Whakarewarewa Forest — known locally as “the Redwoods” — is a 5,600-hectare plantation forest on the edge of Rotorua, planted from the 1890s onward as a trial of exotic timber species. The California coastal redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens) planted here grew exceptionally well in Rotorua’s volcanic soil and now form one of the most distinctive forest environments in New Zealand — tall, cathedral-like groves with filtered light and a deep layer of duff underfoot. The forest has free walking and cycling tracks through the trees, plus the separately ticketed Redwoods Treewalk — a series of suspension bridges and platforms 9 to 20 metres above the forest floor.
Practical Information
| Forest access | Long Mile Road and Tītokorangi Drive, Rotorua — free, open daily |
| Treewalk hours | Mon–Fri and Sunday: 9:00am–9:30pm; Saturday: 9:00am–10:00pm |
| Treewalk (adults) | NZ$39 daytime; NZ$39 Nightlights (fast pass NZ$52) |
| Family (2 adults + 3 children) | NZ$124 |
| Treewalk length | 700 metres; 28 suspension bridges; 27 platforms |
| Treewalk height | 9–20 metres above the forest floor |
| Treewalk duration | Approximately 40 minutes |
| Booking | Recommended for Nightlights sessions; available at redwoods.co.nz |
The Free Forest Trails
The walking and mountain biking tracks through Whakarewarewa Forest are free and open to the public. The forest has an extensive track network — from short walks through the main redwood grove (accessible within 10–15 minutes of the car park) to longer trail routes that extend into the outer plantation. The redwood grove itself is the main draw for walkers: the trees are extraordinarily tall by New Zealand forest standards, and the forest floor beneath them is open and easy to move through.
The mountain biking trail network at Whakarewarewa is considered one of the best in New Zealand, with grades from beginner to expert and tracks built and maintained by the Rotorua Mountain Bike Club. Bike hire is available from operators adjacent to the forest. Walkers and riders share some access paths but the main trail network keeps them largely separated.
The Redwoods Treewalk
The Redwoods Treewalk is a 700-metre circuit of 28 suspension bridges and 27 platforms built into the canopy of the redwood grove, ranging from 9 to 20 metres above the ground. The bridges are engineered for stability — they sway slightly, but the experience is more awe-inspiring than vertigo-inducing for most visitors. The walk takes approximately 40 minutes at an easy pace.
Daytime tickets are NZ$39 for adults. The Nightlights experience runs after dark, with the platforms and bridges lit by a series of hand-blown glass lanterns that glow through the forest — this is a separate ticketed session at the same price (with a fast-pass option at NZ$52). Nightlights is particularly popular and sells out regularly; booking ahead is strongly recommended.
The Treewalk is not accessible to wheelchairs or prams — the suspension bridges require walking on foot. Children of all ages are welcome; there is no height restriction, though very young children may need to be carried on sections of the bridge walk.
“The Nightlights session was genuinely magical — the lanterns through the dark forest were one of the most atmospheric things we saw in New Zealand. Book well in advance, it sells out.” — visitor account
Getting There
The main forest entrances are on Long Mile Road and Tītokorangi Drive, approximately 3km from central Rotorua. There is parking at the Redwoods visitor hub adjacent to the treewalk. The forest is accessible by bike from the city via the lakeside cycleway network.
Where to Learn More
Redwoods Treewalk — Official Website — booking, current pricing, hours, and Nightlights session information.
Ride Rotorua — Whakarewarewa Forest Trails — mountain biking track information, hire, and trail maps for the forest.
Tourism New Zealand — Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest — overview of the forest and treewalk experience.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Whakarewarewa Forest free to enter?
The walking and cycling tracks through the forest are free and open daily. The Redwoods Treewalk is a separate paid attraction (adults NZ$39) within the forest.
What is the Redwoods Treewalk?
A 700-metre circuit of 28 suspension bridges and 27 platforms built 9–20 metres up in the canopy of the redwood grove. It takes approximately 40 minutes to walk and is suitable for most ages and fitness levels.
What is the Nightlights experience?
An after-dark version of the Treewalk, with hand-blown glass lanterns lighting the platforms and bridges through the forest. Tickets are NZ$39 (fast pass NZ$52). Booking ahead is strongly recommended as sessions sell out.
Can I mountain bike in Whakarewarewa Forest?
Yes — the forest has one of New Zealand’s best mountain biking networks, with tracks from beginner to expert. Bike hire is available from operators near the forest entrance.
How far is Whakarewarewa Forest from central Rotorua?
Approximately 3km — about a 10-minute drive or a 15–20 minute ride on the lakeside cycleway.
Do I need to book the Treewalk in advance?
Booking is recommended, especially for Nightlights sessions which sell out regularly. Daytime walk-in tickets may be available but can’t be guaranteed in peak season.
Whakarewarewa Forest is one of Rotorua’s most popular outdoor destinations. See the Rotorua parks and reserves guide for more outdoor options, and the Wai-O-Tapu guide for geothermal experiences south of the city.
