Redwoods Treewalk takes you above the forest floor in Whakarewarewa Forest, a short drive from Rotorua. A series of suspended bridges and platforms threads between tall Californian redwoods, reaching heights of up to 20 metres. By day, you can see the trees and native ferns; after dark, lanterns illuminate the route. The walk is suitable for families and takes about 40 minutes. For another perspective, visit the nearby glow-worm cave, or explore the forest’s walking and mountain-biking trails.
A walk among the redwoods
Redwoods Treewalk is in Whakarewarewa Forest, on the edge of Rotorua. The route carries you through the canopy on suspended bridges and platforms, with views of the forest from above. The redwoods were planted as part of an early 20th-century experiment to find exotic trees suited to New Zealand. More than a century later, they are among the forest’s defining features.
The elevated route is about 700 metres long and takes roughly 40 minutes to complete. It rises as high as 20 metres above the ground. From the platforms, look down at the forest floor and its native ferns, then up through the tall redwood trunks. The bridges and platforms were designed to let people experience the trees without disrupting their natural setting.
Choose daylight or Nightlights
In daylight, you can take in more of the forest around you and see the scale of the trees. The evening Nightlights experience changes the mood: lanterns and other light installations glow among the redwoods as you cross the bridges. Starting around dusk lets you see the forest before and after the lights come on.
The night walk is atmospheric, but the lanterns mean less of the surrounding forest is visible than during the day. If seeing the trees and ferns clearly matters most, choose daylight. You can also go at both times for two distinct views of the same route.
What the walk is like
The route uses a sequence of suspension bridges and platforms, so expect some height and movement underfoot. It is an easy walk for many families, and the bridges have high mesh sides. Children who can walk can take part, according to the available activity information.
At busy times, queues can form for the night experience. Fast-pass tickets may be available, but availability is limited, so check in advance if avoiding a wait is important. Parking nearby can also be limited; arriving early gives you more time to find a space. After completing the loop, you are allowed to walk it again.
Explore more of Whakarewarewa Forest
The treewalk is one way to see the forest. Whakarewarewa also has walking and mountain-biking trails, from shorter outings to routes suited to a longer visit. Tall redwoods rise above native ferns, while the broader forest is used for outdoor recreation by local walkers and cyclists.
A glow-worm cave next to the treewalk is another possible stop. The cave is an artificial environment created to house glow-worms, and a guided visit can include a close look at the larvae. Check the details of the cave experience separately when planning, as it is an add-on rather than part of the treewalk itself.
FAQ
How long does Redwoods Treewalk take?
The elevated route takes about 40 minutes.
Can you visit Redwoods Treewalk at night?
Yes. The Nightlights experience illuminates the route with lanterns and other light installations.
Is Redwoods Treewalk suitable for children?
The walk is described as suitable for families, including children who can walk. The bridges are elevated and can move underfoot.
Is there a glow-worm cave at Redwoods Treewalk?
A glow-worm cave is next to the treewalk and can be visited as an additional experience. It is an artificial environment for the glow-worms.
