The Waitawa Walk is a 3.4-kilometre trail through Whakarewarewa Forest (The Redwoods) in Rotorua, taking about an hour at a gentle pace. Marked with blue arrows, it extends from the Redwood Memorial Grove into stands of Douglas fir and back — making it a natural next step for those who have done the shorter Memorial Grove loop and want to see more of the forest. The trail is dual-use, welcoming walkers and cyclists on the same surface, and the gradient is gentle enough for families with pushchairs.
Practical Information
| Distance | 3.4 km |
| Time | ~1 hour |
| Grade | Easy — gentle inclines, near-flat terrain |
| Trail marker colour | Blue |
| Trail type | Dual-use — walking and cycling permitted |
| Start / Finish | Redwoods Visitor Centre, Long Mile Road, Rotorua |
| Suitability | All ages; pushchairs; most wheelchairs; beginner cyclists |
| Cost | Free |
| Parking | Free at the Redwoods Visitor Centre |
The Walk
The Waitawa Walk begins from the Visitor Centre and passes through the Redwood Memorial Grove before branching out into the wider forest. The route crosses the boardwalk over the geothermal pond — the same boardwalk feature on the shorter Memorial Grove loop — and then continues into a stand of Douglas fir, a species common throughout the plantation sections of Whakarewarewa. At various points along the route, the elevated timber bridges of the Redwoods Treewalk are visible through the canopy above — the ticketed suspension bridge walkway that runs through the redwood canopy.
Blue directional arrows at every junction make navigation straightforward. The track surface is well-maintained packed gravel and compacted earth, with gentle curves through the trees and minimal technical challenge. It is the second-easiest of the six marked walking tracks in the Redwoods network, sitting between the 2km Memorial Grove loop and the 4.8km Quarry Lookout Track which shares part of the same route before climbing to a viewpoint.
Dual-Use Trail
Unlike some of the longer Redwoods walking tracks, the Waitawa Walk is designated dual-use — cyclists are permitted alongside pedestrians. This makes it a useful option for families where some members are walking and others cycling, or for those wanting an easy pedal through the forest without venturing onto the technical mountain bike trail network that occupies most of the Whakarewarewa Forest’s 200+ kilometres of trails. Beginners on mountain bikes will find it a comfortable introduction to forest riding.
Extending the Walk
The Waitawa Walk connects to several longer options from the same Visitor Centre start point. The Quarry Lookout Track (4.8km, green markers) branches off from the Waitawa Walk and climbs to a viewpoint over the old quarry and across Lake Rotorua — a natural extension for those with more time or energy. The Tokorangi Pa Track (11.5km, purple markers) and Pohaturoa Track (7.5km, yellow markers) offer full half-day options in the forest.
Where to Learn More
The Redwoods – Short Walks — official details for the Waitawa Walk including the trail map for Whakarewarewa Forest.
Rotorua NZ – Redwoods Walking Trails — visitor overview of all walking tracks in the Redwoods network.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Waitawa Walk?
3.4 kilometres, taking around 1 hour at an easy walking pace.
Can cyclists use the Waitawa Walk?
Yes — it is a dual-use trail, open to both walkers and cyclists. The surface and gradient are suitable for beginner riders.
Is the Waitawa Walk suitable for pushchairs?
Yes — the track surface and gradient make it accessible for pushchairs and most wheelchairs.
How does the Waitawa Walk differ from the Memorial Grove Track?
The Memorial Grove Track (2km, red markers) stays within the redwood grove. The Waitawa Walk (3.4km, blue markers) extends through the grove and into the surrounding Douglas fir and mixed plantation forest, covering more of the Whakarewarewa Forest.
Where does the Waitawa Walk start?
At the Redwoods Visitor Centre on Long Mile Road, off Tarawera Road — about 10 minutes by car from central Rotorua.
Can I continue to the Quarry Lookout from the Waitawa Walk?
Yes — the Quarry Lookout Track (green markers, 4.8km) branches off from the Waitawa Walk and climbs to a viewpoint over the old quarry and Lake Rotorua.
The Waitawa Walk is one of the easier Whakarewarewa Forest walking options. See the cycling tracks in Rotorua hub for the complete forest trail network, or the Quarry Lookout Track for a natural extension of the same route.
