Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest
Wander among giants in the majestic Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest, offering free walking trails and a captivating treetop experience.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
See the scale of the trees
Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest
Best Time
See the scale of the trees
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Wander among giants in the majestic Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest, offering free walking trails and a captivating treetop experience.
"The redwoods are magnificent and breathtaking, a must-see if you're in Rotorua."
🚶♀️ Free Forest Walks
Enjoy many walking trails for free, including loops with dogs on leash. Great for budget travelers!
✨ Book Treetop Walk Ahead
Pre-booking the Treetop Walk, especially the night version, is highly recommended to secure your spot.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Majestic Redwood Giants
Throughout the forest
Stand in awe of towering, ancient redwood trees that dwarf everything around them. A truly humbling natural spectacle.
Redwoods Treetop Walk
Forest entrance
Experience the forest from a unique perspective on suspended walkways, especially magical at night with lanterns.
Scenic Walking Trails
Various trailheads
Explore a network of well-marked trails catering to all fitness levels, from easy strolls to moderate hikes.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Embrace the Redwoods: Free Exploration
Timing is Key for the Treetop Walk
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
The Redwoods/Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua
🚶♀️ Free Forest Walks
Enjoy many walking trails for free, including loops with dogs on leash. Great for budget travelers!
✨ Book Treetop Walk Ahead
Pre-booking the Treetop Walk, especially the night version, is highly recommended to secure your spot.
Rotorua - what are some cool things to do there that don't break the bank?
Nice place hidden in Rotorua redwood forest.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the trails, some of which involve stairs.
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Plenty of parking is available, especially near the visitor center and Treetop Walk entrance.
Rotorua adventures
Tips
from all over the internet
🚶♀️ Free Forest Walks
Enjoy many walking trails for free, including loops with dogs on leash. Great for budget travelers!
✨ Book Treetop Walk Ahead
Pre-booking the Treetop Walk, especially the night version, is highly recommended to secure your spot.
👟 Comfortable Footwear
Wear sturdy shoes for exploring the trails, some of which involve stairs.
🚗 Ample Parking Available
Plenty of parking is available, especially near the visitor center and Treetop Walk entrance.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors consistently praise the awe-inspiring scale of the ancient redwood trees and the beauty of the forest's walking trails, many of which are free to explore. The Treetop Walk, especially the magical night experience, is a highly recommended paid attraction. Some find certain trails challenging due to stairs, and the Treetop Walk can be busy.
"Absolutely gorgeous experience. Lots of amazing and Beautiful trails to walk, various lengths so you can plan the day putting well. Moderate level of fitness required. Breathtaking views at one point. Lots of animals. There are even horse tracks and biking tracks also. Decent parking. Visitors centre here also. It's also the access area to the redwoods tree walk."
Gingerbeardclown
"A fantastic experience. I didn't think I was good with heights but doing the night treetop walk was so beautiful with all the lanterns and sculptures lit up. We also did the daytime walk which gives even more perspective of the size of the Redwoods. If you can only choose one, definitely do the night walk.
Also, you are able to walk a loop track through the forest (with dogs on leash) for free."
M Johnstone
"This is a popular attraction in Rotorua, a dense forest with a majority of huge redwood trees which can dwarf any human easily.
The entry points are well demarcated.
There are different walks in the forest for different durations and skill levels.
The famous tree walk is right at the beginning of the forest entry point.
Ample parking spaces are available in the area and along the side of the entry road too.
The trees are very old and are truly a marvel to watch.
Pre-bookings can help for tree walk since the place can be busy in the holiday season and weekends.
Highly recommended for half a day with family, as kids equally enjoy this."
Raghav Abbhi
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The forest is easily accessible by car, located just a short drive from Rotorua's city center. There's ample parking available, including near the main visitor center and the Treetop Walk entrance. Public transport options might be limited, so driving or ride-sharing is often the most convenient.
Yes, there are plenty of parking spaces available. You'll find dedicated parking areas close to the main attractions like the visitor center and the Treetop Walk, as well as along the entry road.
