Our amazing friends from the Rotorua Pinoy Trail Walkers will be leading a beginner-friendly walk at the magical Redwoods Forest in Rotorua. Bookings via Eventbrite will open on 3 January 2022.

About Whakarewarewa Forest (The Redwoods)

The history and culture surrounding the Whakarewarewa Forest, the variety of outdoor recreational opportunities, diverse range of exotic tree species, mix of native undergrowth, panoramic views, and proximity to lakes, thermal areas and the city centre have made The Redwoods & Whakarewarewa Forest one of Rotorua’s most spectacular natural assets and one of the city’s greatest treasures.

The Whakarewarewa Forest is most well known for the network of superb mountain biking and walking tracks and for the magnificent stand of Californian Coast Redwoods. These towering trees, along with numerous other species and the fresh forest air, combine to create an invigorating atmosphere and a truly unique and special environment.

Meeting place: Outside Redwood i-SITE Vistor Centre, Longmile Road, Rotorua

Meeting time: 1:00 pm for a 1:15 pm start

Distance: about 7.5km loop

Duration: About 2 hours including stops

Difficulty: Average (3 on a 1-5 scale with 5 being advanced/expert).

Weather: to be updated closer to the time

Walk description

The plan is to walk the Pohaturoa (Yellow) Track. Distance is about 7.5km, 248m elevation and will take us about 2hrs at moderate pace.

We will meet outside Redwood i-SITE Visitor Centre, Longmile Road, 1:00pm, and will set off towards the western side of Whakarewarewa. The track goes over quite varied terrain and takes in different aspects of the forest, initially passing through The Redwoods and then through stands of mature Radiata pine, Mexican pine, Japanese larch and Douglas fir. Once through the Redwood Grove we will take a short sealed road section up Nursery Hill before heading back into the forest.

We will end our walk with lunch/snacks back at the Visitor Centre.

Cost

This is a free hike but a GOLD COIN DONATION towards operating costs will be highly appreciated.

What to bring/wear:

• NO COTTON WEAR - jeans/denims/shirts/jumper please
• trainers/sneakers will be fine unless weather has been wet recently, then you will need hiking shoes as it may be slippery
• snacks and at least 1L drink
• Personal FIRST AID KIT + medication
• clothing suitable for Rotorua summer
• sun and rain protection
• map from https://www.rotorualakescouncil.nz/our-city/recreation-and-leisure/theredwoods/Documents/Whakarewarewa%20walking%20trail%20map.pdf
• lots of positivity and fun

Important Disclaimer:

Pinoy Adventurers NZ (PANZ) and its organisers work voluntarily and hold NO responsibility or liability for any injury suffered during the events organised. By signing up to attend PANZ events, you are acknowledging that you are a legal adult, have read the details and will take full responsibility of your safety and the safety of the minors with you.