Whakarewarewa Forest wilderness guide
Forest Park · New Zealand

Whakarewarewa Forest

Whakarewarewa Forest offers an exceptional blend of natural beauty and thrilling outdoor activities, making it a top destination for mountain bikers and hikers near Rotorua.

Forest Park14,0004+ Trails

Designation

Forest Park

Total Wilderness Area

14,000

Elevation / Terrain

Diverse Wilderness

Field Editorial Guide

About Whakarewarewa Forest

Whakarewarewa Forest offers an exceptional blend of natural beauty and thrilling outdoor activities, making it a top destination for mountain bikers and hikers near Rotorua.

Wilderness Landscape & Natural Heritage

Whakarewarewa Forest, also known as the Redwoods Forest, is located on New Zealand's North Island near the city of Rotorua. Famous for its towering Californian Coastal Redwoods, planted over a century ago, the forest spans a mix of lush woodland and exotic tree species. Aside from its impressive natural allure, the area is steeped in history and culture, showcasing Māori traditions in its proximity to local villages. The forest is a haven for outdoor enthusiasts, particularly mountain bikers, with an extensive network of world-class trails ranging from beginner to expert levels. Additionally, hikers and runners enjoy the numerous tracks, with options that cater to all fitness levels. Notable landmarks include panoramic lookout points that offer stunning views of Rotorua and the surrounding lakes. The forest's appeal extends beyond adventure, with several picnic spots and tranquil areas for relaxation. Given its accessibility and diversity of activities, Whakarewarewa Forest is a must-visit location for both adrenaline seekers and those seeking peaceful nature experiences.

Field Guide · Forest Park
Adventure Destinations

Notable Destinations Near Whakarewarewa Forest

Scenic viewpoints, outdoor landmarks, and notable points of interest within 60 miles.

Key Wilderness Highlights

✦ The Redwoods Treewalk, a series of suspension bridges high among towering redwoods✦ Panoramic lookouts with views of Lake Rotorua and the city✦ Te Puia thermal reserve nearby with geysers and hot pools✦ The Blue and Green Lakes (Tikitapu and Rotokakahi) for scenic beauty
Wilderness Recreation

Outdoor Adventures in Whakarewarewa Forest

Explore curated guides for top outdoor sports, trail networks, and wilderness activities.

Park Recreation

Hiking

Available in Whakarewarewa Forest
Park Recreation

Mountain Biking

Available in Whakarewarewa Forest
Park Recreation

Photography

Available in Whakarewarewa Forest
Park Recreation

Picnicking

Available in Whakarewarewa Forest
Park Recreation

Running

Available in Whakarewarewa Forest
The Ranger Station

Visitor Logistics & Essential Planning

Everything you need to know about entrance passes, seasons, visitor centers, road transit, and wildlife safety in Whakarewarewa Forest.

Passes & Fees

Entrance Requirements & Interagency Passes

Free access with no permits required.

Wilderness Checklist

Carry paper topographic map & compass in remote zones.
Store all food and scented items in approved bear canisters.
Check wildfire / smoke advisories before backcountry departure.
Pack out everything you pack in (Leave No Trace).
Adventure Basecamps

Gateway Towns Near Whakarewarewa Forest

Stay, dine, and gear up in these mountain towns and scenic basecamps surrounding the park.

Rotorua, Bay of Plenty Region, New Zealand
⌖ 2.22 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Rotorua, Bay of Plenty Region, New Zealand

Rotorua in New Zealand’s Bay of Plenty is a geothermal adventure hub where mountain biking, hiking, whitewater rafting, and ziplining meet steamy volcanic landscapes and rich Māori culture.

Late Spring to Early Autumn (November to April)
Explore Town
Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
⌖ 2.22 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Rotorua, Bay of Plenty

Rotorua, a geothermal gem in New Zealand, offers hiking, biking, and watersports amid thermal wonders. The lush forests and Maori culture enrich every adventure.

