THE WHAKAREWAREWA FOREST LOOP
There are trails you ride once. And there are trails you remember forever.
The Whakarewarewa Forest Loop is one of those rides.
It winds through towering Redwoods, native forest and working plantation, past geothermal landscapes and volcanic terrain, with views across Rotorua's lakes and a deep connection to the stories and culture of this place.
It is one of New Zealand's Ngā Haerenga Great Rides — and it is right here in Rotorua.
The ride is free. Keeping it this good isn't.
If you enjoyed the Forest Loop, you can help look after it by becoming a Friend of the Forest Loop with a donation to Rotorua Trails Trust.
Why people cross the world to loop this forest?
A cathedral of Californian redwoods.
Planted in 1901 as a forestry experiment, the towering redwood stands are now well over a century old and among the reasons Whakarewarewa is known simply as "The Redwoods." Sunlight drops through the canopy in shafts, the understorey stays cool even in a Bay of Plenty summer, and mud boils in pools along the trail edge. It is a truely unique one of a kind mountain bike experience.
Views the locals still stop for
The loop climbs onto the Tītokorangi and Pōhaturoa faces, where the trees fall away and the whole of Lake Rotorua and the city spread out below. It's the kind of view that stays with you forever and demands stopping for a photo and a moment of appreciation.
The Lakes of Rotrua
From the amazing view of Lake Rotorua, the trail descends down to visit Te Pūtake o Tawa with storyboards and carved pou along this stretch, including five pou whenua at Te Pūtake o Tawa carved by descendants of the ancestors they depict, share the Māori history woven through the forest.
Pedals, steam and a soft landing
Near the finish, the newly built section that replaces the old roadside footpath, stays in the forest and explores douglas fur, pine and native blocks before easing back towards Waipa — home turf for cafés, bike hire, wash-down bays and a beer garden with hot tubs for tired legs at the end of a big day.
Built in stages, still being improved
The Forest Loop was a community idea for years before it became a signed, rideable route. It's had three major chapters so far.
2020
Opened in stages
Backed by Rotorua Lakes Council and government growth funding, Rotorua Trails Trust worked with CNI Iwi Holdings and mana whenua to link existing trail with new sections, opening the full loop piece by piece through the year.
2022
Named a Ngā Haerenga Great Ride
Officially opened by the Tourism Minister and welcomed into New Zealand's Great Rides network alongside Central Otago's Lake Dunstan Trail — the first new Great Rides added to the network in a decade, taking the national total to 23.
2026
Taken fully off-road
A half-million-dollar upgrade, jointly funded by government and Rotorua Lakes Council, added around 6km of new single trail and rerouted two sections away from the roadside concrete path and back into the trees — a longer, quieter, more forest-immersed loop.
Free to ride. Never free to maintain.
A trail can look effortless when you're riding it.
It isn't.
Rotorua Trails Trust estimates that basic trail maintenance across the network costs around $2 per metre each year.
That covers the everyday work required to keep trails in good condition, including vegetation clearance, drainage management, debris clearing and surface repairs.
And every few years, trails need more substantial renewal and resurfacing.
The Forest Loop is 36 kilometres long.
That's a lot of trail to look after.
Your donation helps make sure the people who come after you get to experience the same thing you just did.
Become a Friend of the Forest Loop
You enjoyed it. Help keep it here
If the Forest Loop gave you a great day out, consider giving something back.
Your donation to Rotorua Trails Trust helps support the ongoing work required to maintain and improve Rotorua's trail network.
$10. $25. $50. $100. Whatever feels right.
Every contribution helps.
You don't need to live in Rotorua.You don't need to be a member.You don't need to be a serious mountain biker.
If you enjoyed the ride, you can help look after the trail.
Frequency
One time
Monthly
Amount
$20
$50
$100
$200
Other
Eligibility: Donations can be made by individuals over the age of 18 or those who have parental consent.
Tax Deductibility: Donations to Rotorua Trails Trust are eligible for tax deductions under New Zealand tax law, provided you receive a receipt.
YOU WILL BE ISSUED A SUITABLE RECIEPT WITH YOUR DONATION.
This is in accordance with the Income Tax Act 2007. The receipt will be issued after your donation is processed.
Non-Refundable: Donations are non-refundable. If you encounter an issue with your donation, please contact us directly for assistance. info@rotoruatrailstrust.co.nz
Charity Details
Legal name of the Charity: Rotorua Trails Trust
Registration number: CC52100
NZBN number: 9429043296293