Located 5 km southeast of central Rotorua, Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest brings together giant sequoias imported from California and indigenous New Zealand vegetation. Hiking trails, mountain biking tracks among the country's most celebrated, suspended canopy walkways and land history tied to the iwi Ngāti Whakaue: the site layers multiple uses and narratives.

Why visit Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest

The forest offers a rare contrast: Sequoia sempervirens (California coast redwoods) planted in 1901 coexist with black ferns and endemic birds. The site suits a leisurely one-hour stroll just as well as a full day of mountain biking or a canopy experience via Redwoods Treewalk. Its immediate proximity to Rotorua makes it one of the North Island's most accessible nature escapes.

• A cathedral of redwoods reaching 75 metres in a century
• Over 180 km of mountain biking trails graded by difficulty
• A 700-metre suspended canopy course
• Land history restored to iwi Ngāti Whakaue in 2009

The forest's story

In the late 19th century, New Zealand sought alternatives to over-harvesting its native forests. An experimental programme tested several exotic species. Sequoia sempervirens (California coast redwoods) were planted in 1901, thanks in part to work by convicts mobilised for the purpose. The fertile soil and generous rainfall allowed them to reach heights of up to 75 metres in a century—growth exceeding that seen on their native Californian coast.

From 1915, timber began to be harvested for fuel, then a sawmill was installed in 1939. A walking trail was developed in parallel, foreshadowing official public opening in 1970. The forest was classified as a forest park in 1975, before restructuring in 1987 led to its cession to Fletcher Challenge Forests as part of state forest asset privatisation.

This transition was contested. Legal challenges by iwi Ngāti Whakaue, claiming ancestral ownership of the land, suspended the transfers. In 1998, management of the Tokorangi Triangle was entrusted to Rotorua District Council. In 2009, as part of Treaty of Waitangi settlements, ownership was formally restored to iwi Ngāti Whakaue. The forest remains today under council administration and is partly managed for forestry, while being recognised as a Māori cultural site.

What to see in the forest

The Redwood Memorial Grove

The site's emblematic heart: a protected 6-hectare forest of the sequoias planted in 1901. It sits within Kaingaroa Forest, which extends across more than 55,000 hectares.

Flora and fauna

Trails wind through undergrowth carpeted with ferns, including the silver fern, New Zealand's national emblem, and the black fern (mamaku) reaching up to 20 metres. Radiata pines, Douglas firs, native fuchsias and mānuka complete the landscape. For wildlife, you'll spot endemic birds such as the tūī, kererū and morepork (native owl), as well as the giant dragonfly Uropetala carovei.

The Redwoods Treewalk

This 700-metre suspended course lets you navigate more than 20 metres above ground among the sequoias. It comprises 28 wooden bridges and 27 platforms. Designed by German engineer Alex Schmid in 2009, it was opened in 2015 following a Māori blessing. A visit typically takes half an hour to three-quarters of an hour. In the evening, the Nightlights Tour reveals wooden lanterns designed by David Trubridge, casting coloured light through the canopy. Entry is paid and booking is advised.

Outdoor activities

• Hiking: free and marked trails from Redwoods i-SITE Visitor Centre, from Memorial Grove Track to the 34 km Whakarewarewa Forest Loop circling Blue and Green Lakes.
• Mountain biking: over 180 km of trails graded by difficulty, with access to Skyline Rotorua MTB Park by cable car.
• Ziplining: courses between sequoias reaching high speeds over distances up to 400 metres.
• Horse trekking: four marked trails from Long Mile Road, up to 500 metres altitude, with viewpoints over Rotorua and volcanic landscapes.

Practical information

• Free access to forest and hiking trails; fees apply only to Treewalk, ziplining and guided activities
• Information centre: Redwoods i-SITE Visitor Centre (maps, bike hire, services)
• Free parking, motorhome-friendly spaces
• Picnic areas
• Wear closed shoes and bring rain gear: the forest remains damp year-round

When to visit

The forest is open year-round. The Southern summer (December to March) offers the most stable conditions for mountain biking, ziplining and horse trekking, but also peak crowds on the Treewalk. Autumn (April–May) and spring (September–November) remain pleasant with lighter visitor numbers. In winter, the canopy retains its appeal and the Nightlights Tour is particularly special thanks to early darkness; trails may be muddy after rain. For evening Treewalk visits, it's best to book ahead during peak season.

How to get there

By car

The site is 5 km southeast of central Rotorua. Follow Te Ngae Road towards the airport, turn right at Redwoods Shopping Center onto Tarawera Road, then head to Titokorangi Drive where the information centre is located. The journey is short from downtown.

By public transport

The Cityride Line 3 – Owhata from Arawa Street in downtown serves the area. Get off at the intersection of Tarawera Road and Long Mile Road, then walk approximately 1 km to the information centre.

On foot or by bicycle

From Rotorua, the marked Te Ara Ahi trail of the New Zealand Cycle Trail connects downtown to the forest via Sulphur Bay, beneath Te Ngae Road, then climbs to Titokorangi Drive. Allow roughly an hour on foot or twenty minutes by bike.

Nearby attractions

• Blue and Green Lakes, accessible from the Whakarewarewa Forest Loop
• Te Puia cultural centre, keeper of Ngāti Whakaue heritage
• Rotorua's geothermal springs and hot pools, minutes away
• The Government Gardens, at the heart of the city
• The National Kiwi Hatchery, to see kiwis in care

FAQ

Plan your trip

Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest fits naturally into a North Island itinerary, bridging Rotorua, the volcanic plateau and Bay of Plenty. To build a bespoke journey combining nature, Māori culture and geothermal wonder, explore our New Zealand travel ideas.