Redwoods Treewalk
A series of suspension bridges strung 20 metres up through Whakarewarewa Forest's towering Californian redwoods, planted in 1901.
Quick Facts
- Region
- Bay of Plenty, North Island
- Best time
- Year-round
- Entry fee
- From NZD $37 (adult)
- Duration
- 1–1.5 hours
Overview
Whakarewarewa Forest is a 5,600-hectare forest on the edge of Rotorua, planted from 1901 onwards as an experiment in fast-growing timber species. The Californian redwoods planted then now tower more than 60 metres overhead, and the Redwoods Treewalk winds a series of 23 suspension bridges through their canopy.
After dark, the same bridges are lit by hundreds of handmade lanterns for the Twilight walk, giving a very different atmosphere to the daytime crossing. At ground level, the forest is also one of New Zealand's most popular mountain biking destinations, with trails for all skill levels.
Things To Do
- Daytime Treewalk — cross 23 suspension bridges strung through the redwood canopy.
- Twilight Lantern Treewalk — the same bridges lit by lanterns after dark, best booked ahead.
- Ground-level forest walks — shorter loop tracks beneath the redwoods for those not doing the treewalk.
- Mountain biking — extensive trail network catering to beginners through to experienced riders.
- Redwoods i-SITE — forest information centre with maps and trail advice at the entrance.
Getting There
The forest entrance is about 10 minutes' drive from central Rotorua on Long Mile Road. There's a car park at the visitor centre, and it's also served by local shuttle buses.
| Address | Long Mile Road, Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua 3010 |
|---|---|
| Opening Hours | 9:00am – 10:00pm daily (Twilight walk from dusk) |
| Entry Fee | From NZD $37 (adult), Twilight walk priced separately |
| Duration | 1–1.5 hours |
| Accessibility | Bridges have some gentle inclines and gaps; not wheelchair accessible |
Gallery
Nearby Attractions
Te Puia
Live Māori cultural performances alongside geysers and a kiwi conservation centre.
Skyline Rotorua
A gondola, luge tracks and ziplines over Lake Rotorua, a short drive away.
Whakarewarewa Living Māori Village
A genuinely inhabited Māori village built on an active geothermal field.