Redwoods Forest or Redwood Memorial Grove is a forest of naturalised coastal redwood on the outskirts of Rotorua, New Zealand, adjacent to the Whakarewarewa thermal area. The 6 hectares (15 acres) stand of Californian redwoods is part of the larger Whakarewarewa State Forest Park, which is in turn part of the Kaingaroa Forest area.
The trees were planted at the beginning of the 20th century as part of a programme to assess the viability of various exotic tree species for commercial forestry in New Zealand. The project originated as a response to clear-cutting of New Zealand's native forests by the end of the 19th century, which drove the New Zealand government to establish a tree nursery at Bay of Plenty to test the viability of different tree species as sources of lumber, which were imported from overseas by ship. The resulting seedlings, including redwoods, were moved and planted in the area in 1901, chiefly using prison labor.
Absolutely stunning! We went at night and wow... Magnificent. Definitely recommend. Only advice would be try to find a quiet time as it is very popular and you feel rushed if there are too many people. Nevertheless still an amazing experience!
Nina de RondeJan 28, 2018
Prefer the day walk by quite a lot, however night walk good too. We went on a Sunday night and was quite busy. Remember to get your ticket before you cue up. Loads parking, staff very friendly. Small gift shop on site also bathrooms. Very easy walk, don't have to be fit. The whole walk takes about 30 minutes
Karen ProsserFeb 4, 2018
Very pretty. It was really nice to have multiple trails to do with varying lengths. We didn't have a lot of time and the hikes are very easy to navigate. The trails are also quite big giving lots of room to take pictures, pass other people, etc.
John HammFeb 13, 2018
This is a beautiful place to be one with nature! There is a long hiking trail where you can hike for free, and there is the tree walk which costs about $25. There are 23 bridges to walk across, but be careful, slippery when wet! I would recommend for anyone who loves nature or wants to get outside more.
Kat PorterFeb 13, 2018
We bought the $35 combo to go both at night and day, on two separate days. What a special experience at night! Would not dare to venture into a forest like this at night otherwise. It's great during the day too. We went on a weekday in late Feb and we almost had the whole place to ourselves. The trees are not as big as the California redwoods, but you can't get this elevated perspective in California so it was nice for us.
Wendy WongFeb 28, 2018
This is definitely a must-do - especially if you can do it in the evening! It's easily accessible and there's plenty of parking available. The entry is affordable and the views are wonderful. An easy walk for anyone! The suspension bridges are fun to cross and the informational signs at each stop are worth a read. The lighting at night is absolutely stunning. If you're looking for something quick to do after dinner, definitely consider this!
Kelly VaughnMar 28, 2018
. (03/2016) Amazing place and had memorable experience of doing skywalk over suspension bridges tied to the trees. Well maintained smoke free environment and courteous staff. Easily accessible from main road. Located next to i-SITE Visitor Information Center. Paid entrance and combo plans are on offer. Great views around while walking over the bridge. There are panels are provided along the walk at regular distances which take you through the history and interesting facts about this place. Looks more beautiful in night as compared to day time. Can get busy during weekends and public holidays. Spacious parking area. Wheelchair parking is available Public restrooms are available.
Nitesh GautamApr 8, 2018
This was a real treat to say the least. Seeing those huge Redwoods absolutely blew my mind. You can’t appreciate their size till you are right up under them. Very humbling indeed. We arrived mid day & the park was bumping & parking was a little tight but not a pain. The WC was clean & stocked. We did the quick & easy tramp as time was a bit tight & it was fantastic. The trail is will marked & maintained. So easy for young & old. You can do it in Jandels no problem. Even though the park was bumping the trail was not full of people & was quiet & cool. Bird song & insects sounds everywhere. It was very hot n humid the day we were there but once on the trail it cooled down & was quite pleasant. The mineral pools are a trip....what happens to what falls in the water will blow you away. We did not do the suspension bridge between the trees due to a time crunch but it looked like it would be a blast. All in all a worthwhile stop for the whole family.
