Last updated May 2026
The Whakarewarewa Forest Loop is a 33-kilometre mountain bike trail that circuits the entire Whakarewarewa Forest (The Redwoods) on the edge of Rotorua. It is one of New Zealand’s official Nga Haerenga Great Rides — part of the national cycle trail network — and runs through a mix of plantation pine, California redwoods, and native bush on largely purpose-built singletrack and forest roads. Grade 2 for most of its length with some Grade 3 sections, it is Rotorua’s most complete forest ride and a favourite for riders visiting from around New Zealand and overseas.
Practical Information
| Distance | 33 km loop |
| Grade | Grade 2 (Intermediate) with Grade 3 sections |
| Time | 3–5 hours depending on fitness and pace |
| Start / Finish | Te Pūtake o Tawa carpark (Tarawera Road) or Waipa Valley carpark (SH5) |
| Direction | Mostly one-way clockwise — follow the Nga Haerenga signage |
| Trail type | Loop — singletrack, forest road, purpose-built trail |
| Bike hire | Available from multiple operators in Rotorua |
| Cost | Free to ride |
| Facilities | Toilets and car parking at both start points; Redwoods Visitor Centre near Tarawera Rd start |
The Ride
The loop circuits the full perimeter of Whakarewarewa Forest, linking the forest’s two main entry points — the Waipa Valley carpark off SH5 and Te Pūtake o Tawa off Tarawera Road — in a 33km circuit. Most riders do it clockwise, following the official Nga Haerenga Great Rides direction, which puts the best-maintained singletrack sections in a logical sequence. The trail weaves through California redwoods in the northern section of the forest, then opens into plantation pine and native bush as it swings south and east.
The Grade 2 rating makes the ride accessible to intermediate riders who are comfortable on forest trails, though the Grade 3 sections — mostly found on the southern and western sides of the loop — require some technical confidence. Loose rock, rooted sections, and narrow forest-road descents appear throughout. The overall character is flowing and manageable rather than technical, and the 33km length is the real challenge rather than the difficulty of any single section.
Starting Points
The Te Pūtake o Tawa carpark on Tarawera Road is the closest starting point to the Redwoods Visitor Centre and I-Site and is the most popular starting point for the loop. The Waipa Valley carpark on SH5 (the main highway south from Rotorua) is the alternative, and many riders choose based on where they want to park or which direction feels more natural. Either works — the loop returns to where you started.
The Whakarewarewa Forest
Whakarewarewa Forest covers more than 5,500 hectares on the southeast edge of Rotorua and is one of New Zealand’s most-used recreation forests. Managed by Scion (the Crown Research Institute for the forestry sector), it is open to the public for walking, mountain biking, trail running, and horse riding. The forest contains over 200 kilometres of marked trails in total, ranging from easy walking tracks through the famous California redwoods to expert-level downhill mountain biking trails. The Whakarewarewa Forest Loop is the forest’s flagship ride — the trail that takes in the most of the forest in a single outing.
Where to Learn More
The Redwoods – Forest Loop — official trail page from The Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest, with map, grade breakdown and what to expect.
New Zealand – Whakarewarewa Forest Loop — the official New Zealand tourism listing for this Nga Haerenga Great Ride.
Rotorua NZ – Whakarewarewa Forest Loop — local visitor information including current conditions and start point details.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop?
33 kilometres. Most riders complete it in 3–5 hours depending on fitness, stops, and the pace they choose through the Grade 3 sections.
What grade is the Forest Loop?
Grade 2 (Intermediate) for most of its length, with Grade 3 sections on the southern and western sides. It is not suitable for beginners on flat-pedal bikes with no trail experience.
Which direction do you ride the loop?
Clockwise is the standard direction and what the official Nga Haerenga signage directs. This puts the singletrack sections in the most natural sequence.
Where do you park for the Forest Loop?
Te Pūtake o Tawa carpark on Tarawera Road (near the Redwoods Visitor Centre) or Waipa Valley carpark on SH5. Both have free parking and toilet facilities.
Can you hire a bike for the Forest Loop?
Yes — several operators in Rotorua rent mountain bikes suitable for the trail. Book ahead, especially in peak season.
Is the Forest Loop part of the Nga Haerenga Great Rides?
Yes — the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop is an official New Zealand Cycle Trail Great Ride, part of the national Nga Haerenga network.
The Whakarewarewa Forest Loop is one of Rotorua’s key mountain biking experiences. See the cycling tracks in Rotorua hub for the full range of trails — from beginner rides to expert downhill — across the region.
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