Spring and Summer
Explore Town
Rotorua, New Zealand
⌖ 2.22 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Rotorua, New Zealand

Rotorua is an action-packed adventure town in New Zealand with geothermal wonders, world-class mountain biking, kayaking, and hiking through stunning landscapes. Perfect for outdoor enthusiasts.

Spring and Autumn
Explore Town
Hamurana, Bay of Plenty
⌖ 9.20 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Hamurana, Bay of Plenty

Hamurana, Bay of Plenty offers refreshing hikes through native forests leading to the crystal-clear Hamurana Springs. Ideal for birdwatching, trout fishing, kayaking, and photography, it’s a natural retreat just outside Rotorua.

Spring to Autumn
Explore Town
Waikite Valley, Waikato
⌖ 11.60 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Waikite Valley, Waikato

Waikite Valley, Waikato offers hikers, mountain bikers, and nature lovers a geothermal playground with soothing hot springs, native forests, and tranquil fishing spots. Ideal for spring through autumn adventures in New Zealand’s volcanic heartland.

Spring to Autumn
Explore Town
Okere Falls, Bay of Plenty
⌖ 11.62 miles
Gateway Basecamp

Okere Falls, Bay of Plenty

Okere Falls, in the Bay of Plenty, is an outdoor playground famous for whitewater rafting, kayaking, hiking, and fly fishing. Adventure lovers flock here year-round to tackle rugged rapids and serene trails in stunning native forest.

Spring through Autumn
Explore Town
Expert-Led Wilderness Expeditions

Guided Experiences in Whakarewarewa Forest

Explore scenic backcountry routes and epic wilderness adventures with certified local mountain guides, naturalists, and outfitters.

Full-day Traverse of Mt Tarawera: Dome, Summit and Crater
ADVEXPEDITION
Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Walking TourADV Bookable

Full-day Traverse of Mt Tarawera: Dome, Summit and Crater

A fully guided, 6.5-hour walking adventure across Tarawera Dome and Ruawahia with 360° views, cultural interpretation and an optional crater descent — this guide helps you plan what to bring and what to expect.

Walking TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Across Lake Tarawera to Hot Springs and Māori Stories
ADVEXPEDITION
Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Boat TourADV Bookable

Across Lake Tarawera to Hot Springs and Māori Stories

A two-hour guided water-taxi and shore excursion that pairs geothermal soaking with Māori cultural and ecological interpretation — essential reading before you book.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Beach Drop-Off by Water Taxi: Hot Water Beach Camp at Te Rata
ADVEXPEDITION
Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
HikingADV Bookable

Beach Drop-Off by Water Taxi: Hot Water Beach Camp at Te Rata

A practical guide to the Hot Water Beach Camp drop-off by water taxi from Kariri Point Reserve — a 25‑minute, campers‑only transfer that requires advance booking and declared camp gear.

HikingPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
A Day of Sheep, Gondolas and Luge: Rotorua's Private Adventure
ADVEXPEDITION
Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
PrivateADV Bookable

A Day of Sheep, Gondolas and Luge: Rotorua's Private Adventure

A 12-hour private tour with Auckland & Beyond Tours that pairs live farm demonstrations at Agrodome with Skyline Gondola views, a Redwoods luge run and lunch at Stratosphere Restaurant.

PrivatePT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip
Geothermal Majesty and Māori Culture: A Two-Day Rotorua Immersion
ADVEXPEDITION
Rotorua, Bay of Plenty
Boat TourADV Bookable

Geothermal Majesty and Māori Culture: A Two-Day Rotorua Immersion

A private 2-day, 1-night itinerary that pairs Te Puia’s geothermal theatre and Māori performance with jet boating, a mineral hot-pool spa, and a full Waimangu Volcanic Valley experience—this guide lays out the flow, practicals, and what to pack.

Boat TourPT2HCertified Outfitter
Bookable OnlineBook Trip