New Zealand · Waikato, North Island
Bridal Veil Falls
Waireinga
The Pakoka River free-falls off a basalt lava shelf into a fern-lined gorge near the surf town of Raglan, with viewpoints both from above the lip and down at the base pool via a short forested track. Its Maori name, Waireinga, refers to the leaping-off point of spirits in local legend.
The Pakoka River free-falls off a basalt lava shelf into a fern-lined gorge near the surf town of Raglan, with viewpoints both from above the lip and down at the base pool via a short forested track. Its Maori name, Waireinga, refers to the leaping-off point of spirits in local legend.
Bridal Veil Falls drops 55 metres (180 ft) on the Pakoka. It is a plunge-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Raglan, with HLZ the closest airport. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy.
Reliable year-round flow; autumn and spring give the mildest weather for the short forest walk.
What you can do here
Hiking
From ten-minute boardwalks to multi-day approaches through cloud forest.
Photography
Light angles, moonbows, spray management and the hours that actually work.
When to go
Reliable year-round flow; autumn and spring give the mildest weather for the short forest walk.
Entry: Free
Getting there
- Base townRaglan
- AirportHLZ
- CountryNew Zealand
- RegionWaikato, North Island, Oceania
- AccessEasy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint
On the map
-37.8347, 174.9394
Quick answers
How tall is Bridal Veil Falls?
Bridal Veil Falls drops 55 metres (180 feet). It is a plunge-type waterfall on the Pakoka.
When is the best time to visit Bridal Veil Falls?
Peak flow is March to May and September to October. Reliable year-round flow; autumn and spring give the mildest weather for the short forest walk.
What can you do at Bridal Veil Falls?
Beyond the viewpoints: hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated easy — a short walk or roadside viewpoint.
How do you get to Bridal Veil Falls?
The usual base is Raglan, and the closest airport is HLZ. A short walk or roadside viewpoint from there. Free.
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