Rongoa Trail
Maori medicine
Nga Rakau Rangatira
Chiefly trees of the Forest
1,000 year old Totara Tree
Touch ancient history
Picnic Lunch stop
Enjoy Māori kai
Forest Bathing
Be rejuvenated
Native and Endangered Birds
Like the Blue Duck
Hot Kawakawa Tea
Afternoon refreshment
Fun and educational cultural Bus Journey from Rotorua!!
Join our guided cultural walking experience that will take you deep in to the heart of our Jurassic Podocarp Native Rainforest. Departing from the Rotorua iSite, Fenton Street, Rotorua at 8.30am (please arrive 8.15am to check in). Your complimentary bus trip will take you less than an hour out of Rotorua where you will meet your Maori Guides and hosts for the day. Our guides will escort your bus to the Main Carpark area of the forest, and Waharoa (Gateway)
Welcome to paradise
The tour begins with Mihi Whakatau (welcome) and Karakia (prayer) to keep you safe on your journey. Pristine native rainforest trails await you! Meet Nga Rakau Rangatira - the chiefly trees of the forest, see our 1,000 year old Totara, learn about our Rakau Rongoa (Natural Medicine Plants), hear and hopefully see our native and endangered birds in their natural habitat.
Hear history along the way, as you walk in the shadows of giants, and tread where dinosaurs once walked.
Enjoy 'Forest Bathing' - the concept of connecting with nature and enjoying the health benefits of simply just 'being' at one with the forest. During this quiet time, you will hear traditional Māori chants and hear wind instruments, as you truly disconnect from the world you know, and connect in to our world - Te Ao Maori.
Local Māori Guides
Enjoy a packed picnic lunch infused with traditional cuisine – “Forest to Fork”. During lunch, our proud and knowledgeable guides will share with you all that you want to know...and more! The tour concludes with hot Kawakawa Tea back in the forest carpark, before your complimentary bus journey back to Rotorua. Don't forget to wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a jacket, back pack, sunscreen, insect repellent, water bottle and your camera! The bus will drop you off safely back to Rotorua between 3.00pm and 3.30pm.
Nau mai, haere mai....come with us on a walking journey you will never forget!
Please note: Low fitness level required.