Glen SloanMar 15, 2018
I loved this walk. It was so beautiful and one of my rotatua highlights. The staff were lovely and gave me a little history about the trees. It’s a tourist spot so I feel that some of the people who left bad reviews over the 20 bucks entry aren’t really justified. Everything is pretty expensive in NZ in general so It’s not out of the ordinary. Highly recommend the walk. You can also walk through the forest for free if you don’t want to pay to go on the bridges. Loved it. So serene.
Jess LaMar 12, 2018
Such a cool experience. We absolutely loved being up in the tree tops. We visited during the evening and the lights were beautiful. I wouldn't recommend this for people with mobility issues as you climb up ladders to get to the top. We wish we had more time so we could read the information signs however we arrived too close to closing time.
Anna-Maria FradelakisApr 6, 2018
Good wide path for main walk that is accessible for a wide range of availabilities. Great tree walk for those more able. Lots of nice tracks for the more sporty types. It was good to see young mums with prams jogging along the back tracks enjoying the beautiful environment. It was a surprise to me to learn that the forest was man made about a century ago with Californian redwoods. Also conveniently close to the main centre of Rotorua.
Carlina RidgewayMay 23, 2018
It is a bit of fun but not spectacular. They are making it longer and higher soon. The little informational / educational signs are good, they add some interest to the walk. The first step in the walkway was a big bounce, but it always felt safe. Friendly, informative and helpful staff. The cost seems a little high for what you get.
Paul ScaddenMay 23, 2018
Having been on a few treetop walks before I would say that this one is by far my favourite. With the walkway constructed from wood it has a very natural appearance. We got here late afternoon which was a good time to visit. There was just enough light left to get a good look at the forest and by the end it was dark enough that the lights were turned on giving it a very magical appearance like something out of a fairytale.
Mark BurgessMay 24, 2018
Smashing attraction and refreshing to find something you can do with the family after dark apart from eating! We loved this walk. Pretty lighting and trees hung with lanterns made for a very enjoyable hour. It was busy, and some of the rope bridges are understandably wobbly, so not good for sufferers of vertigo. Also very dark in parts so you may find a small pocket torch handy.
Joan CrookApr 30, 2018
Impressive night walk - at absolute best at dusk because the lights are on and you’ll see to the top of the mammoth trees. These suspension bridges do move a fair bit while walking but you’re safe as. The quiz for kids on the small chairs on the tree platforms was a good treasure hunt activity for our younger ones. I’m hoping even more lights will be added as some gaps between light features did feel long.
James LambJul 15, 2018
Very nice forest with dense trees and good number of walks across it. The walks can be chosen on basis of one's fitness levels. There's an elevated tree walk on the trees as well. Entry fee applies to that. The forest is amazing in the sense that the trees are very tall and old. Some trees have grown up from fallen tree stems which is very miraculous. A must visit in the area.
Raghav AbbhiJul 18, 2018
A spectacular walk in the redwood tree canopy. Go just before dusk (around 1700 in winter), and enjoy the forest in both daylight and with the lights on. The walk is surprisingly sturdy (even slightly nervous people in our group were fine) and circular, so go around more than once if you have the time and interest. It's about 35 minutes all the way around, depending on how busy it is. We went round 3 times, with the final time in darkness. The lights are great fun and we really enjoyed the hanging lights, the spotlights and the fairy lights. Great for the family.
Ferry HendrikxJul 11, 2018
Great little walk. Not so much of you don't like heights..... But doable still..... Kiddo really enjoyed it. Was lots of information on signs which was nice and really well done. Worth the effort to get there.
Chris HallJul 9, 2018
Amazing place for a different kind of stroll. The redwoods are majestic and the lighting is awesome. I loved those artsy lamps. Dawn is definitely the best time in order to enjoy the atmosphere. Quite romantic.... The information provided on the platforms is very interesting, also. Great outdoor activity for children and adults.
