Redwoods of Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua
The Redwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest is one of Rotorua’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Towering Californian Coast Redwoods, some reaching up to 100 metres high, stand as silent guardians of a forest that feels more like something from a fairytale than New Zealand. Walking beneath these giants, you step into a world of towering trunks, golden light filtering through the canopy, and a stillness that makes you forget the outside world.
I had always heard about Whakarewarewa Forest, but nothing could have prepared me for the experience. As my wife and I walked into the Redwoods Track, we were wrapped in an almost otherworldly atmosphere. The towering trees stood in perfect formation, their deep red trunks stretching endlessly skyward. It was the kind of place where time seemed to slow, where every step on the soft, leaf-covered ground felt like entering another world.
A forest that feels like another world
New Zealand has its share of incredible landscapes, but this felt different. The straight, majestic trunks of the Californian Redwoods reminded me of something out of Lord of the Rings—as if elves could step from the shadows at any moment. The forest wasn’t just beautiful; it felt alive, whispering stories of forgotten times through the rustling leaves.
As we wandered deeper, shafts of light pierced through the canopy, creating a dance of shadows and golden brilliance on the forest floor. It was the kind of scene you’d expect to find in a movie, not just a few minutes from Rotorua city centre.
Why you need to experience the Redwoods Treewalk
For an even more breathtaking view, the Redwoods Treewalk lifts you into the canopy, offering a completely different perspective. Suspended walkways sway gently between the trees, and at night, the hanging lanterns transform the forest into something magical. It’s a must-do for visitors looking to experience the forest from above.
But even at ground level, there’s something deeply humbling about walking among these century-old trees. The sheer size of them puts life into perspective. Their thick bark protects them from fire and pests, while their roots, though shallow, spread far and wide—an incredible adaptation that keeps them standing strong.
The Magic of Whakarewarewa Forest
For an even more breathtaking view, the Redwoods Treewalk lifts you into the canopy, offering a completely different perspective. Suspended walkways sway gently between the trees, and at night, the hanging lanterns transform the forest into something magical. It’s a must-do for visitors looking to experience the forest from above.
But even at ground level, there’s something deeply humbling about walking among these century-old trees. The sheer size of them puts life into perspective. Their thick bark protects them from fire and pests, while their roots, though shallow, spread far and wide—an incredible adaptation that keeps them standing strong.
