Rotorua Whakarewarewa Forest Loop

New Zealand's newest Great Ride, is right here on our back doorstep in Rotorua's beautiful Whakarewarewa Forest, also known as The Redwoods Forest.

The Whakarewarewa Forest Loop is a 33km, is a scenic link of trails, primarily Grade 2 with Grade 3 sections, making it ideal for eBikers to Adaptive Riders, Families to Senior who have a good base fitness and are confident in riding a bike.
An average loop will take anywhere from 2.5 to 5 hours depending on your fitness, how many stops you make along the way and what bike you're riding.  We highly recommend an eBike for your forest loop adventure, which you can hire from us HERE  Choose from half, full or multi-day options with Full Suspension Stumpjumpers also available.

HOT TIP: Make sure you pack your camera, as there are plenty of incredible views and points of interest you'll discover along the way, perfect for capturing lasting memories and enjoying rest breaks.



In the Tokorangi Pa section of the Forest Loop, you'll have views across Rotorua city to Mount Ngongotaha, Lake Rotorua and Mokoia Island.  From here you'll head to Te Pūtake O Tawa - which offers great coffee and kai (food) along with one of three toilet blocks on the Forest Loop.

From Tawa Forest Hub, you'll head to the Tangaroamihi Trail along Blue Lake, giving you views of Lake Tikitapu. While venturing on you'll join on to Te Kōtukotuku trail flowing above the Green Lake, Lake Rotokakahi.  This lake is privately owned a sacred to local iwi with no public access to the water.  This is a MUST-STOP viewing spot, offering precious views amongst soaring trees and lush native bush across Lake Rotokakahi.

From there you'll start to make your journey home - taking in Baja Trail and a section of Te Ara Ahi - National Cycleway.

HOT TIP: See below for shorter section recommendations, if you're limited on time or building your fitness to achieve the full loop.


Hire eBikes or Full Suspension Bikes HERE. Helmets are included in our Bike Hire, and we will set the suspension to suit your needs. Purchase extra's HERE.

Trail Forks Whakarewarewa Forest Loop Map.  Click HERE if viewing on a mobile device.

There are several places to start your Forest Loop.  Recommendations include Te Pūtake o Tawa car park on Tarawera Road or Waipa MTB Carpark off State Highway 5. Both locations offer plenty of car parking and facilities.  You can also ride from Cyclezone on Fenton Street, taking in Sulphur Point and Town Link Trail and joining the Forest Loop at the top of Nursery Road, off Long Mile Road - our team are more than happy to discuss getting to the forest and the best starting point option for your ride.

We look forward to helping you with your Whakarewarewa Forest Loop Adventure during your stay in our incredible city.  

HOT TIP:
Shorter Loop for Families - Grade 1 + 2 Trails:
Start at Waipa MTB Carpark
Te Pikitanga Whangapipiro, which features Mud Pools and Steaming Geothermal Activity
Arepa Weherua
Once you arrive at the Nursery Road | Katore Road intersection, turn right to head down Nursery Road towards Waipa MTB Carpark
Join Dipper Track at the bottom of Nursey Road | Pohaturoa Road intersection
Exit Dipper to join Tahi
Tahi onto Tahi Extension
Return to Waipa MTB Carpark

Shorter Loop Extended:
Start at Waipa MTB Carpark
Te Pikitanga Whangapipiro, which features Mud Pools and Steaming Geothermal Activity.
Arepa Weherua
Te Koromete Titokorangi 
Tūhua
Tūhua to Tank to Town
Tarawera Road Trail
Once on Windy Road, keep an eye out on your right for...
Apumoana Trail is a great 2.5km climbing trail under a beautiful tree canopy 
Once at the top, turn right to Te Poaka.
This is a Grade 3 Trail - which is super fun and flowy, just keep your speed in check as it's easy to get carried away.
And the bottom of Te Poaka you'll find a water tap and picnic table to enjoy a break, while catching up with other riders.
From here you're heading back to Waipa MTB Carpark.
Look for Dragons Tail, grade 3 Trail on your left, if you're keen to explore more trails or head down Red Tank Road.
At the intersection of Red Tank Road | Nursery Road, turn right till you join Nursey Road | Pohaturoa Road intersection, then turn left.
You have the option of taking the road back to the carpark or enjoying some MTB Classics.
Dipper
Tahi
Tahi Extension
Returning to Waipa MTB Carpark.

Lake Tikitapu + Rotokakahi Loop:
Seriously scenic with the added bonus of a swim in Lake Tikitapu (The Blue Lake) post-ride.
Park at Lake Tikitapu Carpark on Tarawera Road.
Join the Tangaroamihi Trail to the right of the carpark in the lush native bush, this section of the trail is dual-directional, so expect other riders coming towards you.
Join Te Kōtukutuku Trail directly opposite.
Te Kōtukutuku and the extension.
Once at the end of Te Kōtukutuku Trail turn right onto Jeff's Link.
At the top of Jeff's Link turn right onto Tikitapu Road, which will return you to Tangaroamihi Trail on your left.
Then head back to Lake Tikitapu Carpark and have a swim and a bite to eat at the Airstream Cafe.

HOT TIP:
Any questions?  Come visit us in-store or give us a call - we're a wealth of local knowledge and friendly helpful advice and service.