Whirinaki Forest Footsteps
Your guided cultural walk
Rongoa Trail
Maori medicine
Nga Rakau Rangatira
Chiefly trees of the Forest
The Canyon of Toi
Prehistoric landscapes
1,000 year old Totara Tree
Touch ancient history
Whirinaki River Viewing
Great photo opportunities
Taste the pure water
Fill up your water bottle
Picnic Lunch stop
Enjoy Māori kai
Pahau Kakapo
The World's tallest moss!
Forest Bathing
Be rejuvenated
Bridal Veil Falls
Stunning fresh waterfall
Native and Endangered Birds
Like the Blue Duck
Hot Kawakawa Tea
Afternoon refreshment
Pickup Point
Schedule
Your tour in detail
Fun Bus
Join our 12km guided cultural walking experience that will take you deep in to the heart of our Jurassic Podocarp Native Rainforest. Departing from the Rotorua i-Site at 8.30am, 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. 12km of 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, and learn about our myths and legends along the way, as you walk in the shadows of giants, and tread where dinosaurs once walked. Fill your water bottles from our pure waterfalls, and enjoy a packed picnic lunch infused with traditional cuisine – “Forest to Fork”.
See the tallest moss in the world, and enjoy 'Forest Bathing' - the concept of connecting with nature and enjoying the health benefits of simply just 'being' at one with the forest. There are plenty of viewing spots along the way to see the beautiful Whirinaki River, and lots of waterfalls to meet throughout the day.
Local Māori Guides
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 your accommodation between 4.30pm and 5pm.
Nau mai, haere mai....come with us on a walking journey you will never forget!
taste.feel.touch.heal.
Please note: Moderate fitness level required.
What to bring
