Redwoods Treewalk Rotorua
Walk among ancient giants on suspension bridges, experiencing the magic of a redwood forest by day and a lantern-lit wonderland by night.

Highlights
Must-see attractions
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Best Time
Magical lantern-lit forest
Redwoods Treewalk Rotorua
Best Time
Magical lantern-lit forest

Highlights
Must-see attractions
Walk among ancient giants on suspension bridges, experiencing the magic of a redwood forest by day and a lantern-lit wonderland by night.
"The Day & Night Combo is the best way to experience the Redwoods Treewalk because it shows you two sides of the same forest."
✨ Book the Night Walk
The night walk is a magical, different experience with enchanting lights. Highly recommended!
🚶♀️ Free Ground Level Walks
Enjoy the majestic redwoods from the forest floor for free. Great for a budget-friendly stroll.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Suspension Bridges Among Giants
Elevated walkways
Walk high among 120-year-old redwood trees on 28 unique suspension bridges.
Enchanting Nighttime Illumination
Elevated walkways at night
Experience a magical forest transformed by hundreds of soft, artistic lanterns.

Daytime Tranquility
Elevated walkways during the day
Appreciate the serene beauty and towering majesty of the ancient redwood forest.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Day vs. Night: A Tale of Two Forests
Free Exploration vs. Ticketed Adventure
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Rotorua - what are some cool things to do there that don't break the bank?
✨ Book the Night Walk
The night walk is a magical, different experience with enchanting lights. Highly recommended!
🚶♀️ Free Ground Level Walks
Enjoy the majestic redwoods from the forest floor for free. Great for a budget-friendly stroll.
Rotorua adventures
Redwoods Forest
📸 Night Photo Tips
Taking photos at night can be tricky without flash, but the beautiful lights are worth it.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on elevated bridges, so wear comfortable footwear for the best experience.
Redwoods Forest (night)
Tips
from all over the internet
✨ Book the Night Walk
The night walk is a magical, different experience with enchanting lights. Highly recommended!
🚶♀️ Free Ground Level Walks
Enjoy the majestic redwoods from the forest floor for free. Great for a budget-friendly stroll.
📸 Night Photo Tips
Taking photos at night can be tricky without flash, but the beautiful lights are worth it.
👟 Comfortable Shoes
You'll be walking on elevated bridges, so wear comfortable footwear for the best experience.
🍎 Bring Snacks
Pack some snacks, especially if you're visiting with family, to keep energy levels up.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
Visitors rave about the Redwoods Treewalk Rotorua, especially the magical nighttime experience illuminated by artistic lanterns. The contrast between the serene daytime forest and the enchanting night walk makes it a highly recommended highlight for many. While the ground-level walks are free and beautiful, the elevated Treewalk offers a unique perspective.
"I booked the Day & Night Combo, and it turned out to be one of the most memorable highlights of my trip. Experiencing the forest in both daylight and after dark felt like visiting two completely different worlds.
🌞 Daytime Walk
The daytime walk was calm, refreshing, and a chance to truly appreciate the natural beauty of the towering redwoods. Walking along the suspension bridges, high among the treetops, gave me a unique perspective of the forest floor below and the incredible height of the trees above. The light filtering through the canopy created a peaceful atmosphere, and I had plenty of time to slow down and soak it all in.
The design features along the walk — including the wooden lanterns and artistic touches — blended seamlessly with the lush ferns and native plants. Even in daylight, these installations added colour and character to the natural landscape.
🌌 Nighttime Walk
Once the sun went down, the forest completely transformed. Hundreds of lanterns designed by David Trubridge lit up the night in intricate patterns and soft glows, giving the forest an enchanting, almost magical feel. Walking across the bridges at night felt like entering a fantasy world — glowing shapes hanging among the trees, a giant illuminated bird in flight, and the forest floor bathed in vibrant lighting.
What I loved most was the contrast: during the day, it’s about appreciating nature’s raw beauty; at night, it’s about immersing yourself in an art installation that brings the forest alive in a new and unexpected way.
💡 Overall
The Day & Night Combo is the best way to experience the Redwoods Treewalk because it shows you two sides of the same forest — one tranquil and grounding, the other magical and dreamlike. The staff were welcoming, the walkways felt safe but adventurous, and the entire experience was well worth it.
Highly recommended: If you’re in Rotorua, this is an absolute must-do."
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"The Nighttime Redwood Tree Walk on New Zealand's North Island is a magical experience. As you stroll along the elevated walkways, the towering redwoods are beautifully illuminated, creating a serene and enchanting atmosphere. The sounds of nature blend with the gentle lights, making it a perfect escape into the forest at night. The walk is suitable for all ages and offers a unique perspective on these majestic trees. It's a must-visit for anyone looking to connect with nature in a captivating way."
Koebyn Gillespie
"Beautiful serene place to hike. We loved it. It was free to walk the grounds. If you want the tree walk you can sign up for it. Lots to do with the kids. Bring snacks."
Zainul Saigar
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The Redwoods Treewalk Rotorua is located in the Whakarewarewa Forest, a short drive from Rotorua's city center. Many visitors drive and find parking available. Public transport options might be limited, so checking local bus routes or considering a taxi/rideshare is advisable.
Yes, there is parking available at the Redwoods Treewalk Rotorua. It's a good idea to arrive a bit early, especially during peak times, to secure a spot.
While it's possible to walk, it's a significant distance from Rotorua's city center. Driving or taking a short taxi ride is generally more convenient.
Public transport options to the Redwoods Treewalk can be limited. It's best to check the latest Rotorua bus schedules or consider alternative transport like taxis or rideshares for ease of access.
