Bridal Veil Falls

 

Bridal Veil Falls

A 261m tall, unofficially named, Bridal Veil Falls is located in Rob Roy Glacier Valley, Mt Aspiring National Park. Despite the fact that the road is suitable for 4WD vehicles and the track is a tramping one, the waterfall, accompanied by Rob Roy Glacier Waterfalls, is one of the most impressive in the South Island and included into New Zealand Must See Waterfall's list.

Driving and walking conditions

GPS of the view point: S 44 28.946' E 168 43.504'
Parking: Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Rd, Mt Aspiring
Vehicle type: 4WD vehicle recommended Track type: Tramping track
Road type:35km of Gravel Road (poor road surface) Return track duration: 4hrs 30min

Waterfall parameters

Waterfall height: 261m Type of the waterfall: Plunge

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐
GPS:          S 44 28.946' E 168 43.504'
Parking:     Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Rd, Mt Aspiring
Access:     4hrs 30min return walk


Walking and driving instructions

 

The Rob Roy Track is closed because it is unsafe to use. The ground underneath a section of the track has eroded and this section is at risk of collapse. Repairs are starting mid-January and the track will reopen mid-February 2021.

The falls are roughly a 1.5 hours drive away from Wanaka. Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Rd is a gravel road with huge holes and cracks on it as well as multiple creek's fords. There is an official sign at the road entrance saying that it's not a public road, the road is maintained by DOC and DOC takes no liability for the vehicles entering to this road. This road is unsuitable for low wheel-base vehicles and we highly recommend a 4-WD vehicle for this trip.

From Wanaka follow Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Rd for 51.5km (including 35km of gravel road) until you reach a huge carpark (at the end of the road) with toilets and a picnic area.

There are lots of different waterfalls along Wanaka-Mount Aspiring Rd, so drive carefully and watch for waterfalls.

A tramping Rob Roy track leads to the waterfalls lookout. The first part of the track goes through a farmland, then you need to cross the river via a swing bridge, 15-minutes from the Raspberry Flat carpark, and climb into alpine vegetation with excellent views of the Rob Roy Glacier.

A first view of the waterfall appears about 1 hour after crossing the bridge. There are lots of good viewing points along the track. At the end of the track, you will see Bridal Veil Falls (on your left) and Rob Roy Waterfalls (on your right). Return via the same track.

A closer approach is possible, with care. From the official lookout follow an unofficial track which leads you to the Rob Roy Glacier. This route is recommended for experienced trampers only.


Waterfalls nearby

Rob Roy Waterfalls

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Access:     4hrs 30min return walk
Driving:   1 m (1 min)

Read more ...

Wishbone Falls

Rating:       ⭐⭐⭐⭐
Access:     2min return walk
Driving:   2.4 km (4 mins)

Read more ...

 


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