Waterfall Record

This is a portion of a waterfall with a rainbow.

The Waterfall Record

Bridal Veil Falls, New Zealand

Plummeting 180 feet / 55 meters over a basalt cliff, Bridal Veil Falls is framed by a stunning amphitheater of lush forest.
Bridal Veil Falls in May 2011

Quick Facts

Accessibility: 7/10 (easy/moderate)
Height: 180′ / 55 m
Length of Hike: 0.8 miles / 1.3 km round-trip

The Record

The North Island of New Zealand is home to some truly spectacular cascades. While Wairere and Marokopa Falls often steal the spotlight, Bridal Veil Falls is an absolute must-see.

Plummeting 180 feet over a basalt cliff, the falls are framed by a stunning amphitheater of lush forest. What makes this spot special is the variety of perspectives. You start at the top with two accessible platforms looking straight down the plunge, but the real magic happens as you descend the 260-step trail.

About halfway down, the canopy opens up to reveal the view in this photo: the perfect spot to capture the waterfall’s elegant veil shape. Once you reach the bottom, a bridge crosses the Pakoka River, placing you right in the splash zone. Be prepared for a bit of mist! The falls are surprisingly powerful and the spray at the base is a refreshing reward for the hike!

Directions

  1. From NZ-39 at Whatawhata, head west along NZ-23 for just over 26 kilometers.
  2. Turn left onto Te Mata Road and drive for about 7 km.
  3. Take a left turn to continue on Te Mata Road for 2.5 km more.
  4. Take a slight left onto Kawhia Road and drive for 3.5 km. You’ll see a sign for Bridal Veil Falls and a parking area.

Where in the World is Bridal Veil Falls?

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