Bridal Veil Falls (Waikato)
Wairēinga / Bridal Veil Falls | |
---|---|
Māori: Wairēinga | |
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 |
Bridal Veil Falls (officially Wairēinga / Bridal Veil Falls; Māori: Wairēinga) 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]
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 2.57 million years ago[4] and blocked the valley.[5]
Access and recreational activities
Approximately 15 minutes from the nearby town of
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[8] (the threatened spider orchid Corybas “Kaitarakihi” (Corybas aff. rivularis)).[9]
See also
References
- ^ a b DoC 2013 consultation document page 97 Archived 22 February 2013 at the Wayback Machine
- ISBN 0868640026.
- ^ Te Ara Encyclopedia – formation of waterfalls
- ^ Stipp, J. J. (1968). The geochronology and petrogenesis of the Cenozoic volcanics of North Island. New Zealand [Ph. D. thesis]: Canberra, Australian National University.
- ISBN 0-478-08837-X.
- ^ Tramper.co.nz
- ^ "New Stairs at Waireinga-Bridal Veil Falls". www.raglan23.co.nz. 10 February 2010. Archived from the original on 22 February 2013. Retrieved 25 March 2016.
- ^ Department of Conservation – area guide
- ^ DoC 2013 consultation document page 97 Archived 22 February 2013 at the Wayback Machine
External links
- 1898 photograph in Auckland Weekly News
- Accounts of visits in 1893, before formation of the road, and in 1900