Programme Overview
Walk to the top and down to the base of these spectacular 55m falls.
Track overview:
Return via same track
Walking and tramping - 10 min / 20 min one way
Easiest short walk
No dog access
Description
Times:
- Car park to top of falls: 10 min one way
- Top of falls to base of falls: 10 min one way
This is an attractive, easy walk through native forest following the Pakoka River to the top of the Waireinga / Bridal Veil Falls (55 m). The two viewing platforms at the top of the falls provide spectacular views of the falls and surrounding countryside.
From here, the track descends steeply down stairs to a midway view point.
The track continues down more stairs to the bottom view bridge and information shelter where there is a magnificent view directly across the pool and up at the falls.
Getting there
South of Raglan, turn off SH23 into Te Mata Road. Follow this for 9.4 km then turn left into Kawhai Road. Travel 4 km to the car park.
Nature and conservation
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 from the base of the falls, you can see the band of hard basalt rock (which came from a volcano about 1.5 km away) that has resisted the erosive power of the water and now forms the lip of the falls.
Know before you go
- No swimming - water quality does not meet health standards for swimming.
- No abseiling or rock climbing to protect endangered plants.
For more info go to
www.doc.govt.nz