Edith GregerAug 10, 2018
Fun family thing to do in Rotorua. A $35 ticket let's you do a trip in the day and night. Not too hard so the elder parents and the young grand children can all do it together. Great opportunity to appreciate the majesty of nature. Can also do some beautiful walks through the woods if you have more time to kill.
benaifer BiliaJul 20, 2018
Great stop just outside of Rotorua. We did the walk at night and it was spectacular. They've decorated the trees with lanterns and other accent lighting. The bridges between trees are a little wobbly but not at all unsafe. Lots of fun about a 45 minute walk. Definitely worth checking out.
Bradley CarterAug 10, 2018
Absolutely stunning! We went at night and wow... Magnificent. Definitely recommend. Only advice would be try to find a quiet time as it is very popular and you feel rushed if there are too many people. Nevertheless still an amazing experience!
Nina de RondeJan 28, 2018
Prefer the day walk by quite a lot, however night walk good too. We went on a Sunday night and was quite busy. Remember to get your ticket before you cue up. Loads parking, staff very friendly. Small gift shop on site also bathrooms. Very easy walk, don't have to be fit. The whole walk takes about 30 minutes
Karen ProsserFeb 4, 2018
Very pretty. It was really nice to have multiple trails to do with varying lengths. We didn't have a lot of time and the hikes are very easy to navigate. The trails are also quite big giving lots of room to take pictures, pass other people, etc.
John HammFeb 13, 2018
This is a beautiful place to be one with nature! There is a long hiking trail where you can hike for free, and there is the tree walk which costs about $25. There are 23 bridges to walk across, but be careful, slippery when wet! I would recommend for anyone who loves nature or wants to get outside more.
Kat PorterFeb 13, 2018
We bought the $35 combo to go both at night and day, on two separate days. What a special experience at night! Would not dare to venture into a forest like this at night otherwise. It's great during the day too. We went on a weekday in late Feb and we almost had the whole place to ourselves. The trees are not as big as the California redwoods, but you can't get this elevated perspective in California so it was nice for us.
Wendy WongFeb 28, 2018
This is definitely a must-do - especially if you can do it in the evening! It's easily accessible and there's plenty of parking available. The entry is affordable and the views are wonderful. An easy walk for anyone! The suspension bridges are fun to cross and the informational signs at each stop are worth a read. The lighting at night is absolutely stunning. If you're looking for something quick to do after dinner, definitely consider this!
Kelly VaughnMar 28, 2018
. (03/2016) Amazing place and had memorable experience of doing skywalk over suspension bridges tied to the trees. Well maintained smoke free environment and courteous staff. Easily accessible from main road. Located next to i-SITE Visitor Information Center. Paid entrance and combo plans are on offer. Great views around while walking over the bridge. There are panels are provided along the walk at regular distances which take you through the history and interesting facts about this place. Looks more beautiful in night as compared to day time. Can get busy during weekends and public holidays. Spacious parking area. Wheelchair parking is available Public restrooms are available.
Nitesh GautamApr 8, 2018
This was a real treat to say the least. Seeing those huge Redwoods absolutely blew my mind. You can’t appreciate their size till you are right up under them. Very humbling indeed. We arrived mid day & the park was bumping & parking was a little tight but not a pain. The WC was clean & stocked. We did the quick & easy tramp as time was a bit tight & it was fantastic. The trail is will marked & maintained. So easy for young & old. You can do it in Jandels no problem. Even though the park was bumping the trail was not full of people & was quiet & cool. Bird song & insects sounds everywhere. It was very hot n humid the day we were there but once on the trail it cooled down & was quite pleasant. The mineral pools are a trip....what happens to what falls in the water will blow you away. We did not do the suspension bridge between the trees due to a time crunch but it looked like it would be a blast. All in all a worthwhile stop for the whole family.
Glen SloanMar 15, 2018
I loved this walk. It was so beautiful and one of my rotatua highlights. The staff were lovely and gave me a little history about the trees. It’s a tourist spot so I feel that some of the people who left bad reviews over the 20 bucks entry aren’t really justified. Everything is pretty expensive in NZ in general so It’s not out of the ordinary. Highly recommend the walk. You can also walk through the forest for free if you don’t want to pay to go on the bridges. Loved it. So serene.