Yes, there are dedicated biking trails within the forest, and it's possible to cycle to the forest entrance from Rotorua, though specific cycle paths may vary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
Many of the walking trails within the Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest are free to access. However, the popular Treetop Walk and the night experience require a paid ticket. +1
Ticket prices for the Treetop Walk vary, and it's best to check the official website for the most current pricing. Booking in advance is highly recommended, especially for the popular night walk.
It is strongly advised to book your tickets for the Treetop Walk in advance, particularly during peak seasons, holidays, and weekends, as it can get busy.
The forest itself is generally accessible for free walks during daylight hours. The Treetop Walk has specific operating hours, which can vary, especially for the night experience. Always check the official website for the most up-to-date information.
Information on discounts is best found on the official Redwoods Treetop Walk website. Family packages or group rates might be available.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The forest offers a variety of trails, from easy, flat loops to more challenging hikes like the Quarry Trail, which involves stairs. The Treetop Walk provides a unique elevated perspective.
Yes, dogs are welcome in certain areas of the Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest, provided they are kept on a leash. Check signage for specific dog-friendly zones.
The Treetop Walk involves walking on suspended bridges. While many find it manageable, if you have a severe fear of heights, it might be challenging. The daytime walk offers more visibility.
You can spend anywhere from an hour to half a day. A quick walk through the free trails can be done in an hour, while exploring multiple trails or doing the Treetop Walk will take longer.
Yes, toilet facilities are available within the Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest, typically located near the visitor center and main trailheads.
📸 📸 Photography
Anywhere among the giant redwoods offers incredible photo opportunities. The Treetop Walk provides unique angles, and the forest floor with dappled sunlight is also stunning.
Yes, photography is generally allowed on the Treetop Walk, but be mindful of other visitors and avoid obstructing pathways.
Early morning or late afternoon often provides beautiful soft light filtering through the trees, creating a magical atmosphere. The night Treetop Walk offers a completely different, illuminated photographic experience.
Tripod usage might be restricted in certain areas or during peak times to ensure smooth visitor flow. It's best to check with the visitor center if you plan to use one extensively.
Look for clearings where you can capture the full height of the trees, or use the winding paths to create leading lines in your photos. The visitor center area often has good vantage points.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
Consider packing snacks and drinks, as while there's a visitor center and cafe, having your own supplies can be convenient. Dogs on leash are welcome on some trails, which can be a bonus for families with furry members. The sheer scale of the redwoods is captivating for all ages, providing a memorable and educational experience.
💰 Budget Travelers
While the Treetop Walk has a fee, the free trails offer ample opportunity to appreciate the magnificent trees. You can easily spend hours exploring the different paths and enjoying the natural beauty. Parking is also generally free, adding to the cost-effectiveness of a visit.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
Exploring the Redwoods: Trails for Everyone
For those seeking a more unique perspective, the Redwoods Treetop Walk is a must-do, though it comes with a fee. This elevated walkway allows you to stroll through the canopy of the redwoods, offering breathtaking views and a different appreciation for the forest's scale. The nighttime Treetop Walk, illuminated by lanterns and sculptures, is particularly magical and highly recommended by visitors for its enchanting atmosphere.
Beyond walking, the forest also accommodates biking trails and horse riding tracks, further diversifying the ways you can experience this natural wonder. These dedicated paths ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for all users. Ample parking is available, and clear signage guides you to different trailheads and attractions.
The Enchanting Redwoods Treetop Walk
While the daytime walk offers stunning views and a clear perspective of the towering trees, the nighttime Treetop Walk is frequently cited as a highlight. This special experience transforms the forest into a magical wonderland, illuminated by artistic lanterns and sculptures. The combination of the natural beauty of the redwoods and the ambient lighting creates a truly enchanting atmosphere that many travelers rave about.
It's important to note that the Treetop Walk is a paid attraction, and booking tickets in advance is highly recommended, especially during peak seasons and weekends, to avoid disappointment. The experience is generally well-managed, with clear pathways and safety measures in place.
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from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit