Wairēinga / Bridal Veil Falls, Waterfall in Waikato, New Zealand

Wairēinga, also known as Bridal Veil Falls, is a waterfall that drops from a basalt cliff face and forms a large plunge pool in the river below. The site has multiple viewing platforms, facilities including toilets, and 261 steps that connect different observation points around the falls.

The falls formed when ancient volcanic eruptions deposited basalt across the valley, creating the cliff that would eventually shape the waterfall. Over time, flowing water carved through these rock layers to create the drop and plunge pool seen today.

The falls carry the official dual name Wairēinga / Bridal Veil Falls, and the Māori name is used alongside the English one on maps and signs. The English name comes from the spray thrown up where the falling water hits a large rock just below the surface of the 5 m deep pool, which the German sources describe as looking like a bridal veil.

The falls are about 15 minutes' drive from Raglan; the walk from the car park through native bush along the Pakoka River takes around 10 minutes. The descent to the base is steep, via 261 steps cut into a maintained path, with four lookout platforms and bridged river crossings. Long-drop toilets and parking are at the car park, and the 6 km Pipiwharauroa Way track starts 400 m beyond it where Kawhia Rd turns to gravel.

Abseiling and rock climbing are banned at the falls to protect the threatened spider orchid Corybas "Kaitarakihi" (Corybas aff. rivularis), which grows on the cliff. The 217 ha Wairēinga Scenic Reserve around the falls was created in 1884 and is dominated by tawa forest.