Last updated July 2026
The Waitawa Walk is a 3.4-kilometre easy loop through Whakarewarewa Forest (The Redwoods) in Rotorua. It takes about one hour at a gentle pace and is marked with blue arrows. The trail starts at the Redwoods Visitor Centre on Long Mile Road and extends from the Redwood Memorial Grove into stands of Douglas fir before returning. It is a dual-use track open to both walkers and cyclists, with a gentle gradient suitable for families, pushchairs and beginner riders.
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 |
| Opened | 1980 (as an identification trail) |
About Waitawa Walk
The Waitawa Walk begins at the Redwoods Visitor Centre and passes through the iconic Redwood Memorial Grove before branching into surrounding plantation forest. The route crosses the boardwalk over the geothermal pond and continues into a stand of Douglas fir, where visitors can spot silver ferns and giant mamaku ferns along the nature trail sections. Elevated timber bridges of the Redwoods Treewalk are visible through the canopy at points along the way.
The track surface consists of well-maintained packed gravel and compacted earth with gentle curves and minimal technical challenge. Blue directional arrows at every junction ensure straightforward navigation. It forms part of a network of six signposted walking tracks that all start from the Visitor Centre and are designed as circuits.
Whakarewarewa Forest is a productive plantation forest with strong historical and cultural ties for local Māori. The Waitawa Walk opened in 1980 specifically as an identification trail to help visitors learn about the trees and plants. It provides a peaceful, shaded experience close to central Rotorua.
The Route and Features
The walk extends the shorter Redwood Memorial Grove Track (2 km, red markers) by continuing beyond the grove. It offers views of the Redwoods Treewalk structures and passes through mixed forest including Douglas fir. The trail is family-friendly and suitable for those seeking a relaxed forest experience without venturing onto the technical mountain bike network.
Dual-Use Trail
Waitawa Walk is designated dual-use, allowing both walkers and cyclists on the same surface. Cyclists must give way to walkers and stay in control at all times. This makes it an excellent option for families or beginner riders wanting an easy introduction to the forest without accessing the main mountain bike trails.
Extending the Walk
The Waitawa Walk connects directly to longer options from the same starting point. The Quarry Lookout Track (4.8 km, green markers) branches off and climbs to a viewpoint over the old quarry and Lake Rotorua. Further extensions include the Pohaturoa Track (7.5 km, yellow markers) and Tokorangi Pa Track (11.5 km, purple markers) for half-day adventures.
What Visitors Often Say
Visitors describe the Waitawa Walk as a peaceful, easy shaded loop perfect for families and first-time forest visitors. Many appreciate the gentle terrain, clear signage and the chance to see both redwoods and Douglas fir stands in one outing.
Reviewers note it works well as an extension after the shorter Memorial Grove loop and praise the accessibility for pushchairs and casual cyclists. The boardwalk section and canopy views of the Treewalk are frequently highlighted as highlights.
Where to Learn More
The Redwoods – Short Walks: Official details, maps and descriptions for all short walking tracks including Waitawa Walk.
Rotorua NZ – Whakarewarewa Forest Walking Trails: Comprehensive overview of all marked walking tracks with distances and connections.
The Redwoods – Walking, Hiking & Running: Safety guidelines, track rules and information on the full network of six signposted walks.
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. Riders must give way to walkers.
Is the Waitawa Walk suitable for pushchairs?
Yes — the track surface and gentle gradient make it accessible for pushchairs and most wheelchairs.
How does the Waitawa Walk differ from the Memorial Grove Track?
The Memorial Grove Track (2 km, red markers) stays within the redwood grove. The Waitawa Walk (3.4 km, blue markers) extends through the grove and into surrounding Douglas fir plantation 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, 4.8 km) branches off from the Waitawa Walk and climbs to a viewpoint over the old quarry and Lake Rotorua.
When was the Waitawa Walk opened?
It opened in 1980 as an identification trail to help visitors learn about the trees and plants in the forest.
Are dogs allowed on the Waitawa Walk?
Dogs are generally not permitted on the walking tracks in Whakarewarewa Forest; check current rules at the Visitor Centre.
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