Walking into Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest for the first time, you have the illusion that you are not in New Zealand, but in one of the elf kingdoms from the movie Lord of the Rings. Surrounded by towering California redwoods, the air is cool and humid, the sunlight pours down through the forest, and under your feet is soft coniferous soil and a serenity so quiet you can almost hear the trees breathing. Here, time slows down and you begin to measure nature with your feet without realizing it.
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The story of Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest can be told through two threads: a history of ecological and forestry experimentation, and its cultural significance to the Māori community.
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The forest was set up as a forestry plantation in 1901. At that time the New Zealand government tried to introduce a variety of foreign tree species to rapidly develop the local timber industry, Sequoia sempervirens being one of them. These redwoods have grown unexpectedly well in Rotorua's humid and mild climate, and now reach a height of more than 60 meters, which is not quite as tall as the thousand-year-old native redwoods in the United States, but it is impressive enough.
But this land is not just a “testing ground”. It is in the traditional territory of the Tuhourangi and Ngāti Wahiao Māori tribes, and the neighboring village of Whakarewarewa is still home to many Māori families. Place names, carvings and interpretive signs in the forest also retain Māori language and cultural imprints.
You can see Maori totems at the trailhead or learn about the spiritual connection between the forest and the Maori at the nearby cultural center. For them, it's not just 'the woods', it's part of their heritage and belief in nature.
At the heart of the Redwoods Forest experience is the 'walk'. But don't underestimate the process of “walking”, there is a rich and well-planned system of trails, ranging from short, easy and flat walks to steep and undulating cross-country hikes, each with its own unique charm:
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1. Redwoods Memorial Grove Track
Best for first-timers, the 2-kilometer track takes about 30 minutes to complete. It is suitable for a slow walk with children or elders, as it passes between giant redwoods, with interpretive signs along the way to tell the history of the redwoods and stories of forestry experiments.
2. Waitawa Walk
A slightly longer loop trail, 3.4 kilometers in length, takes about 1 hour and passes through native bush forest and mixed woodland. It is suitable for those who want to explore more landscapes but don't want to exert themselves too much.
3. Tokorangi Pa Track
A 4.8km loop that takes about 1.5 hours and takes you up to a lookout point with panoramic views of Lake Rotorua and the city, making it a popular choice for photographers.
4. Redwoods Treewalk
This is Redwoods Forest's most popular “non-traditional trail” experience - a series of suspension bridges and platforms suspended between the tree canopies, about 20 meters high and 700 meters long. Overlooking the forest during the day, the trail is also decorated with fantastic light installations at night, and is known as the “Forest Starlight Trail”.
Adult ticket price is about NZD 39, it is recommended to book in advance on the official website, especially during holidays or summer peak season.
Redwoods Forest is truly a “four seasons” attraction. Different seasons bring different textures and are well worth revisiting:
Spring (September-November): The first blossoms of green, fresh foliage, flowers and grasses in bloom, early morning fog, and a quiet, enchanting atmosphere.
Summer (December-February): the days are longer, perfect for long hikes and Treewalk night tours, but they are also the peak of crowds, so we recommend avoiding the late afternoons.
Autumn (March-May): The gradual change of leaf color, especially in the native forest section showing gradual layers of yellow, orange and red, is the best time to take photos.
Winter (June-August): temperatures are on the chilly side, but the redwood forests themselves keep the wind at bay and the air is especially fresh after a rain; ideal for a quiet, immersive walk.
Tip: Rotorua is so far inland that even in summer it doesn't overheat. Rainfall is average throughout the year, with only occasional bursts of light rain, so remember to bring a light, waterproof jacket.
Redwoods Forest is conveniently located about 5 minutes southeast of Rotorua city center:
By car: There is a large free parking lot and you can navigate directly to the “Redwoods i-SITE Visitor Center”.
Public Transportation: Buses are available from the city center, but are infrequent, so it is advisable to check the timetable.
Cycling/Walking: For those who prefer a more environmentally friendly approach, there are bike paths along the route.
There is also a wide range of amenities:
Visitor center (i-SITE): maps, guided tours, drinking water and toilets are available, and the staff is very friendly.
Cafes: Small coffee carts and snack stands are located at the entrance, especially the Redwoods Treewalk Café at the entrance to the Treewalk, which is very popular.
Rentals: Off-road bikes and strollers can be rented on-site, and guided tours are also available.
Redwoods Forest itself is open all day for free (Treewalk tickets are required), and you can either walk freely or join a local eco-tour (reservations required).
In addition to the beauty of the forest itself, Redwoods is also a great venue for local festivals and events in Rotorua:
Redwoods Nightlights (open all year round, especially around Christmas time): The Treewalk is illuminated at night, making the forest look like it is floating in starlight.
Rotorua Walking Festival: Held in March every year, there are professional long-distance walking races as well as easy walking routes for families, and the forest is one of the main venues.
Maori Cultural Experiences: Held from time to time in the entrance area, such as song and dance performances, handicraft displays and fire food shows.
If you want to participate in these activities, you can follow the official website and the website of Tourism Rotorua for real-time information.
Wear comfortable shoes and a raincoat: although most of the trails are gentle, some have pine needles or muddy ground that can be slippery in the rain.
Light is best in the morning or evening: photography is recommended before 9am or after 4pm for a dappled light effect through the forest.
Treewalk recommends avoiding the midday hours: they are the most crowded and the experience is less enjoyable. Reservations are recommended for dusk or early morning.
Avoid peak times: Christmas, New Year's and Easter are peak times, so it's advisable to book a few days in advance if you want to experience the Treewalk.
Don't miss the Tokorangi Pa viewpoint: the view of the forest and the city from the top is well worth the uphill walk.
Walk around Redwoods Forest and you might forget you're in a tourist town - it's too quiet, too deep and too real. There's no admission fee, no long hike, and with a good pair of shoes and a little time, you can have a journey that speaks to the trees. In these fast-paced times, there really aren't many places like this where you can just walk in and be healed by doing nothing.
