The Pohaturoa Track is a 7.5-kilometre loop through Whakarewarewa Forest (The Redwoods) in Rotorua, marked with yellow arrows and taking around 2–2.25 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.
Practical Information
| Distance | 7.5 km loop |
| Time | 2–2.25 hours |
| Grade | Moderate — some uphill sections; steady rather than steep |
| Trail marker colour | Yellow |
| Start / Finish | Redwoods Visitor Centre, Long Mile Road, Rotorua |
| Footwear | Sturdy walking shoes or boots recommended |
| Cost | Free |
| Parking | Free at the Redwoods Visitor Centre |
The Route
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 — 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, distributed across the first half of the loop, which makes the track more approachable than its 7.5km distance might suggest.
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.
What Makes It Distinctive
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 — the steam rising from vents, the pale mineral-stained ground, the spatial relationship between the geothermal valley and the surrounding city — gives a perspective not available from ground level.
Combining Tracks
The Pohaturoa Track (7.5km, yellow) slots between the Quarry Lookout Track (4.8km, green) and the Tokorangi Pa Track (11.5km, 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.
Where to Learn More
The Redwoods – Long Walks — official trail details for the Pohaturoa Track and the full Whakarewarewa Forest walking trail map.
AllTrails – Pohaturoa Track — walker reviews, GPS tracks and elevation profiles from those who have completed the route.
Rotorua NZ – Redwoods Walking Trails — visitor information on all six marked Whakarewarewa Forest walking tracks.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Pohaturoa Track?
7.5 kilometres as a loop, taking around 2–2.25 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, covering different ground on the return than the outward section.
How does the Pohaturoa Track compare to the Tokorangi Pa Track?
The Pohaturoa Track (7.5km, yellow, ~2 hours) is shorter and a bit less strenuous than the Tokorangi Pa Track (11.5km, purple, ~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 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 six of the Whakarewarewa Forest walking tracks are free to walk.
The Pohaturoa Track is one of the mid-length Whakarewarewa Forest walks. See the cycling and walking trails in Rotorua hub for all forest options, or the Tokorangi Pa Track if you want the longest full-day option from the same starting point.
