Wairēinga / Bridal Veil Falls facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Wairēinga / Bridal Veil Falls |
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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′31″S 174°53′48″E / 37.908518°S 174.896636°E |
| Type | Plunge |
| Total height | 55 metres (180 ft) |
| Watercourse | Pakoka River |
Wairēinga / Bridal Veil Falls (in Māori, Wairēinga) is a beautiful plunge waterfall found along the Pakoka River in the Waikato region of New Zealand. This amazing waterfall is about 55 m (180 ft) tall. Over a long time, the powerful water has created a large pool at the bottom of the falls. The waterfall is part of the Wairēinga Scenic Reserve, which covers about 217 ha (540 acres). This reserve was created in 1884 and is home to a forest mostly made up of tawa trees.
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How Did Wairēinga Falls Form?
The water at Wairēinga Falls flows over a cliff made of a type of rock called basalt. This rock was formed by volcanic activity. About 2 million years ago, a volcano in the Okete Volcanics area erupted. This eruption, from a vent on a 226 m (741 ft) hill nearby, blocked the valley and helped create the cliff over which the waterfall now plunges.
Visiting Wairēinga Falls: What to Do
Wairēinga Falls is easy to reach, about 15 minutes from the town of Raglan. You can get to the falls after a simple 10-minute walk through native New Zealand bush, following the Pakoka River.
What Facilities Are Available?
When you visit, you'll find a car park for vehicles and special toilets. There are also four different viewing platforms where you can get amazing views of the waterfall. Bridges help you cross the river easily.
How to Reach the Bottom of the Falls
To get to the very bottom of the falls, you'll need to go down 261 steps. These steps are cut into a well-kept path. It's a steep climb down, so it's not suitable for everyone, especially those who use wheelchairs.
Exploring Nearby Walking Trails
Just 400 meters past the Bridal Veil car park, where Kawhia Road turns into a gravel path, you'll find the start of the Pipiwharauroa Way. This is a 6-kilometer (about 3.7 miles) track perfect for walking and cycling.
Important Safety Information
- Swimming: It is not safe to swim in the pool at the base of the waterfall. The water quality there does not meet health standards for swimming.
- Climbing: Activities like abseiling (climbing down ropes) and rock climbing are not allowed at the falls. This is because these activities can harm rare and endangered plants, like the threatened spider orchid called Corybas “Kaitarakihi”.
