Wanting to explore the Redwood Forest Rotorua and wondering what to do? Visiting Whakarewarewa Forest, locally known as 'the Redwoods', is one of the most popular things to do in Rotorua. The Redwood forest is a man made forest full of Californian redwoods and can be enjoyed on foot, mountain bike or even above the forest floor. You can admire the trees from up in the canopy or from below either by running, walking or biking on some of the best tracks in New Zealand - even the world!  Here is what you can do in the Redwood Forest Rotorua:

1. Redwoods Treewalk 

2. Walking & Running 

3. Mountain Biking

4. Waipa Cafe

1. Redwoods Treewalk 

The latest development of the Redwood forest Rotorua is the Treewalk. It is a self guided walk 12 metres high through man-made Californian Redwoods. You can look down on those running and walking on the forest floor and experience a relaxing walk over swing bridges with an amazing view. There is no need to book, just turn up between 9am - 10:30pm and take the whole family along - as long as they can walk on their own. The walk takes around 20 minutes and the best time to go is in the morning when the sun is is low and is beaming through the trees or at night when the Redwoods Rotorua is lit up by colourful lights and lanterns. 

Photo: Rotorua Canopy Tours team member Ana enjoying the Redwood Forest Rotorua from high above

2. Walking & Running Tracks 

If you aren't so keen on heights there are still things to do that ensure both feet are firm on the ground in the Redwoods Rotorua. There are a range of walking and running tracks you can choose from that have distances from 3km - 12km. For the really fit people there is even a track that is 34km where you can trek through forestry roads and come across the shores of some of our spectacular lakes. There is also a dog park where you can take your dogs for a walk to meet some new dog friends along the way.

Photo: Get back down on ground level and enjoy a stroll or a jog through the Californian Redwood trees at the Redwoods Rotorua.

3. Mountain Biking 

All year round Rotorua has thousands of visitors that take on the mountain biking tracks as they have gained a good reputation. The range of difficulty levels of the tracks in the Redwoods Rotorua means you can enjoy a cruisey laid-back ride or find a track to get your adrenaline pumping. If you don't have bikes, there is no need to worry - you can hire your bikes from Mountain Bike Rotorua or Planet Bike on Waipa State Mill Road and make the most of these awesome Redwood Forest tracks that you wont be able to get enough of.

Photo: Join the locals and discover more of the Redwoods Rotorua via bike

4. Waipa Cafe 

Once you have spent a few hours in the beautiful redwood forest you will be wanting to catch your breath and grab a drink and bite to eat. There are two entrances to the Whakarewarewa forest and both entrances to the Redwoods Rotorua have a cafe with food and drinks that have some of the best smoothies in town! You will be able to find their main cafe along with the bike hire on Waipa State Mill Road heading South out of Rotorua.

Photo: The Waipa Cafe will be sure to hit the spot after exploring the Redwood Forest Rotorua

There is so much to do to fill in your time at the Redwoods Rotorua, so make sure you allow at least a full day when you are planning your Rotorua itinerary.