Bridal Veil Falls / Waireinga
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Marios Gavalas
Author And Researcher
Nau mai, haere mai
Nau mai, haere mai
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I've personally walked hundreds of New Zealand's tracks and spent months in libraries uncovering interesting information on New Zealand/Aotearoa. And you'll find a slice of that research on this page - enjoy!
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Information
Bridal Veil Falls / Waireinga
1.6 km return | 10-30 minutes return
One of the most spectacular waterfalls in the country, with viewing platforms perched in all the right places to get you up close.
Walking Track
Access
Bridal Veil Falls are well signposted, 20 km from Raglan. Follow SH23 and turn right into Te Mata Road. After 9.4 km veer left onto Kawhia Road and Bridal Veil Falls are signposted after 3.4 km on the right.
Track
There’s some fine tawa forest on the way to the top lookout. Head right down the 261 steps to two further lookouts and the bridge / viewing platform at the base of the falls. The track is well constructed, with many structures to aid viewing the falls.
Geology
Around 2 million years ago a nearby volcanic eruption spewed lava down a river valley, which then solidified over the older sandstone. This harder basalt then remained intact as water flowed over it and incised a deep pool in the softer sandstone underneath. These excavations left the basalt cliff, with it’s fluted organ pipe hexagonal columns exposed, as an impressive backdrop to the 55m high falls.
Flora
Tawa (Beilschmiedia tawa) has the influence of infusing the forest beneath with a soothing honey-green light. It is a common tree of New Zealand forests and grows to around 25 metres tall. The bright green leaves give an illuminated feel to the forest and it often grows in dense stands to the exclusion of other species. Maori used the tree for treating wounds and relieving stomach upsets.
Polynesian History
Waireinga means ‘leaping waters’, an allusion to the spirits which jump over the falls. To local Maori hapu, affiliated to the marae of Aotea Moana, the area was known to be inhabited by patupaiarehe. These forest fairies are felt as guardians of the area.
Details
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Organisation |
DOC WaikatoCentral government organisation |
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Location |
North Island ▷ Waikato ▷ Raglan |
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Directions To Coordinates |
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Coordinates |
Walking
Nearby
Reviews
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3.0/5
It's a fall.
Nice view from 3 point. Top, middle, bottom. Lowest is the nicest. You might spot eel. Cool if you're in the neighbourhood but not worth a long detour...unless you never seen a fall before. Can not swim (anymore). Water is muddy and there are poison-traps around that could have spoiled the water. It's a very short walk to the fall.
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4.0/5
Very beautiful waterfall and a nice walk till the waterfall.
Interesting sign, with fun facts about how the waterfall was made.
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5.0/5
GREAT walk, very short and well signed.
Such a beautiful waterfall with great observation points. If you do it you have to go to the bottom, definitely worth it.
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4.0/5
It is a magnificent view and beautiful place.
I can walk the short track for the waterfall and it is not so hard.
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4.0/5
Amazing waterfall in the middle of New Zealand wild forest.
Easy walk, interesting trip.
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4.5/5
Nice waterfall, walk from the top to the bottom with platforms to look at it.
Very peaceful.
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5.0/5
An absolutely breathtaking waterfall.
The varied heights of the viewing platforms each provide their own unique view of this beautiful natural phenomenon.
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4.0/5
Short and easy walk with some lookouts.
Impressive waterfall. Perfect for a swim at the end of the walkway, at the bottom of the waterfall.
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4.5/5
Good small walk to where the falls start.
260 steps down to the pool where we swam. Well presented and properly maintained trails. Too many people.
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3.0/5
It's a fall.
Nice view from 3 point. Top, middle, bottom. Lowest is the nicest. You might spot eel. Cool if you're in the neighbourhood but not worth a long detour...unless you never seen a fall before. Can not swim (anymore). Water is muddy and there are poison-traps around that could have spoiled the water. It's a very short walk to the fall.
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4.0/5
Very beautiful waterfall and a nice walk till the waterfall.
Interesting sign, with fun facts about how the waterfall was made.
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4.0/5
It is a magnificent view and beautiful place.
I can walk the short track for the waterfall and it is not so hard.
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5.0/5
GREAT walk, very short and well signed.
Such a beautiful waterfall with great observation points. If you do it you have to go to the bottom, definitely worth it.
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4.0/5
Amazing waterfall in the middle of New Zealand wild forest.
Easy walk, interesting trip.
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4.5/5
Nice waterfall, walk from the top to the bottom with platforms to look at it.
Very peaceful.
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5.0/5
An absolutely breathtaking waterfall.
The varied heights of the viewing platforms each provide their own unique view of this beautiful natural phenomenon.
-
4.0/5
Short and easy walk with some lookouts.
Impressive waterfall. Perfect for a swim at the end of the walkway, at the bottom of the waterfall.
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4.5/5
Good small walk to where the falls start.
260 steps down to the pool where we swam. Well presented and properly maintained trails. Too many people.
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3.5/5
An amazing tall waterfall just a few steps away from the carpark.
You can stand on several observation platforms (one directly above the waterfall) and even at the bottom of the falls.
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4.0/5
Easy walk, beautiful falls.
Very clean track. Nice information on flora and fauna. Self composting toilet.
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4.5/5
Very impressive 55m waterfall.
Three viewing platforms - top, midway and bottom. The 237 steps are well maintained and it's all completely free. Only negative on a hot summer day is that DOC says it is unsafe to swim in the stream or pools. Something about agricultural runoff.
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4.5/5
Stunning place to visit, make it even more fun by taking some raw meat with you and hand feed the eels in the stream at the bottom.
They have become quite friendly and take it from your fingers ... just watch they don't get your finger!! Great fun for the kids.
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3.5/5
Pretty walk.
The falls really look like a bridal veil. Swimming in the water beneath the falls was fun.
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5.0/5
Short track around the Wairenga Falls, not crowded, was alone there so I liked that.
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4.0/5
Great views of falls from top & bottom.
New path & steps so easy access if a little steep!
