Bridal Veil Falls (Waikato)
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| Bridal Veil Falls (Waikato) | |
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| File:Waireinga Falls.jpg
Bridal Veil/Waireinga Falls, as seen from the second lookout.
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| Location | Waikato, New Zealand |
| Coordinates | Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found. |
| Type | Plunge |
| Total height | 55 metres (180 ft) |
| Watercourse | Pakoka River |
Bridal Veil Falls (Māori Waireinga) is a plunge waterfall located along the Pakoka River in the Waikato area of New Zealand. The waterfall is 55 m (180 ft) high, and has over time caused the formation of a large pool at the base of the waterfall. The falls are in the 217 ha (540 acres)[1] Wairēinga Scenic Reserve (created in 1884)[2] with tawa-dominated forest.[1]
Contents
Formation
The water cascades over a basalt cliff, formed by volcanic activity,[3] when an Okete Volcanics vent, on the 226 m (741 ft) hill just to the north, erupted about 2 million years ago and blocked the valley.[4]
Access and recreational activities
Approximately 15 minutes from the nearby town of Raglan, the falls can be found after an easy 10-minute walk[5] through native bush, along the Pakoka River. Facilities include parking, long-drop toilets and four lookout platforms. River crossings are bridged. It is a steep descent to the falls base, not handicap enabled, by 261 steps cut into a well maintained path.[6]
400m beyond Bridal Veil car park, where Kawhia Rd becomes gravel, is the start of the 6 km Pipiwharauroa Way walking and cycling track.
Swimming and rock climbing
- The pool should not be swum in as water quality does not meet health standards for swimming.
- Abseiling and rock climbing are not permitted due to damage to endangered plant life[7] (the threatened spider orchid Corybas “Kaitarakihi” (Corybas aff. rivularis)).[8]
See also
| Karioi | Te Mata | ||
| Ruapuke |  |
Te Uku Wind Farm | |
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| Aotea Harbour | Lake Disappear (formed by the same volcanic events) |
References
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 DoC 2013 consultation document page 97
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Te Ara Encyclopedia - formation of waterfalls
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Tramper.co.nz
- ↑ Lua error in package.lua at line 80: module 'strict' not found.
- ↑ Department of Conservation - area guide
- ↑ DoC 2013 consultation document page 97
External links
1898 photograph in Auckland Weekly News
Accounts of visits in 1893, before formation of the road, and in 1900
