I’m pretty lucky…New Zealand is an awesome country to live in; the natural beauty is breathtaking and it’s something that I’m not taking for granted. Bridal Veil Falls near Raglan is one of those spots…
…a 55 metre high waterfall that is rather magical, buried deep in the bush…
…but with viewing platforms at various levels to take in the views of the falls.
Bridal Veil Falls (Wairēinga Falls) is close to the surfing town of Raglan in the Waikato Region…one of my favourite regions in New Zealand if I’m honest…seriously remember how beautiful the Blue Springs walk was that we did for my birthday…those stunning gardens in Hamilton…the Miranda Bird Sanctuary and the not so hidden gem, Cathedral Cove.
As with any walk…I was properly prepared with appropriate footwear…
…slightly better then the folks wearing nothing at all…judge away.
You start the walk with a short walk through the New Zealand native bush…
…it’s all sign posted…
…to the first viewing platform so you have a chance to look down over Bridal Veil Falls…this is only a short and pretty easy 10 minute walk from the car park…
…and with views across farms in the distance.
^^Family photo time!
If you fancy losing some leg wobble then head down to the bottom of the falls…there is another viewing platform half way down…
….with seating if you don’t fancy going any further…but if you keep going downnnnnn….
…it feels like you’ve entered an enchanted forest as you’re surrounded by New Zealand native forest and a rather gorgeous waterfall.
It’s only a 10 minute walk from the top viewing platform to the bottom platform.
No swimming is allowed at these Waikato Falls as they’re considered tapu (sacred)…there are myths about fairies dancing in the pools…so please be respectful and don’t swim at the pools. The water is also not deemed safe to swim in due to hygiene reasons…from farming apparently.
Raglan has become a favourite spot for Aucklanders wanting to escape the big smoke along with New Zealand celebrities…this little Kiwi town used to be famous for its surf (it still is) however it’s becoming a cool place to be seen in now.
We visited during April…the sun was still shining even though it was officially Autumn…we had a wander around town…
…taking in the Art Gallery…
…the tiny tiny bread shop..
…the second hand bookshop which I’m really loving here in New Zealand…
…obviously we were getting closer to the water…
…Hi De Hi…water makes me feel happy and extremely calm!
We had a quick picnic by the waters edge…our family loves a good ol’ picnic, as you’ve probably come to realise from these posts here, here and here. There is always a thermos of tea in the car on all road trips…this is compulsory!
^^Ma & Pa…plus a few seagulls!
After eating a picnic which included hot chips…we needed to walk off said hot chips along the boardwalk…
…it was the middle of the week so it was definitely a quiet time to enjoy the scenery in Raglan…
…the black sand beaches, the West Coast beaches are black sand…
…it’s a beautiful spot for a picnic and a wander with family or friends.
This was my last day in New Zealand before I headed back to England last year…so much has obviously changed in my life since this trip to Bridal Veil Fall and Raglan (including dropping a few necessary kilos) but the one thing that I don’t regret is moving home.
Travel Tips for Bridal Veil Falls and Raglan, Waikato
- Bridal Veil Falls: The falls are signposted from State Highway 23, between Te Uku and Raglan.
- You can find more information about Bridal Veil Falls Raglan on the Department of Conversation website
- You don’t need full on walking boots and shoes to visit Bridal Veil Falls but make sure you’re dressed for the weather as there are a number of steps and these would become slippery after the rain.
- There is easy parking on the road in Raglan however it is less busy during the weekend day and outside of the summer season
- Check out the numerous little independent shops in the town and support them when you can.
- There are picnic tables down on the waters edge for a picnic so don’t worry if you’ve forgotten your picnic blanket.
- Looking for accommodation options in Raglan then check here and here for places to stay
xx
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