Jess LaMar 12, 2018
Such a cool experience. We absolutely loved being up in the tree tops. We visited during the evening and the lights were beautiful. I wouldn't recommend this for people with mobility issues as you climb up ladders to get to the top. We wish we had more time so we could read the information signs however we arrived too close to closing time.
Anna-Maria FradelakisApr 6, 2018
Good wide path for main walk that is accessible for a wide range of availabilities. Great tree walk for those more able. Lots of nice tracks for the more sporty types. It was good to see young mums with prams jogging along the back tracks enjoying the beautiful environment. It was a surprise to me to learn that the forest was man made about a century ago with Californian redwoods. Also conveniently close to the main centre of Rotorua.
Carlina RidgewayMay 23, 2018
It is a bit of fun but not spectacular. They are making it longer and higher soon. The little informational / educational signs are good, they add some interest to the walk. The first step in the walkway was a big bounce, but it always felt safe. Friendly, informative and helpful staff. The cost seems a little high for what you get.
Paul ScaddenMay 23, 2018
Having been on a few treetop walks before I would say that this one is by far my favourite. With the walkway constructed from wood it has a very natural appearance. We got here late afternoon which was a good time to visit. There was just enough light left to get a good look at the forest and by the end it was dark enough that the lights were turned on giving it a very magical appearance like something out of a fairytale.
Mark BurgessMay 24, 2018
Smashing attraction and refreshing to find something you can do with the family after dark apart from eating! We loved this walk. Pretty lighting and trees hung with lanterns made for a very enjoyable hour. It was busy, and some of the rope bridges are understandably wobbly, so not good for sufferers of vertigo. Also very dark in parts so you may find a small pocket torch handy.
Joan CrookApr 30, 2018
Impressive night walk - at absolute best at dusk because the lights are on and you’ll see to the top of the mammoth trees. These suspension bridges do move a fair bit while walking but you’re safe as. The quiz for kids on the small chairs on the tree platforms was a good treasure hunt activity for our younger ones. I’m hoping even more lights will be added as some gaps between light features did feel long.
James LambJul 15, 2018
Very nice forest with dense trees and good number of walks across it. The walks can be chosen on basis of one's fitness levels. There's an elevated tree walk on the trees as well. Entry fee applies to that. The forest is amazing in the sense that the trees are very tall and old. Some trees have grown up from fallen tree stems which is very miraculous. A must visit in the area.
Raghav AbbhiJul 18, 2018
A spectacular walk in the redwood tree canopy. Go just before dusk (around 1700 in winter), and enjoy the forest in both daylight and with the lights on. The walk is surprisingly sturdy (even slightly nervous people in our group were fine) and circular, so go around more than once if you have the time and interest. It's about 35 minutes all the way around, depending on how busy it is. We went round 3 times, with the final time in darkness. The lights are great fun and we really enjoyed the hanging lights, the spotlights and the fairy lights. Great for the family.
Ferry HendrikxJul 11, 2018
Great little walk. Not so much of you don't like heights..... But doable still..... Kiddo really enjoyed it. Was lots of information on signs which was nice and really well done. Worth the effort to get there.
Chris HallJul 9, 2018
Amazing place for a different kind of stroll. The redwoods are majestic and the lighting is awesome. I loved those artsy lamps. Dawn is definitely the best time in order to enjoy the atmosphere. Quite romantic.... The information provided on the platforms is very interesting, also. Great outdoor activity for children and adults.
Edith GregerAug 10, 2018
Fun family thing to do in Rotorua. A $35 ticket let's you do a trip in the day and night. Not too hard so the elder parents and the young grand children can all do it together. Great opportunity to appreciate the majesty of nature. Can also do some beautiful walks through the woods if you have more time to kill.
benaifer BiliaJul 20, 2018
Great stop just outside of Rotorua. We did the walk at night and it was spectacular. They've decorated the trees with lanterns and other accent lighting. The bridges between trees are a little wobbly but not at all unsafe. Lots of fun about a 45 minute walk. Definitely worth checking out.
