Redwood Forest Tree Walk
Now this is a must for the whole family when visiting Rotorua. The Redwood Forest tree walk offers spectacular views and a unique experience. In fact, you can see why it’s on most tourist bucket lists when planning a trip around New Zealand.
Located in Whakarewarewa Forest on the outskirts of downtown Rotorua and not far from other popular tourist spots like the Blue lake (Lake Tikitapua)and the Green lake (Lake Rotokakahi). As well as
Whaharewarewa Forest is spread out over 5600 hectares and has a range of activities for you to enjoy, including mountain biking and walking tracks popular the tourists and locals alike.
The gem here is the Redwood Forest insisting of Californian Coast Redwoods and Douglas Firs. These towering giant redwoods create a truly magical experience as you either walk or cycle around in the fresh forest air.
There is a full range of trails to explore but the trail everyone talks about and queues for is the Rotorua Redwood Forest Treewalk, this is a walk not to be missed.
You can either do the walk during the daytime or at night, we opted for dusk.
Get great Redwood Tree Walk discounts here
This meant we would walk half in the daylight and the other half as it grew darker and all the night lights come on. The trail itself is 700m and takes around 40 minutes to complete. It is very easy.
One of the large lights hanging in the forest
The Tree Walk
We were lucky at the time we started as there were no queues and it was relatively quiet. We paid inside the information centre, show our tickets at the entrance to the walking track and then were briefed on the safety as well as what to look out for.
We also had the option to use one of their all-purpose baby strollers but as Sawyer was fully mobile we choose not to but this is a great option for families with babies.
As you enter one of the first things you notice is a selection of a 2000-year-old American sequoia tree on your right, perfect for a family photo.
It’s fascinating just to look at as it shows historical milestones during its lifespan.
One of the many information boards on display around the tree walk
Once you step onto your first bridge you have that little feeling in your stomach as the bridge does move slightly under your weigh.
Our kids loved moving from bridge to bridge stopping at each platform to read all the information, learning about the trees, their history and taking the quizzes.
There happened to be a staff member behind us as we started and he kindly pointed out a few things to the boys and told us what to look out for as it grew darker.
One of the amazing sights on the walk is when the David Trubridge Nightlights are switched on. David Trubridge is a world-renowned designer. In fact, we have one of his lanterns hanging in our dining room.
These lanterns hang within the forest reflecting patterns across the trees and tree ferns, making the Redwood forest come alive.
The lights slowly turning on as night falls
Guiding you around are the 28 suspension bridges that range in height from 9 to 20 metres. There is also a couple of platforms with glass viewing panels so you can check out the forest floor below.
If you enjoy heights there is the HighWalk loop option, you will find this about two thirds the way around. The High walkway is 100m long and well worth it!
By the time we completed our walk, night time had completely set in. The entrance to the walk was now fully lit up and looking spectacular. The queues were pretty long too but I can see why people choose to start at this time.
Looking up at the lights from one of the bridges
Overall it was defiantly worth every penny, it’s great for all ages and are family would do this again. Make sure you check their website to see what time they are turning the lights on. This can help you plan your walk.
Other tree walk options
If you are wanting something a little more electrifying check out the Redwoods Altitude. It’s 650 metres longs with 25 bridges up to 25 metres high.
It offers 3 flying foxes and 2 spirals. You have a professional guide with making sure you are safe and having a great time.
Free Trail Walks
If tree walks are not your thing then there are plenty of other walks to explore along the ground around the Redwood forest.
Here there is a mix of short walks, long walks, tramping walks along with other options. Six of the walks start from the Rotorua Redwoods Visitor Centre, colour coded arrows are used for you to follow and the walks are circuits, meaning you will return to where you started.
Just download maps or pick them up at the Redwoods Visitor Centre and Gift shop.
If you are not keen on walking then there are plenty of mountain biking trails for those keen mountain bikers just remember to bring your mountain bike.
One of the few thermal pools around the Redwoods forest
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the opening hours?
Monday – Friday and Sunday 9.30 AM – 9.00 PM
Saturday 9.30 AM – 10.00 PM (last ticket sold time)
How long does the tree walk take?
The tree walk takes around 40 minutes depending on how long you stand and look around
How long is the tree walk?
It’s 700m long and is made up of 28 suspension bridges
How high do you go?
The highest point is 20 metres
How much does the tree cost?
Adult (16+ years): $35
Child (5-15 years): $20
Families (1 Adults & up to 3 Children): $69
Families (2 Adults & up to 3 Children): $99
Children under 5: FREE
Get great Redwood Tree Walk discounts here
Final Thoughts
We would highly recommend the Redwoods treewalk. Our kids loved walking from bridge to bridge answering the questions as we moved, they had a great adventure.
We also learnt a lot about the forest and its history from the information boards provided.
Rotorua is certainly one of the adventure capitals in the north island with a variety of activites to meet every families needs from culture experiences, exploring geothermal activity to adrenaline pumping action.
We are looking forward to returning when our friends and family from overseas visit.
Disclosure: This post might contain affiliate links. This means I might receive a small commission if you click and purchase something. Clicking on these links will not cost you anything, however it helps me to keep my website running. For more information click on our disclosure policy.
Meet the family
We are a family of 4 living in New Zealand. I’m a teacher (great profession for traveling) and my wife Connie is a section administrator. We are also proud parents of two travel-loving boys.
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