Last updated July 2026
The Pohaturoa Track is a 7.5-kilometre loop through Whakarewarewa Forest (The Redwoods) in Rotorua, marked with yellow arrows and taking around 2 hours at a moderate pace. Starting from the Redwoods Visitor Centre, it passes through the famous California redwoods before climbing the western side of the forest to a panoramic lookout over the Whakarewarewa geothermal valley, the steam and thermal landscape surrounding Te Puia, with views extending across the city to Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island. The viewpoint is one of the most distinctive in the Redwoods trail network, looking directly down over active geothermal features rather than just across the lake. The track is free to use and offers a steady climb through plantation forest after the initial redwood grove section.
Practical Information
| Distance | 7.5 km loop |
| Time | 2 hours |
| Grade | Moderate, some uphill sections, steady rather than steep |
| Trail marker colour | Yellow |
| Start / Finish | Redwoods Visitor Centre, Long Mile Road, Rotorua (also accessible from Waipa car park) |
| Footwear | Sturdy walking shoes or boots recommended |
| Cost | Free |
| Parking | Free at the Redwoods Visitor Centre |
About Pohaturoa Track
The Pohaturoa Track begins at the Visitor Centre and follows Nursery Road after the Redwood Memorial Grove section, heading west and climbing the western face of the Whakarewarewa Forest. The majority of the route runs through plantation forest of Douglas fir and radiata pine, which is quieter and less visited than the redwood grove at the forest entrance. The climbing is steady rather than steep and distributed across the first half of the loop, making the track approachable despite its length.
The lookout at the high point of the route faces west, looking down over the Whakarewarewa geothermal valley, the flat, steam-venting landscape that runs between the forest and central Rotorua and includes the Te Puia geothermal park. From here the geothermal activity is visible as rising steam and coloured thermal ground, framed by the forest edge. Beyond, the view extends across the city and the full width of Lake Rotorua to Mokoia Island in the middle of the lake.
Most of the Whakarewarewa Forest walking tracks provide lake views from their upper sections. The Pohaturoa Track is notable for also providing a clear view down into the geothermal valley. Rotorua sits on one of the most geothermally active zones in New Zealand, and the Whakarewarewa valley that borders the forest contains some of the most accessible thermal features in the district. Seeing it from above gives a perspective not available from ground level.
The Route
The track is a full loop returning to the Visitor Centre and covering different ground on the return than the outward section. It can also be accessed from the Waipa car park, where walkers join via steps after the Kids Loop and Tahi mountain bike trails or take a shorter reverse option to the lookout.
Combining Tracks
The Pohaturoa Track slots between the Quarry Lookout Track (4.8 km, green) and the Tokorangi Pa Track (11.5 km, purple) in terms of length and effort. All three start from the same Visitor Centre and share the opening Memorial Grove section, making it easy to choose a length that suits the group. Those who want a shorter day can do the Quarry Lookout; those wanting the longest option can push on to Tokorangi Pa.
What Visitors Often Say
Walkers appreciate the steady climb through varied forest terrain and the rewarding panoramic views over the geothermal valley and lake from the lookout point. Many note that the track feels quieter than the main redwood areas and offers a good moderate challenge without being overly steep.
Reviewers often highlight the clear sight of steam rising from Te Puia below and recommend sturdy footwear for the forest surface, especially after rain. The loop format and shared starting point with other tracks make it easy to combine or shorten as needed.
Where to Learn More
The Redwoods – Long Walks: official trail details and map for the Pohaturoa Track and other Whakarewarewa Forest walks.
Rotorua NZ – Whakarewarewa Forest Walking Trails: visitor information on all marked walking tracks in the forest.
Plan My Walk – Pohaturoa Track Map: detailed map and track information for the yellow route.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Pohaturoa Track?
7.5 kilometres as a loop, taking around 2 hours at a moderate pace.
What are the views from the Pohaturoa lookout?
The lookout faces west over the Whakarewarewa geothermal valley and Te Puia, with a wider view across Rotorua city to Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island. On a clear day the steam rising from the geothermal valley is clearly visible below.
Is the Pohaturoa Track a loop?
Yes, it is a full loop returning to the Visitor Centre and covering different ground on the return section.
How does the Pohaturoa Track compare to the Tokorangi Pa Track?
The Pohaturoa Track (7.5 km, yellow, around 2 hours) is shorter and a bit less strenuous than the Tokorangi Pa Track (11.5 km, purple, around 3.5 hours). Both start from the same point and offer upper-forest viewpoints, but the Pohaturoa viewpoint looks over the geothermal valley while the Tokorangi Pa viewpoint focuses more on the lake and Mt Ngongotaha.
Do I need boots for the Pohaturoa Track?
Sturdy walking shoes or boots are recommended. The track includes uphill sections on loose forest surface and can be muddy in wet conditions.
Is the Pohaturoa Track free?
Yes, all of the Whakarewarewa Forest walking tracks are free to walk.
Can the track be accessed from other points?
Yes, it can also be accessed from the Waipa car park, allowing a shorter option straight to the lookout or a reverse loop.
Is the Pohaturoa Track suitable for families?
It is moderate with steady climbs, so best for those comfortable with some uphill walking; younger children may find the distance and terrain challenging.
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