Bridal Veil/Waireinga Falls Walk
Short walk
Time:
20 min return
Getting there
Turn left off State Highway 23 to Te Mata. Once past Te Mata, turn left on to Kawhia Road (no exit) and continue on until you see the Bridal Veil/Waireinga Falls carpark.
Description
It is an easy walk into the top of the Bridal Veil/Waireinga Falls following the Pakoka River for most of the way. The track is Barrier Free to the top of the falls, so it is suitable for wheelchairs and pushchairs.
Bridal Veil Falls
Seating for 3-4 people is provided half way along the track and another seat is sited near the top of the falls.
There are two good viewing areas at the top but it’s also worth taking the steep set of steps down to the next viewing platform. The rocks around the pool are mainly soft sandstones that have been worn down by the river to form a large amphitheatre. If you look up you can see the band of hard basalt rock that has resisted the erosive power of the river and now forms the lip of the spectacular 55-metre falls.
Plan and prepare
No swimming
Water quality does not meet health standards for swimming.
No abseiling or rock climbing
Abseiling and rock climbing are not permitted due to damage to endangered plants.
What to expect on a short walk:
- Easy walking for up to an hour
- Track is well formed, with an even surface. There may be steps or slopes
- Suitable for people of most abilities and fitness
- Stream and rivers crossings are bridged
- Walking shoes required