Frequently Asked Questions

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The full experience takes approximately 7 hours, including travel time from Rotorua, the guided forest walk, a shared picnic lunch, and rock-carvings visit. The walking portion is around 2.5-3 hours at an easy, unhurried pace — designed to allow time for storytelling, forest bathing, and connecting with the ngahere.

The track is approximately 2.5 kilometres long, winding gently through towering podocarp trees and lush native forest. It’s less about distance and more about connection — walking slowly, listening deeply, and rediscovering the balance and peace that nature offers.

Yes — the track is moderate and suitable for most fitness levels. The pace is relaxed, with plenty of stops for kōrero, rongoā insights, and rest. Some short inclines and uneven ground reflect the forest’s natural terrain, so comfortable walking shoes are recommended.

Absolutely. We believe the forest is the best classroom for tamariki. The tour is recommended for children 6 years and older, but we’ve welcomed babies as young as 6 months. We simply ask that whānau are mindful of other guests during the quieter moments of forest bathing and storytelling.

Yes — the Whirinaki Forest is alive with native birdlife. You may see or hear tūī, kererū, korimako (bellbird), fantails, and kākā, among others. It’s a peaceful haven for bird enthusiasts, photographers, and anyone who enjoys the natural symphony of the ngahere.

Yes — our tour includes a visit to some of the oldest known Māori rock carvings in New Zealand, a sacred taonga that offers a powerful connection to our ancestors and their stories carved into the land itself.

No problem at all. Our picnic lunches can be customised for most dietary needs, including vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, and dairy-free. Please let us know your requirements when booking, and we’ll make sure your kai is prepared with care and respect.

The main track is compacted earth with some uneven surfaces and gentle slopes. While it’s not fully wheelchair accessible, we can adapt parts of the experience or recommend alternative options. Please contact us before booking so we can discuss how best to support your visit.

The scenic drive from Rotorua to the Whirinaki rainforest takes around 1 hour and 15 minutes each way. Our comfortable 22-seater minibus provides return transport, so you can simply relax and enjoy the changing landscapes as we journey toward the forest.

We go ahead rain or shine, as the forest is stunning in all conditions. However, for everyone’s safety, we may postpone or cancel in very heavy rain, high winds, or severe weather warnings. In such cases, we’ll contact you promptly to reschedule or refund.

Both — this is a cultural walking experience, not a hike. Our guides share kōrero, traditional bush knowledge, and rongoā (plant medicine) passed down through generations. It’s an immersive journey of listening, learning, and reconnecting with the spirit of the ngahere.

This isn’t a commercial tour — it’s a journey through whakapapa, mātauranga, and connection. Our guides whakapapa to Ngāti Manawa and Ngāti Whare, whose stories, traditions, and wellbeing are tied to this forest. You’ll see the ngahere through their eyes — as healer, teacher, and ancestor.

Yes — the Mauri Oho Combo combines your Whirinaki Forest Footsteps experience with the Restorative Spa Journey at Wai Ariki Hot Springs and Spa in Rotorua. After reconnecting with the whenua and absorbing the forest’s healing energy, guests are dropped off directly at Wai Ariki to continue their wellbeing journey through geothermal waters and Māori-inspired therapies. This creates a full-day experience of renewal and restoration — balancing body, mind, and spirit through the combined healing powers of the rainforest and natural geothermal waters and muds.