Bradley CarterAug 10, 2018
Absolutely stunning! We went at night and wow... Magnificent. Definitely recommend. Only advice would be try to find a quiet time as it is very popular and you feel rushed if there are too many people. Nevertheless still an amazing experience!
Nina de RondeJan 28, 2018
Prefer the day walk by quite a lot, however night walk good too. We went on a Sunday night and was quite busy. Remember to get your ticket before you cue up. Loads parking, staff very friendly. Small gift shop on site also bathrooms. Very easy walk, don't have to be fit. The whole walk takes about 30 minutes
Karen ProsserFeb 4, 2018
Very pretty. It was really nice to have multiple trails to do with varying lengths. We didn't have a lot of time and the hikes are very easy to navigate. The trails are also quite big giving lots of room to take pictures, pass other people, etc.
John HammFeb 13, 2018
This is a beautiful place to be one with nature! There is a long hiking trail where you can hike for free, and there is the tree walk which costs about $25. There are 23 bridges to walk across, but be careful, slippery when wet! I would recommend for anyone who loves nature or wants to get outside more.
Kat PorterFeb 13, 2018
We bought the $35 combo to go both at night and day, on two separate days. What a special experience at night! Would not dare to venture into a forest like this at night otherwise. It's great during the day too. We went on a weekday in late Feb and we almost had the whole place to ourselves. The trees are not as big as the California redwoods, but you can't get this elevated perspective in California so it was nice for us.
Wendy WongFeb 28, 2018
This is definitely a must-do - especially if you can do it in the evening! It's easily accessible and there's plenty of parking available. The entry is affordable and the views are wonderful. An easy walk for anyone! The suspension bridges are fun to cross and the informational signs at each stop are worth a read. The lighting at night is absolutely stunning. If you're looking for something quick to do after dinner, definitely consider this!
Kelly VaughnMar 28, 2018
. (03/2016) Amazing place and had memorable experience of doing skywalk over suspension bridges tied to the trees. Well maintained smoke free environment and courteous staff. Easily accessible from main road. Located next to i-SITE Visitor Information Center. Paid entrance and combo plans are on offer. Great views around while walking over the bridge. There are panels are provided along the walk at regular distances which take you through the history and interesting facts about this place. Looks more beautiful in night as compared to day time. Can get busy during weekends and public holidays. Spacious parking area. Wheelchair parking is available Public restrooms are available.
Nitesh GautamApr 8, 2018
This was a real treat to say the least. Seeing those huge Redwoods absolutely blew my mind. You can’t appreciate their size till you are right up under them. Very humbling indeed. We arrived mid day & the park was bumping & parking was a little tight but not a pain. The WC was clean & stocked. We did the quick & easy tramp as time was a bit tight & it was fantastic. The trail is will marked & maintained. So easy for young & old. You can do it in Jandels no problem. Even though the park was bumping the trail was not full of people & was quiet & cool. Bird song & insects sounds everywhere. It was very hot n humid the day we were there but once on the trail it cooled down & was quite pleasant. The mineral pools are a trip....what happens to what falls in the water will blow you away. We did not do the suspension bridge between the trees due to a time crunch but it looked like it would be a blast. All in all a worthwhile stop for the whole family.
Glen SloanMar 15, 2018
I loved this walk. It was so beautiful and one of my rotatua highlights. The staff were lovely and gave me a little history about the trees. It’s a tourist spot so I feel that some of the people who left bad reviews over the 20 bucks entry aren’t really justified. Everything is pretty expensive in NZ in general so It’s not out of the ordinary. Highly recommend the walk. You can also walk through the forest for free if you don’t want to pay to go on the bridges. Loved it. So serene.
Jess LaMar 12, 2018
Such a cool experience. We absolutely loved being up in the tree tops. We visited during the evening and the lights were beautiful. I wouldn't recommend this for people with mobility issues as you climb up ladders to get to the top. We wish we had more time so we could read the information signs however we arrived too close to closing time.
