The lookouts
Four platforms above the falls.
Misaochan — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Charlie Mitchell — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Symac — CC BY-SA 3.0 · Ashishkumar468 — CC BY-SA 4.0 · Symac — CC BY-SA 3.0
Bridal Veil Falls, officially Wairēinga / Bridal Veil Falls, is a 55 metre plunge waterfall on the Pakoka River in the Waikato region of New Zealand's North Island, about 12 km from the town of Raglan in a straight line. The water drops over a basalt cliff that formed when a vent on the 226 metre hill just to the north erupted about 2.57 million years ago and blocked the valley. Over time the falls have carved a large pool at their base. The falls lie in the 217 hectare Wairēinga Scenic Reserve, created in 1884 and covered in tawa-dominated forest. The dark, columned basalt cliff stands behind the white ribbon of water, framed by green bush. From the car park an easy 10 minute walk through native bush leads to the top, with four lookout platforms along the way, and a path of 261 steps descends steeply to the base. The pool is not safe for swimming as the water does not meet health standards, and climbing and abseiling are banned to protect a threatened orchid on the cliff.
Four platforms above the falls.
261 steps to the pool.
Dark volcanic columns.
Wairēinga Scenic Reserve, Kawhia Road, Waikato, New Zealand
No, the water is unsafe.
Easy to the top; the steps are steep.