Located in the nearby town of Raglan, and in the wider Waikato region of New Zealand, lies the incredibly underrated Bridal Veil Falls walking track.
A short, easy walk that also includes three viewing platforms, Bridal Veil Falls is a 55m waterfall that has a plunge pool at the base of the waterfall over a period of time.
Starting at the car park at the top of the falls, you soon find yourself in a typical New Zealand North Island forest – dense, green, and incredibly cool.
For a short walk, it really does offer a little bit of something for everyone.
The first exposed section of the trail can be found at the main platform at the top which offers visitors almost a birdseye view of the waterfall and the plunge pool below.
Along the way, from top to bottom, be sure to take notice of the information signs that not only tell you about the features of the waterfall but also how it came to be.
For example, over two and a half million years ago a volcano erupted nearby and essentially created Bridal Veil Falls after the molten lava cooled and, over time, water ran over the top of it hitting the sandstone at the bottom creating the plunge pool.
You’ll find several little signposts along the way that will educate you on the waterfall, as well as the flora and fauna in the area.
Once you’ve finished with the main lookout at arguably the best view of the falls, go back the way you came and begin your descent down the stairs to the middle and bottom lookouts.
Along the way, from top to bottom, be sure to take notice of the information signs that not only tell you about the features of the waterfall but also how it came to be.
For example, over two and a half million years ago a volcano erupted nearby and essentially created Bridal Veil Falls after the molten lava cooled and, over time, water ran over the top of it hitting the sandstone at the bottom creating the plunge pool.
You’ll find several little signposts along the way that will educate you on the waterfall, as well as the flora and fauna in the area.
Once you’ve finished with the main lookout, you can make your way down to the various other viewing platforms of the waterfalls.
The stairs heading down aren’t so bad but might leave you a little breathless coming back up, so absolutely prepare yourself for that!
What I like about the top and middle lookouts is that it gives you a real feel for just how fierce Bridal Veil Falls really is.
The middle viewpoint especially has a nice little ‘nature window’ offering visitors another perspective of the falls.
Again, continuing on the same path down the stairs, you’ll eventually find yourself at the bottom lookout and at the base of Bridal Veil Falls.
The lookout at the bottom of the falls is situated a reasonable distance back from the waterfall which makes it an ideal spot for landscape & long exposure photography, as well as group shots.
It’s also an ideal spot to drop your backpack off and stay a while for a snack or some lunch.
You’ll also be able to get some really nice photos to the right of the waterfall which means you can literally photograph Bridal Veil Falls from every angle.
Once you’re done taking a million photos and having something to eat, make your way back up to the car park via the same track.
I’d recommend this walk to almost anyone! Whilst it is a short walk, Bridal Veil Falls would certainly be ideal for those short on time, casual walkers, parents with little children, or those of you who really enjoy your nature photography.
I absolutely enjoy waterfalls, but I was really impressed by this one and all the information available to read on how it came to be.
If there’s one thing I absolutely enjoy about any hike in New Zealand it’s that there’s always a story behind it which I find really adds to the overall experience.
How long is the Bridal Veil Falls hike?
It’s roughly a 10-minute walk to the top lookout and then a steep ascent to the base viewpoint.
As already mentioned, it’s a steep descent to the bottom which can only mean one thing – a steep ascent out!
