Whakarewarewa Forest — widely known as the Redwoods — is a large mixed native and exotic forest 15 minutes from the Rotorua city centre. It is best known internationally as a world-class mountain biking destination with 200 kilometres of trails, but the forest also has a network of walking tracks ranging from a short streamside family walk to a full-day circuit of the forest. Access is free, with two main carparks: the Waipa carpark on State Highway 5, and Te Pūtake o Tawa carpark on Tarawera Road.
Practical Information
| Location | Approximately 15 minutes from Rotorua CBD — two access points: Waipa carpark (SH5) and Te Pūtake o Tawa carpark (Tarawera Road) |
| Entry | Free; carparks are free |
| Facilities | Bike rental, café, bike wash, showers, toilets at both main carparks |
| Mountain biking | 200km of trails; all grades; maps available for NZ$5 at the carparks |
| Walking | Multiple tracks; from 30 minutes (Puarenga Stream) to 8 hours (Whakarewarewa Circuit) |
Walking Tracks
The forest’s walking network provides options for different fitness levels. The Puarenga Stream Track is a family-friendly walk along the stream, passing beneath ponga (tree ferns) with short bridge crossings and a picnic area — suitable for all ages and manageable in an hour or less. The Pohaturoa Track climbs from Nursery Road along the western edge of the forest to a lookout with views over the Whakarewarewa geothermal valley, Te Puia, and Lake Rotorua. The Whakarewarewa Circuit is a full-day walk that circles the forest through a range of forest landscapes with views of lakes Rotorua, Tikitapu and Rotokakahi — allow approximately eight hours and moderate-to-good fitness.
The walking tracks are shared with mountain bikes in some sections. The forest is well-signposted from both carparks, and a map is available from the information boards and the Redwoods i-SITE Visitor Centre.
Mountain Biking
Whakarewarewa Forest is one of the most developed mountain biking destinations in New Zealand. The trail network spans 200 kilometres across native and exotic forest with trails at all grades — from beginner-friendly tracks to technical singletrack. The Whakarewarewa Forest Loop is a 33km circuit graded mostly Grade 2 (with some Grade 3 sections) that is designed to be accessible to confident riders of most ages and abilities. It passes through varied forest terrain with views of lakes Rotorua and Tikitapu. Both of the main carparks have bike hire outlets, with electric mountain bikes and standard bikes available from several operators.
“Whakarewarewa Forest is remarkable — we walked the Puarenga Stream track one morning and it was beautiful, quiet, completely different from the bike trails that make the place famous. Easy to spend a whole day in there.” — visitor account
Where to Learn More
Rotorua NZ — Whakarewarewa Forest Loop — mountain bike route guide and trail overview.
Rotorua NZ — Whakarewarewa Walking Trails — walking track information and map download.
Redwoods — Trail Maps — downloadable mountain bike trail maps and grading information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Whakarewarewa Forest?
Approximately 15 minutes from central Rotorua. The two main access points are the Waipa carpark on SH5 (heading south) and the Te Pūtake o Tawa carpark on Tarawera Road. Both are well-signposted.
Is Whakarewarewa Forest free?
Yes — access to the forest and all walking tracks is free, and the carparks are also free. Mountain bike hire has a cost if you don’t bring your own bike. Note: the Redwood Treewalk (a separate canopy walkway) charges entry.
What is the easiest walk in the forest?
The Puarenga Stream Track — a short, family-friendly streamside walk through ponga forest with bridge crossings and a picnic area. Suitable for all ages.
Can I walk and mountain bike on the same tracks?
Some tracks are shared, but there is good signage throughout the forest. Be aware of bikes on shared sections, especially on the main trail network.
Is the Redwood Treewalk the same thing as Whakarewarewa Forest?
No — the Redwood Treewalk is a separate, paid attraction (a canopy walkway through the giant redwood section of the forest). The forest itself and its walking and cycling tracks are free. The Treewalk is within the forest but requires a separate ticket.
Can I hire a bike?
Yes — bike hire is available at both main carparks from several operators. Electric mountain bikes and standard bikes are available.
Whakarewarewa Forest is on the southern edge of Rotorua. See the Rotorua parks and reserves guide for other outdoor options in the district.
