The Redwoods Memorial Grove is a standout spot in the Whakarewarewa Forest.
Found in Rotorua, this forest is filled with towering Californian redwoods, native ferns, and a vivid turquoise pond, easily making it a must-see in New Zealand.
This loop trail brings together the highlights of walking through the Whakarewarewa Forest (commonly known as ‘the Redwoods’) and is great for families, solo travellers, or anyone wanting a quick, easy nature fix close to Rotorua’s main attractions.
If that sounds like your kind of walk, I’ve shared everything you need to know, along with some photo inspiration.
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KEY TAKEAWAYS:
- A complete guide to the Redwoods Memorial Grove Walk. Covering trail details, how to get there, photography tips, and nearby adventures in Rotorua.
- If you’re looking for a short, free walk that feels immersive without cost, this loop is ideal. It suits families, solo hikers, or anyone wanting a quick nature break.
- Practical advice on parking, the best times to visit, solo safety, capturing great photos, accommodation options, and other activities to make the most of your time in the Bay of Plenty.
REDWOODS MEMORIAL GROVE LOCATION
The Redwoods Memorial Grove trail sits in the heart of Whakarewarewa Forest, just on the edge of Rotorua in the Bay of Plenty.
HOW TO GET TO THE REDWOODS MEMORIAL GROVE
If you’re staying in Rotorua, getting to the forest and finding the Redwoods Memorial Grove trailhead is quick and easy. Drive from the city centre along Te Ngae Road, then turn onto Tarawera Road. Travel roughly 400 meters, turning onto Titokorangi Drive (also known as Long Mile Road), and you’ll see the Redwoods Visitor Centre straight ahead. This is where the trail starts.
If you’re coming from Auckland, it’s roughly a 3 hour drive south, while from Tauranga it’s about an hour. Public transport is possible but having a car makes things much easier.
If public transport is your only option, Redwoods website notes that Rotorua’s Cityride bus service, Route 3 (Owhata) runs regularly from the city centre and stops on Tarawera Road near Titokorangi Drive. From there, it’s about a one kilometre walk down the roadside path to reach the Redwoods Visitor Centre.
Parking Tips
There’s a large free car park at the Redwoods Visitor Centre, with plenty of spaces available. I arrived early in the morning and had no trouble parking. On weekends and public holidays, the car park can fill by mid-morning. If that happens, you’ll usually find additional parking along Titokorangi Drive. It may just mean a slightly longer walk to get to the trailhead.
KEY INSIGHTS FOR WALKING REDWOODS MEMORIAL GROVE
Distance: 3.4 km | 2.1 miles
Elevation: 60 meters
Duration: 1 hour
Difficulty: Easy
Trail Type: Loop
Open: Year-round
There are plenty of beautiful walks through the Redwoods, but this loop brings together the forest’s most memorable features. I think it’s the best option if you want a well-rounded taste of Whakarewarewa Forest without committing to a longer track.
Starting at the Visitor Centre, the trail quickly leads you into a grove of towering redwoods. The path then winds through native ferns and across a boardwalk that passes over a vivid turquoise thermal pond. It’a also mostly flat and is well maintained throughout. Underfoot, you’ll find a mix of natural dirt, gravel, and wooden boardwalks, which makes the walk easy to follow and comfortable. The trail also stays wide, so passing other walkers never feels cramped.
Birdlife is common along the route, especially during quieter parts of the day. But as this is a protected area, dogs are welcome but must remain on a leash at all times.
This walk works well, especially for families. It’s suitable for children, and sections of the track (start and end) are also stroller-friendly and wheelchair accessible.
Because the loop is short and relaxed, it pairs perfectly with the Redwoods Treewalk. Walking beneath the trees first gives you a grounded perspective, which makes seeing the forest from above feel even more impressive.
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BEST TIME TO WALK THE REDWOODS MEMORIAL GROVE
Early morning is the best time to walk the Redwoods Memorial Grove if you want a quieter experience. I started just before 7am in late October and only crossed paths with a few others. If you’re visiting during peak season, an early start definitely makes a difference.
