Bridal Veil Falls (Routeburn, Otago) facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Bridal Veil Falls (Otago-Route Burn) |
|
|---|---|
Bridal Veil as seen from the road to the Routeburn Track.
|
|
| Lua error in Module:Infobox_mapframe at line 185: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value). | |
| Location | Queenstown-Lakes District, New Zealand |
| Coordinates | 44°42′06″S 168°14′50″E / 44.70167°S 168.24722°E |
| Type | Cascade |
| Total height | 57 metres (187 ft) |
The Bridal Veil Falls is a beautiful waterfall located near Queenstown in the Otago region of New Zealand. It is one of many waterfalls you can find in this stunning area. This particular waterfall is well-known because it's easy to see from the main road. Its stream also flows right under the third bridge of the famous Routeburn Track.
Contents
What is Bridal Veil Falls?
Bridal Veil Falls is a type of waterfall called a cascade. This means the water flows down a series of rock steps rather than dropping straight down. The waterfall is about 57 meters (187 feet) tall. It gets its name, "Bridal Veil," because the water often spreads out as it falls, looking like a delicate wedding veil. Many waterfalls around the world share this common and descriptive name.
Where Can You Find It?
This waterfall is in the Queenstown-Lakes District of New Zealand. It's part of the amazing natural landscape near Queenstown, a popular town known for its adventure sports and beautiful scenery. The falls are located within or very close to Mount Aspiring National Park, a huge area of mountains, glaciers, and forests.
Why is it Special?
Even though there are many waterfalls in New Zealand, Bridal Veil Falls stands out for a few reasons. First, its name makes it easy to remember. Second, it's very accessible. You can clearly see it from the road, which makes it a great stop for travelers.
Another special thing about this waterfall is its connection to the Routeburn Track. The stream from Bridal Veil Falls actually flows beneath one of the bridges on this famous hiking trail.
What is the Routeburn Track?
The Routeburn Track is one of New Zealand's "Great Walks." These are a collection of the best long-distance hiking trails in the country. The Routeburn Track is about 32 kilometers (20 miles) long and usually takes two to four days to complete. It passes through incredible landscapes, including mountains, valleys, and rainforests. Hikers on the Routeburn Track get to enjoy amazing views and experience New Zealand's wild beauty up close.
How Was it Formed?
The Bridal Veil Falls flows over a type of rock called Torlesse Terrane metamorphic rock. This rock was formed over millions of years from sediments that were squashed and heated deep within the Earth. Over time, glaciers and rivers carved out the landscape, creating the valleys and cliffs where waterfalls like Bridal Veil Falls can now be seen. The hard metamorphic rock resists erosion, allowing the waterfall to maintain its impressive height.