Anna-Maria FradelakisApr 6, 2018
Good wide path for main walk that is accessible for a wide range of availabilities. Great tree walk for those more able. Lots of nice tracks for the more sporty types. It was good to see young mums with prams jogging along the back tracks enjoying the beautiful environment. It was a surprise to me to learn that the forest was man made about a century ago with Californian redwoods. Also conveniently close to the main centre of Rotorua.
Carlina RidgewayMay 23, 2018
It is a bit of fun but not spectacular. They are making it longer and higher soon. The little informational / educational signs are good, they add some interest to the walk. The first step in the walkway was a big bounce, but it always felt safe. Friendly, informative and helpful staff. The cost seems a little high for what you get.
Paul ScaddenMay 23, 2018
Having been on a few treetop walks before I would say that this one is by far my favourite. With the walkway constructed from wood it has a very natural appearance. We got here late afternoon which was a good time to visit. There was just enough light left to get a good look at the forest and by the end it was dark enough that the lights were turned on giving it a very magical appearance like something out of a fairytale.
Mark BurgessMay 24, 2018
Smashing attraction and refreshing to find something you can do with the family after dark apart from eating! We loved this walk. Pretty lighting and trees hung with lanterns made for a very enjoyable hour. It was busy, and some of the rope bridges are understandably wobbly, so not good for sufferers of vertigo. Also very dark in parts so you may find a small pocket torch handy.
Joan CrookApr 30, 2018
Impressive night walk - at absolute best at dusk because the lights are on and you’ll see to the top of the mammoth trees. These suspension bridges do move a fair bit while walking but you’re safe as. The quiz for kids on the small chairs on the tree platforms was a good treasure hunt activity for our younger ones. I’m hoping even more lights will be added as some gaps between light features did feel long.
James LambJul 15, 2018
Very nice forest with dense trees and good number of walks across it. The walks can be chosen on basis of one's fitness levels. There's an elevated tree walk on the trees as well. Entry fee applies to that. The forest is amazing in the sense that the trees are very tall and old. Some trees have grown up from fallen tree stems which is very miraculous. A must visit in the area.
Raghav AbbhiJul 18, 2018
A spectacular walk in the redwood tree canopy. Go just before dusk (around 1700 in winter), and enjoy the forest in both daylight and with the lights on. The walk is surprisingly sturdy (even slightly nervous people in our group were fine) and circular, so go around more than once if you have the time and interest. It's about 35 minutes all the way around, depending on how busy it is. We went round 3 times, with the final time in darkness. The lights are great fun and we really enjoyed the hanging lights, the spotlights and the fairy lights. Great for the family.
Ferry HendrikxJul 11, 2018
Great little walk. Not so much of you don't like heights..... But doable still..... Kiddo really enjoyed it. Was lots of information on signs which was nice and really well done. Worth the effort to get there.
Chris HallJul 9, 2018
Amazing place for a different kind of stroll. The redwoods are majestic and the lighting is awesome. I loved those artsy lamps. Dawn is definitely the best time in order to enjoy the atmosphere. Quite romantic.... The information provided on the platforms is very interesting, also. Great outdoor activity for children and adults.
Edith GregerAug 10, 2018
Fun family thing to do in Rotorua. A $35 ticket let's you do a trip in the day and night. Not too hard so the elder parents and the young grand children can all do it together. Great opportunity to appreciate the majesty of nature. Can also do some beautiful walks through the woods if you have more time to kill.
benaifer BiliaJul 20, 2018
Great stop just outside of Rotorua. We did the walk at night and it was spectacular. They've decorated the trees with lanterns and other accent lighting. The bridges between trees are a little wobbly but not at all unsafe. Lots of fun about a 45 minute walk. Definitely worth checking out.
Bradley CarterAug 10, 2018
Monday | 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM |
Tuesday | 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM |
Wednesday | 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM |
Thursday | 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM |
Friday | 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM |
Saturday | 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM |
Sunday | 9:00 AM – 9:30 PM |