In terms of timing across the year, this walk works well in every season. Even winter days with a bit of rain suit the forest, so weather alone shouldn’t put you off. Spring feels especially lush, autumn brings cooler and more comfortable temperatures, and summer is warmer but noticeably busier.
HOW CROWDED IS IT
The walks in and around the Redwoods are one of Rotorua’s most popular free activities, so it attracts walkers, hikers, families, and trail-runners. Especially on weekends, holidays and the warmer months. The loop spreads people out among the trees, though, and if you go early or on a weekday you’ll usually have a couple of quiet moments. Some days it feels almost empty, others a bit busier.
IS IT SAFE TO TRAVEL SOLO
Yes, the Redwoods Memorial Grove is a very solo-friendly trail. The path is well-maintained, clearly outlined, and there’s usually steady foot traffic. The easy terrain means no real challenges, and there are no wildlife concerns.
However, as usual when travelling solo, share your plans with someone, carry water, snacks and download the track on AllTrails for navigation.
PHOTOGRAPHING REDWOODS MEMORIAL GROVE
Depending on what time you visit, the Redwoods can be pretty dark so if capturing RAW and on manual, you’ll need to bump up your ISO to capture some of the amazing fauna.
If you get the time of year and day right, you can also get those lovely shots of the light filtering through the canopy.
The boardwalk over the thermal pond was one of my favourite spots (and it’s not surprising that everyone else thinks this too) to capture, along with the final part of the walk where the trail looks endless and is lined with trees.
In terms of the gear that I’ve used for all the images you can see in this post, my Canon EOS R6 Mirrorless with a 24-105mm lens is my go-to. I also take along my lightweight tripod for those low-light shots and for those spots that were particularly dark and needed a stabiliser.
ACCOMMODATION NEAR REDWOODS MEMORIAL GROVE
Since the Redwoods sits within Rotorua, you’ll find no shortage of accommodation options nearby.
Where you stay really depends on what else you’re planning in the area and how you want your trip to feel.
Staying in Rotorua CBD works well if you want easy access to restaurants, cafes, geothermal attractions, and short drives to walks like this one. It’s a convenient base if you’re fitting the Redwoods Memorial Grove walk into a packed itinerary.
If you’re after something quieter, Lake Tarawera is around a 15 to 20 minute drive from the forest and feels far more removed from town. It’s a great option if you want lake views, slower mornings, and a more relaxed pace.
For a full escape, small holiday homes around Lake Rotoiti and Lake Rotomā offer classic bach vibes. These areas suit travellers who prefer space, water access, and a calm setting, even if it means a slightly longer drive back into Rotorua.
To explore all your options, you’ll find plenty across Booking.com and Airbnb to suit different budgets and travel styles.
CAN YOU CAMP AT REDWOODS MEMORIAL GROVE
No camping is available in the Redwoods, but there are several options nearby.
Rotorua Thermal Holiday Park and Blue Lake TOP 10 Holiday Park are popular with good facilities. For a more basic bush experience, the Lake Okareka DOC campsite is a nice choice.
Just make sure to book ahead if you’re visiting in summer.
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OTHER ACTIVITIES NEARBY
There are plenty of great things to do in and around Rotorua. Some sit close to the forest, while others need a short drive, but all are worth building into your plans.
Lake Tarawera
Lake Tarawera is 15 to 20 minute drive from the Redwoods Memorial Grove walk and offers a completely different pace. It’s ideal for swimming, kayaking, walking or simply slowing down by the water, especially on warmer days.
Pukehina Beach
Pukehina Beach is just over an hour’s drive from Rotorua and works well if you’re craving fresh air and open space. It’s a long, laid-back stretch of coast that feels quiet and unpolished, perfect for a day on the beach.
Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland
Wai-O-Tapu is one of the region’s most striking geothermal areas and sits about 25 minutes south of Rotorua. The colours, steam, and scale feel completely different from the forest. Just for the historic side of Rotorua, and New Zealand, I would highly recommend visiting this location.
