No trip to Rotorua would be complete without exploring the amazing Redwood Forest. After all… This is not just one of the only places to see redwoods in New Zealand, but the entire world! The Rotorua Redwoods Treewalk takes you high up into sky for a unique experience in nature. Take a walk across the suspension bridges among these giant trees, and discover what makes the Rotorua Redwood Forest so special.
About the Redwoods Treewalk
Cost: $30 NZD Adults – $20 NZD Kids
Hours: 9:30am – 8pm Everyday
Time Needed: 45 Minutes
Located just five minutes from downtown Rotorua, the Redwoods Treewalk is easily accessible for travelers and locals alike. If you’re planning a visit to the North Island you’re most likely stopping in Rotorua for its abundance of thermal spas and geysers. However, make sure not to miss out on one of the most impressive attractions at the Rotorua Redwood Forest!
History of the Rotorua Redwoods
The story of the Rotorua Redwoods is actually much more complex than you might think. With the arrival of Europeans in the 19th century, the land was being cleared in New Zealand at a rapid pace.
This led to the governments decision to try and replace the native trees that were beginning to be decimated. In 1901, the first of the Rotorua Redwoods were planted! It was one of over 170 species introduced to New Zealand around this time period and the work was mostly done by prison labor camps.
Just 14 years later the first harvest of timber would take place, but it wouldn’t be until 1975 when the Rotorua Redwood Forest was officially declared a National Park.
Rotorua Redwoods Treewalk
The Redwoods Treewalk is complete with 28 suspension bridges stretching far across the forest. Starting out fairly low to the ground, we eventually climbed over 20 meters high up into the Rotorua Redwoods!
The strong cables that hold these bridges up are connected by 27 humongous Rotorua Redwoods. The walkways have been designed so they do not hurt the trees or surrounding wildlife.
Our favorite thing about the Redwoods Treewalk was reading the many informational signs at each platform. It was so much fun learning the science behind the growth of these 100+ year old trees!
Rotorua Redwood Forest at Night
Another fun aspect of the Redwood Forest in Rotorua is that you can explore it day or night! When the sun goes down, the lights come on for a one of a kind experience on the Redwoods Treewalk.
World famous designer David Trubridge placed 30 incredible lanterns around the trees. Seeing it during the day is cool, but there truly is nothing like experiencing the Rotorua Redwoods walk under the stars.
Redwoods Treewalk Tip: Your ticket is good for both day and night entry if you use it in the same day.
Where To Stay In Rotorua New Zealand
Ultra Luxury – Solitaire Lodge – Just a 20 minute drive from Rotorua you’ll find the beautiful 5 star Solitaire Lodge property. Set on a private peninsula on the shores of Lake Tarawera, the luxury resort has spacious rooms with views over the water. It even features its own private helipad so you can take flights over the lake!
Fun Vacation – Quest Rotorua Central Apartment Hotel – As the name suggests, this apartment style hotel has a prime location in Rotorua. It will be nice to have a kitchen and lounge area before you hit the town, and all the great thermal spas!
Hostel Life –Rock Solid Backpackers Rotorua – Rock Solid hostel is right in the city center and a short distance to all the hot springs in Rotorua. You can pick from dorms and family rooms!
For more places to stay near the Rotorua Redwoods you can explore the latest prices here!
Safe Travels,
Brigitte & Jake
Where in the world are we? Follow our daily adventures on Instagram @nothingfamiliar!
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New Zealand Travel Planning
Jucy Van: The best way to explore New Zealand is with a Jucy camper! We spent over six weeks driving around the North and South Islands in a van and loved every moment.
Rental Car: If you’re not renting a van you’ll need a car to see NZ. We use Discover Cars when traveling and enjoy having the freedom to get around.
Flights: It’s easy to find cheap flight deals using Skyscanner and Kayak. That’s how we got flights from Auckland to Queenstown for $40 USD, and New Zealand to Fiji for less than $150!
Accommodation: Compare multiple sites to get the best deal such as Booking.com and Agoda. Also, Hostelworld should be your go-to if you’re traveling on a budget.
Tours: Check out Get Your Guide to find activities all over New Zealand! They have everything from Waitomo Glowworm Caves tickets to a Hobbiton movie set tour, and even a Northland hole in the rock dolphin cruise!
Travel Insurance: Never travel abroad without being covered. We’ve been using SafetyWing for insurance the last few years and they are always there when we need them.
Packing Lists: Find all the inspiration you need with our Amazon packing lists. Including our electronics and camera gear, must-have medical items, and long flight essentials!
North Island New Zealand
Travel Tips & Guides: 10 Helpful NZ Travel Tips – North Island Itinerary – South Island Itinerary – 25 Beautiful Beaches – Wellington to Picton Ferry – 15 Freedom Camping Tips – 27 Delicious Food & Drinks
Auckland & Northland: Piha Beach & Kitekite Falls – Cape Reinga Lighthouse – Russell – Mangonui – Mount Eden – Devonport Day Trip – Waiheke Island Guide – 9 Best Waiheke Wineries
Lake Taupo: 17 Fun Things to Do – Mount Tauhara Hike – Best Street Art – Taranaki Falls – Huka Falls Walk – 14 Tongariro Crossing Tips
New Plymouth: 10 Fun Things to Do – Dawson Falls – Te Rewa Rewa Bridge – Paritutu Rock Hike – Egmont National Park
Wellington: 10 Fun Things to Do – Mount Victoria Hike – Best Breweries – Cable Car & Botanical Gardens
Bay of Plenty: Tairua – Hot Water Beach – Cathedral Cove Walk – 8 Maunganui Things Not to Miss – Mount Maunganui Hike – East Cape Road Trip – How to Find Tua Tua Clams
Rotorua & Raglan: Kerosene Creek – 8 Raglan Things to Do – Bridal Veil Falls
→ Explore all our South Island New Zealand Travel Tips & Guides
We’re Brigitte and Jake! American travel bloggers currently based in Spain. If you can believe it, we started Nothing Familiar way back in 2015 on an Ipad in the Ecuadorian jungle. Ever since, we haven’t stopped traveling! We’ve now been to over 60 countries around the world, with our expertise being Europe and Southeast Asia. We love outdoor adventures, tasting local specialties, and island hopping through tropical destinations. Hopefully, our guides and authentic experiences will inspire you on your own travels!
