Rotorua Walks – Redwood Forest, New Zealand

Walking Trails in the Californian Coastal Redwoods, Rotorua, NZ

Aug 26, 2009 Lyn Rasmussen

The Redwood Forest is only minutes away from Rotorua CBD. Walking trails are well maintained and sign-posted, and suitable for people of all ages and fitness levels.

One of the best things about Rotorua in New Zealand's North Island is its proximity to great walking trails. Just a five-minute drive from the CBD, walkers can enjoy a peaceful half-hour stroll or an energetic all-day hike.

Redwood Forest History and Overview

Planted in 1901, these Redwoods are a memorial to the men of the New Zealand Forest Service who died in the two great wars of the 20th Century. Six well-maintained tracks begin from the Redwoods Gift Shop and Information Centre off the Long Mile Road entrance. Each track is marked and colour coded. Walkers and runners from beginning to advanced, including elite athletes who require more challenging hill work are all catered for, as are cyclists and horse-trekkers.

Redwood Memorial Grove Track – A Comfortable Half-hour Walk

This half loop from the Information Centre and back is an easy half-hour walk through the lovely Redwood Grove with its deep green canopy overhead. Soft, burnt-sienna bark of the redwoods’ trunks and branches adds warmth to the shaded trails that are suitable for leisure walkers, strollers and people who need wheelchair access. Before arriving back at the Visitor Centre, walkers make their way via a boardwalk over a thermal pond, its opalescent waters home to a variety of exotic aquatic plant life. Most types of footwear can be worn on this trail.

Waitawa Walk – and Quarry Lookout Track

The Waitawa Walk leads into country where New Zealand’s Silver and Mamaku ferns make lacy umbrellas over the trail. Further into the forest and climbing higher through Douglas Fir, European Larch, walnut and eucalypts, walkers will discover the lookout from the old rhyolite quarry. Panoramic views from the Quarry Lookout encompass Lake Rotorua and Rotorua City.

Longer Walks and the Whakarewarewa Circuit

Those who require more of a challenge may explore the Pohaturoa (7.5km) or Tokorangi Pa Track (11.5km), two hours and three-and-a-half hours respectively. The steep climb is rewarded by views across Whakarewarewa Thermal Reserve with its acres of steaming silica terraces. The Tokorangi Pa track leads to the site of an ancient Maori Pa (fortified village) although nothing noticeable remains today. These tracks climb to 500 metres above sea level, so require a higher level of fitness.

The Whakarewarewa circuit is an eight-hour tramp offering spectacular views of Rotorua and surrounds, and a walk along the shoreline of the lovely Blue and Green lakes. Trampers should check in at the Visitor Centre to make sure all tracks are open as some of the trails are through areas of forestry operations. Make sure to take something to eat and drink and something warm to wear in case of changeable weather, even during the summer.

Multi-Use Trails for Bikers, Walkers and Horse Trekkers

The Redwood Forest has multi-use trails that can be used specifically by walkers, bikers or horse trekkers. To ensure everyone who uses the forest has an enjoyable experience, people are asked to observe the following:

· The left-hand rule applies unless passing

· Users should keep to their designated tracks (bikers, walkers, horse-trekkers)

· NEVER light fires

· NEVER leave any rubbish behind – keep lakes and streams clean

· Protect plants and animals

· Be polite and considerate to other users

Redwood Forest Information Bites

· Visitor Centre open seven days weekly except for Christmas Day

· Vehicle access at main gates 5:30am – 8:30pm

· Walkers/Bikers may enter at any time

· Users are encouraged to enjoy the forest during daylight hours

· Entry to the forest is free

Redwoods Gift Shop & Information Centre, Long Mile Road, Rotorua, New Zealand, Pvt Bag 3029, Rotorua Mail Centre, Rotorua 3026. Ph: 64 7 350-0110; Fax: 64 7 350 0111; redwoods@rdc.govt.nz

The copyright of the article Rotorua Walks – Redwood Forest, New Zealand in Aus/NZ/Oceania Travel is owned by Lyn Rasmussen. Permission to republish Rotorua Walks – Redwood Forest, New Zealand in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Redwood Forest Walkers-Polished Athletes

Redwood Forest Walks offer Spectacular Views

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