Rotorua is accessible by car, bus, and has an airport (Rotorua Airport - ROT) with domestic flights. If coming from further afield, flying into Auckland Airport (AKL) and then taking a bus or domestic flight to Rotorua is common.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The cost varies depending on whether you choose a daytime walk, a nighttime walk, or the combo. Prices are generally reasonable, and booking online in advance is recommended, especially for the popular night walks. Check their official website for current pricing.
It is highly recommended to book your tickets in advance, particularly for the popular nighttime walks, to guarantee your entry and preferred time slot.
Yes, you can typically purchase tickets for the daytime walk, the nighttime walk, or a combo ticket that includes both experiences. The night walk is often highlighted as a must-do.
Walking on the ground level of the redwood forest is free and offers a beautiful experience. However, accessing the elevated suspension bridges of the Treewalk requires a paid ticket.
Opening hours vary between day and night walks. The daytime walk is generally open during daylight hours, while the night walk operates after sunset. It's best to check the official Redwoods Treewalk Rotorua website for the most up-to-date hours.
🎫 🌲 Onsite Experience
The Redwoods Treewalk Rotorua offers a unique perspective of the ancient redwood forest from elevated suspension bridges. During the day, it's a peaceful nature walk. At night, it transforms into a magical experience with artistic lantern illuminations.
Yes, the Redwoods Treewalk is generally suitable for children. The walkways are safe, and the experience can be magical for younger visitors, especially the night walk.
The time it takes can vary depending on your pace and how long you stop to admire the views. Most visitors spend around 45 minutes to an hour on the Treewalk itself.
Absolutely! Photography is encouraged. The daytime offers beautiful natural light, while the nighttime walk provides a unique opportunity for atmospheric shots with the lanterns.
Comfortable walking shoes are a must. Dress in layers as the forest can be cooler than the surrounding areas. For the night walk, bring a light jacket.
📸 📸 Photography
Both day and night offer unique photographic opportunities. Daytime provides clear views of the towering trees and forest floor. Nighttime is magical with the illuminated lanterns, creating an enchanting atmosphere.
It can be challenging to take clear photos without flash due to the low light conditions. However, the beautiful lantern lights create a unique, atmospheric mood that is worth capturing.
For night photography, consider using a tripod if possible to stabilize your shots. Experiment with longer exposure times and a higher ISO, but be mindful of noise. Many visitors find their phone cameras capture the ambiance well.
The entire Treewalk offers stunning vantage points. Look for areas where the lanterns are clustered or where you can frame the towering trees with the illuminated walkways. The giant illuminated bird is also a popular photo subject.
While you can use a flash, it might detract from the magical ambiance created by the lanterns and could disturb other visitors' experiences. It's often better to rely on the ambient light or use a tripod for longer exposures.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
While the Treewalk itself is ticketed, the surrounding forest offers free walking paths that are also great for families. Packing snacks is a good idea to keep little ones energized. The experience is generally accessible and offers a unique way to connect with nature that appeals to all ages.
💰 Budget Travelers
If your budget allows for a splurge, consider the Day & Night Combo ticket for the Redwoods Treewalk. It offers two distinct and memorable experiences, providing excellent value for the unique perspectives you gain. Booking in advance can sometimes offer better rates.
📸 Photography Enthusiasts
The artistic lantern illuminations create a surreal and enchanting atmosphere, perfect for capturing unique, moody shots. While low-light photography can be challenging, the results can be incredibly rewarding. Consider bringing a tripod for sharper images and experimenting with longer exposures to capture the glow of the lanterns and the silhouettes of the trees.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Magic of the Night Walk
Visitors often describe the night walk as a completely different experience from the daytime visit. The quiet of the evening, combined with the soft, ambient lighting, fosters a sense of peace and wonder. It's a chance to immerse yourself in the forest's natural beauty, enhanced by thoughtful artistic installations. The walkways feel safe and adventurous, allowing you to explore at your own pace and capture unique photographs of this illuminated natural spectacle.
Many reviewers highly recommend the night walk, with some even suggesting it's the highlight of their Rotorua trip. The contrast between the daytime appreciation of nature and the nighttime immersion in an art installation is what makes the Redwoods Treewalk Rotorua night experience so memorable. It's an opportunity to connect with nature in a profoundly beautiful and unexpected way.
Daytime Serenity and Natural Beauty
The design of the Treewalk itself is thoughtfully integrated into the natural environment. Wooden lanterns and artistic touches blend seamlessly with the lush ferns and native plants, adding subtle layers of beauty without detracting from the forest's raw appeal. This daytime experience is about appreciating the natural beauty and the grounding presence of the towering redwoods. It’s a perfect opportunity for quiet contemplation and to soak in the serene atmosphere of one of Rotorua's most iconic natural attractions.
Even though the ground-level forest walk is free, many visitors find the ticketed Treewalk experience to be well worth it for the elevated views and the chance to be truly immersed among the treetops. It’s a gentle adventure suitable for all ages, offering a peaceful respite and a chance to marvel at the enduring majesty of the redwood giants.
Exploring the Redwoods on Foot (Free Option)
These free trails are well-maintained and provide a wonderful opportunity for a leisurely walk, a jog, or simply a peaceful moment surrounded by nature. You can still appreciate the scale of the redwood trees and the lush undergrowth, making it a rewarding experience for nature lovers. Many visitors enjoy combining a free ground-level walk with the ticketed Treewalk for a comprehensive exploration of the forest.
Remember to wear comfortable shoes and perhaps bring some water and snacks, especially if you plan on spending a longer time exploring the various paths within the forest. It’s a great way to enjoy the natural beauty of Rotorua and get a feel for the impressive redwood environment.
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