
Location:Waikato, New Zealand
Watercourse:Pakoka River
Type:Plunge
Height:55m (180feet)

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 55m (180feet) high, and has over time caused the formation of a large pool at the base of the waterfall. The falls are in the 217ha[1] Wairēinga Scenic Reserve (created in 1884)[2] with tawa-dominated forest.[3]

Formation

The water cascades over a basalt cliff, formed by volcanic activity,[4] when an Okete Volcanics vent, on the 226m (741feet) hill just to the north, erupted 2.57 million years ago[5] and blocked the valley.[6]

Access and recreational activities

Approximately 15 minutes from the nearby town of Raglan, the falls are an easy 10-minute walk[7] 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.[8]

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

External links

Notes and References

  1. http://www.doc.govt.nz/Documents/getting-involved/consultations/2012/cms/waikato-draft/waikato-conservancy-cms-2014-2024-volume-1.pdf DoC 2013 consultation document page 97
  2. Book: CW Vennell & Susan Williams. Raglan County Hills and Sea 1876–1976. Wilson & Horton for Raglan County Council. 1976. 0868640026. 292.
  3. http://www.doc.govt.nz/Documents/getting-involved/consultations/2012/cms/waikato-draft/waikato-conservancy-cms-2014-2024-volume-1.pdf DoC 2013 consultation document page 97
  4. http://www.teara.govt.nz/TheBush/Landscapes/Waterfalls/2/en Te Ara Encyclopedia – formation of waterfalls
  5. Stipp, J. J. (1968). The geochronology and petrogenesis of the Cenozoic volcanics of North Island. New Zealand [Ph. D. thesis]: Canberra, Australian National University.
  6. Book: Barry Clayton Waterhouse, P. J. White. Geology of the Raglan-Kawhia Area. Institute of Geological & Nuclear Sciences (N.Z.). 1994. 0-478-08837-X. map.
  7. http://tramper.co.nz/?3330 Tramper.co.nz
  8. Web site: 10 February 2010 . New Stairs at Waireinga-Bridal Veil Falls . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20130222204004/https://www.raglan23.co.nz/2010/new-stairs-at-waireinga-bridal-veil-falls/ . 22 February 2013 . 25 March 2016 . www.raglan23.co.nz.
  9. http://www.doc.govt.nz/parks-and-recreation/tracks-and-walks/waikato/waikato/waireinga-bridal-veil-falls/ Department of Conservation – area guide
  10. http://www.doc.govt.nz/Documents/getting-involved/consultations/2012/cms/waikato-draft/waikato-conservancy-cms-2014-2024-volume-1.pdf DoC 2013 consultation document page 97

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