Wairēinga/Bridal Veil Falls
Track category
Short walk
Time:
20 min return
Description
It is an attractive easy walk into the top of the Wairēinga/Bridal Veil Falls following the Pakoka River for most of the way. This section of track is designed for assisted wheelchair use and is suitable for children's pushchairs. The two viewing platforms at the top of the falls provide spectacular views of the falls and surrounding countryside.
Wairēinga/Bridal Veil 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.
The track continues down further stairs to the bottom view bridge and shelter with interpretation panels. From here there is a magnificent view directly across the pool and up at the falls.
Getting there
Turn left off State Highway 23 to Te Mata. 1 km past Te Mata, turn left on to Kawhia Rd (no exit) and continue on another 4 km until you see the Wairēinga/Bridal Veil Falls carpark.
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.
Dogs
Dogs are prohibited on all Waikato area tracks except for certified guide dogs and permitted hunting dogs.
Tell someone
Before you go into the outdoors, tell someone your plans and leave a date to raise the alarm if you haven't returned. To do this, use the New Zealand Outdoors Intentions process on the AdventureSmart website. It is endorsed by New Zealand's search and rescue agencies and provides three simple options to tell someone you trust the details about your trip.
Guides and commercial tourism providers