Urban fringe
Loop
Undulating, some big hills
Dog Friendly
Plantation/exotic forest
Sealed Road
Farm Road / 4WD Track
Easy Single Track
Moderate Single Track
Technical Single Track
Average Uphill Gradient: +9.5%
Average Downhill Gradient: -8.8%
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1:45
Slow
1:15
Moderate
1:00
Fast
This trail is well sign posted. Follow the purple arrows. Track starts out with a leisurely warm up through memorial grove Californian redwoods. Turn right to start the first big climb that involves some stairs. A left turn at the top brings you to a dirt packed gradual incline followed by an undulating forest section that involves some steep hills.
Around 5.5km you will come across a bridge with a water fountain. Then you will run on a forest road which leads to a sharp right turn and a technical downhill section where you will cross two ponds. There is one last steep stair climb and then you will be on packed dirt roads the rest of the way. You will pass a water reservoir. There is a short paved downhill section on Nursery Road and then you will meander back through the redwoods to the visitor centre.
6 hectares of protected Californian redwoods in memorial grove.
Beautiful views of Rotorua, lake and Mt Ngongotaha.
Passes by ancient Maori Pa site (fortified village) although nothing remains of it today.
Variety of exotic and native trees and plants abundant with bird life.
If you know of any public toilets near the trail start or on the route, please login and then let us know so we can update this section.
The Cityride bus runs every day except public holidays to the redwoods every half hour starting at 6:50am. Take route 3: owhata. Get off on Tarawera road and walk 1km down LongMile road to the visitor centre.
Parking lot at the visitor centre is free.
4 km
8 minutes
Yes
No
Easy.
Watch for a sharp right turn off a forest road about 8oom after you cross the bridge with the water fountain.
Generally good.
Waterproof leggings, Lightweight fleece top, Windproof jacket, Gloves, Whistle, First aid kit, Extra food for emergencies, Cellphone, Map
Water fountain found at 5.5km next to bridge. It is sometimes not working so don't rely on it. There is water available at the visitor centre.
Very muddy after rain.
Watch out on the downhill muddy sections.
redwoods cafe
redwood visitor centre
Trailer serving coffee and snacks right next to the visitor centre. Enjoy while you do your stretching!
Trail Legend
Fastest Known Times (FKTs)
You and Tokorangi Pa Track
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Loved this trail - tough at the start with lots of climbing but a great way to see the wonders of the Whakarewarewa forest. If you follow the clockwise direction...a nice fast dowhill finish.
October 21, 2023
Lovely run, nice and undulating with a couple of bigger climbs. Good underfoot for an easy day out. With plenty of nice views and shade on a hot day.
September 11, 2020
Track is back open despite the signage at the visitor centre saying otherwise! Great loop with a bit of everything, running really nicely after a few days of sunshine.
September 5, 2020
These overlap with this trail to some degree. You may wish to combine them but please note that to qualify for FKTs on these runs you should record a separate activity for each.