Bridal Veil Falls (Waikato)
| Bridal Veil Falls (Waikato) | |
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Bridal Veil/Waireinga Falls, as seen from the second lookout.
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| Location | Waikato, New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 37°54′30″S 174°53′47″E / 37.90833°S 174.89639°E |
| Type | Plunge |
| Total height | 55 metres (180 ft) |
| Watercourse | Pakoka River |
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) Wairēinga Scenic Reserve (created in 1884) with tawa-dominated forest.
The water cascades over a basalt cliff, formed by volcanic activity, 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.
Approximately 15 minutes from the nearby town of Raglan, the falls can be found after an easy 10-minute walk 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.
400m beyond Bridal Veil car park, where Kawhia Rd becomes gravel, is the start of the 6 km Pipiwharauroa Way walking and cycling track.
1898 photograph in Auckland Weekly News
Accounts of visits in 1893, before formation of the road, and in 1900
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Wikipedia