Long walks

Requires a reasonable level of fitness and sturdy footwear

Quarry lookout track 4.8km 1hr 30mins

The Quarry Lookout Track is a variation on the Waitawa walk and ventures a bit further into the forest. A stroll through the Redwoods leads you to a short climb through mature Douglas fir, European Larch, Walnut and various species of Eucalypts. The lookout point above the old rhyolite quarry gives a wonderful view over the Redwood Grove, out to Lake Rotorua and the main city centre.

Once you have descended the steps into the Quarry basin you can follow Quarry Rd back down to the Redwoods car park to shorten the walk to about one hour or keep following the green arrows to continue for the full walk.

Tokorangi Pa track 11.5km 3hrs 30mins

The Tokorangi Pa Track takes you through the tranquil Redwoods before a steady climb eastward to 500 metres above sea level.

This is a very beautiful walk with views of Mt Ngongotaha, Rotorua City, the lake, airport and countryside.

The trip through Douglas fir, European Larch, Walnut and various Eucalypts leads to the site of an ancient Maori pa
(fortified village). This was once a small Maori village although nothing remains today. The track then continues down to the valley floor along ‘The Wash’. Watch for bikes on the Water Reservoir and Lynmore Link sections as these are dual-use tracks. ‘Cardiac Steps’ brings you back up past the wastewater treatment ponds to return via Katore and Nursery Roads

Pohaturoa track 7.5km 2hrs

Setting off towards the western side of Whakarewarewa, this 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 you will take a short sealed road section up Nursery Hill before heading back into the forest.

Pohaturoa Track – Whakarewarewa Lookout