The Redwood Forest

The Whakarewarewa or Redwood Forest is remarkable in that its just 5 minutes from Rotorua town centre, yet feels like a million miles away from the hustle and bustle of town life. It’s the perfect place to find some peace and quiet and to feel at one with nature as you walk, bike, run or even ride a horse through the many tracks and trails that weave their way through its 5600 hectares of woodland.

Home, as the name suggests, to Californian Redwood trees that tower high above the tracks and trails, there are many other native plant species that’s established itself here since the early 1900’s, as well as an abundance of birdlife to spot too. Enjoy wiling away an afternoon meandering along the tracks and trails at leisure, or for those who enjoy things a little more of an active pace, why not hire a mountain bike explore an area that’s recently been awarded the title of ‘New Zealands favourite place to cycle’.

Colour coded tracks make it really easy to find your way around the 70+ trails which vary from easy 2km ambles through the woodland to the full Whakarewarewa circuit, that loops 34km around the forest taking in the well-known Blue and Green lakes on route as it undulates up and down and offers quite a challenge to keen walkers.

The visitors centre offers lots of information about the forest, and although we don’t normally say it, do check out the toilets while you’re here, designed to replicate the tree trunks , though with wonderful  design focusing on New Zealand native birdlife,  they’re really worth a visit!

• The amazing variety of walks/bike rides that can be undertaken – there’s something to suit everyone
• Witnessing a marriage ceremony! The Redwoods has become a very popular NZ spot to tie the knot in recent years!
• The fantastic photographic opportunities – Don’t forget your camera!