We did the full walk to the bottom of the Bridal Veil Falls

The falls are an easy 10-minute walk through native bush from the carpark to the top lookout. You can turn around and go back to your car from here or carry on to the bottom of the waterfall.

It took us around 20 minutes to get to the bottom of the falls and a bit longer on the way back up with 300 steps to the top again! The water plunges 55 m down into soft sandstone.

Can you swim in Bridal Veil Falls?

Rather disappointingly, no, you can’t swim at the base of the waterfall. The water quality is really bad and not good at all, best be safe and not swim here. 

SAVE 40% on last-minute tour tickets on: Raglan Harbour Sunset Cruise – 1.5 Hours

Quick Facts about Bridal Veil Falls walk

  • Location: Raglan, North Island, New Zealand
  • Distance: 1.5 km return
  • Time needed: 20 minutes one way 
  • Difficulty: Medium
  • Wheelchair and Buggie Access: Yes –  to the top of the falls and the lookout
  • Route: Double back
  • Elevation: 200m
  • Wet Feet: No
  • Toilets: The car park has basic facilities including long-drop toilets
  • Dogs: No
  • Mobile Coverage: No
Bridal Veil Falls Raglan

Summary points about our walk near Raglan

Walk Highlights

The views of the Bridal Veil waterfall from the top lookout are amazing. Or walk to the very bottom for a better view at the base.

Track Quality

Excellent six foot wide gravel track with safe wooden steps with added anti slip mesh.

Hazards

Stay on the walkway and you will be safe. No swimming as the water quality does not meet health standards, you might get sick. Plants and bush are protected at Bridal Veil Falls so please don't climb on the rocks or try and abseil.

Transport

You'll need to make your own way there as there is no public transport to the falls.

Water

No drinking water is available here

Driving Instructions

From Raglan it's a 15 min drive (15.9 km) via Te Mata Rd. If you're coming from Hamilton it's a 42 min drive (49.5 km) via State Hwy 23.

Shops & Restaurants Nearby

Plenty to choose from in Raglan and Hamilton.

Area & Trail History

Bridal Veil Falls is south of Raglan, and yes the road is sealed. The rock at the top of Bridal Veil Falls is made up of hard basalt. The water then plunges 55 m down into soft sandstone, in another 50 years the drop might be 60 m. Bridal Veil Falls is inside a reserve so no picking flowers or chopping down native trees.

Map of Bridal Veil Falls Walkway

Points of interest along the walk​

Me standing at the viewing platform

Me standing at the viewing platform

Excellent boarded path on the way to the waterfall

Excellent boarded path on the way to the waterfall

Nice wide board walk through the bush

Nice wide board walk through the bush

Lovely wide walking track following the stream

Lovely wide walking track following the stream

Clean toilets at the beginning of the walk

Clean toilets at the beginning of the walk

View of the small car park - that's our motorhome truck parked up.

View of the small car park - that's our motorhome truck parked up.

Me, braving the mist from the Bridal Veil Falls

Me, braving the mist from the Bridal Veil Falls

Beautiful view of at the top of the Bridal Veil Falls

Beautiful view of at the top of the Bridal Veil Falls

Looking over the top of the Bridal Veil Falls with the bottom platform in view

Looking over the top of the Bridal Veil Falls with the bottom platform in view

Bridal Veil Falls, Raglan

For a weekend drive from Hamilton this is the place to go, the car park is small but sealed so no dirty shoes.

For wheelchairs, you can go to the viewing platform. Walking back up to the car park is a challenge from the bottom, I counted 300 steps, give or take a couple to climb but the strong handrail will help.

On a very strong windy day take a raincoat with you if you are walking to the bottom of the falls, the drift from the falls is like rain.

See more of my Raglan walks