Redwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest — Attraction in North Island

In Whakarewarewa's emerald heart, Where Rotorua's geothermal whispers start, A cathedral of redwoods, proud and tall, Their silent majesty enthralls all. No ancient stones, no crafted, carven frieze, But living pillars, reaching for the breeze, Their bark a tapestry of russet hue, A symphony of strength, forever new. From tiny seeds, by patient nature sown, They've risen skyward, decades have grown, Their roots entwined, a network deep and vast, A hidden world, where shadows softly cast. The sunbeams filter, dappled and serene, Through emerald canopies, a vibrant scene, A verdant hush, where worries fade away, And nature's secrets gently hold their sway. The air is crisp, with scent of pine and loam, A fragrant balm, a peaceful, forest home, Where ferns unfurl, in shades of jade and green, And mossy carpets cushion every scene. The wind sighs softly through their lofty heads, A rustling whisper, where tranquility spreads, A lullaby of leaves, a gentle sound, As nature's rhythm circles all around. No hurried footsteps break the tranquil peace, Just whispered voices, where all tensions cease, And cameras click, to capture beauty's grace, The timeless wonder of this sacred place. The redwood giants, standing strong and bold, Their stories etched in rings of years untold, They've witnessed seasons change, and skies turn gray, And felt the warmth of many a summer day. They've sheltered creatures, small and shy and meek, The native birds, their melodies they speak, The playful fantail, with its dancing flight, The kereru's wings, in shades of purple bright. Beneath their boughs, the forest floor thrives, With delicate flowers, where new life arrives, The fungi sprout, in hues of red and white, A hidden kingdom, bathed in filtered light. The air is thick with stories, whispered low, Of Maori legends, from the long ago, Of Tāne Mahuta, god of forest deep, Whose watchful gaze, the ancient redwoods keep. The geothermal warmth, a subtle hum, That rises gently, where the redwoods come, A breath of earth, a primal energy, That nourishes this woodland family. From humble sapling to a towering might, The redwoods stand, a beacon, pure and bright, A testament to nature's artistry, A living poem, for all eternity. So let us wander, through this verdant space, And feel the magic of this tranquil place, Where redwood giants touch the sky above, And whisper secrets of enduring love. For in this forest, peace and solace lie, A sanctuary of green, beneath the sky, Where nature's beauty reigns, supreme and grand, The redwood kingdom, in this...

Redwoods are something special, you just know when you are around them. Giant well kept in a beautiful reserve area. I went both in the daytime and nightmare specifically to see them, but there is lovely places to walk all around this area, with a picnic, with a dog or just some time alone. The redwoods themselves arnt as big/wide as the ones in california, but that doesn't mean they arnt spectacular to look at. Many have survived wars and carry so much history. I would reccomend visiting both day and nighttime, specifically to do the nighttime walk, it adds a sense of mystery and quiet to the surroundings. Make sure you go as late as possible- if you do go to avoid small children and noise. We left when the last groups were coming in and it was deffintely the best time to visit. There are bridges with platforms with a limit to 8 per bridge and 20 to platforms which is great because it means on some platforms it doesn't get overcrowded, as long as you are visiting with people who adhere to the rules. The height isn't much of a problem for those who are scared of heights for the lower course, but there is a section that goes a little higher which you do not have to go down, there is a alterative route also. Make sure you look up at the sky, as the stars are nice if you stay away from the road. Worth a visit if you are passing or in the area, they are...

This was easy to get to by car as it's close to the town on the edge of the Redwood Forest. There was a lot of parking available.

We purchased our tickets at the information building which was clean and tidy. The bathrooms were also clean and tidy

The man at the start of the tour gave us some basic info on not jumping and no more than 8 at a time on each bridge.

The construction appeared top notch and you never felt nervous about the strength of the bridges. There was plenty of stops where you could take a break, take in the view, sanitise your hands and read the info boards on the forest and trees.

There were David Trubridge designed lights hanging from the forest which light up at night so we will go back again tonight as this would be beautiful. Our tickets are for the full day so you can go back again.

There was a cafe in the info centre which had some food, drinks and coffee, plus plenty of souvenirs in the info centre.

The whole setup has been really well put together and adults and kids all enjoyed it. They even had purpose built buggies for taking babies in a capsule so the whole family...