Okere Falls
Okere Falls is a short drive north of Rotorua and is known for its waterfalls, riverside walks, and whitewater rafting. Even if you’re not rafting, the walking tracks around the falls are well worth the stop.
Secret Spot Hot Tubs Rotorua
Secret Spot Hot Tubs sits close to Whakarewarewa Forest and is an easy add-on after a walk. It’s a relaxed place to soak tired legs and wind down, especially after a morning of exploring.
SUMMARY
The Redwoods Memorial Grove offers one of the easiest ways to experience Whakarewarewa Forest without needing hours on the trail. In under an hour, you’re walking beneath towering redwoods, weaving through ferns, and passing geothermal features that make this part of Rotorua so unique.
I think this walk works especially well when you want to slow things down. It’s ideal for a quiet morning, a reset between activities, or an easy introduction to the Redwoods if you’re short on time.
If you’re looking for more places like this, our New Zealand travel guides cover other walks, photography spots, and outdoor escapes. To check out all of our locations, dive into our international destination guides.
FAQs
Is the Redwoods Memorial Grove Walk free?
Yes, it’s completely free to access and hike. This makes it a popular alternative to the paid Redwoods Treewalk nearby, which offers canopy views but costs extra.
What’s the history behind the Redwoods Memorial Grove?
The grove was planted in 1901 as a memorial to New Zealand Forest Service workers who died in the World Wars.
How long does the walk take, and what’s the difficulty like?
It typically takes 45-60 minutes to complete the 3.4 km (2.1 miles) loop, with minimal elevation. It’s rated easy and suitable for all fitness levels.
Is the trail accessible for wheelchairs, strollers, or families with kids?
Yes, large sections are wheelchair and stroller-friendly, especially the start and end near the Visitor Centre. It’s also kid and family-friendly with no steep parts, but the full loop does have uneven spots with minor uphills and tree roots to walk over.
Are dogs allowed on the trail?
Dogs are welcome but must be on a leash at all times.
What’s the best time to visit to avoid crowds?
Early morning (before 8am) is ideal for a quieter experience. It can get busier on weekends, holidays, and in summer, but the loop spreads people out. Rainy days are fine too, as the trees provide shelter.
Is it safe to hike solo?
Absolutely – the trail is well-marked, maintained, and sees steady foot traffic.
What’s the parking situation like?
There’s free parking at the Redwoods Visitor Centre with plenty of spaces. Overflow parking is available along Titokorangi Drive if needed.
How does this compare to the Redwoods Treewalk?
The Memorial Grove is a free ground-level loop focusing on the forest floor, ferns, and thermal pond, while the Treewalk is a paid elevated experience among the treetops. Doing both is great for contrasting perspectives, but the free walk is definitely more relaxed.
Can I camp in the Redwoods Memorial Grove?
No camping is not allowed, but nearby options are available as mentioned above.
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A SUMMARY OF REDWOODS MEMORIAL GROVE WALK
- Trail Overview: Easy 3.4 km loop in Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua, featuring towering redwoods, native ferns, and a turquoise thermal pond; ideal for a quick nature escape.
- Key Stats: Distance: 3.4 km (2.1 miles); Elevation: 60m; Duration: 1 hour; Difficulty: Easy; Open year-round; Free entry.
- Best For: Families, solo travellers, photographers, and beginners seeking an immersive redwood experience without fees or long hikes.
- Access & Logistics: 10 minute drive from central Rotorua; Free parking at Visitor Centre; Limited public transport (bus to Tarawera Road).
- Tips: Visit early morning to avoid crowds; Dog-friendly on leash; Wheelchair/stroller accessible in parts; Pair with nearby Treewalk for canopy views.
- Nearby Attractions: Lake Tarawera (swimming/kayaking), Pukehina Beach (beach day and coastal walk), Wai-O-Tapu (geothermal), Okere Falls (waterfalls/rafting).
- Safety & Practicality: Solo-safe with well-marked paths; Carry water and download AllTrails; No camping on-site, but options nearby like Blue Lake TOP 10.