Wairēinga / Bridal Veil Falls

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]

For other places with the same name, see Bridal Veil Falls (disambiguation).
Wairēinga / Bridal Veil Falls
Bridal Veil/Waireinga Falls, as seen from the second lookout.
LocationWaikato, New Zealand
Coordinates37.908518°S 174.896636°E / -37.908518; 174.896636
TypePlunge
Total height55 metres (180 ft)
WatercoursePakoka 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 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

References
  1. DoC 2013 consultation document page 97 Archived February 22, 2013, at the Wayback Machine
  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 Archived February 22, 2013, at the Wayback Machine

1898 photograph in Auckland Weekly News

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

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