Here’s How You Can Walk Among Redwoods in New Zealand

Nature holds its own kind of magic—but sometimes, a touch of human creativity can make it shine even brighter. It’s this harmony between people and the outdoors that makes the Redwoods Nightlights experience at New Zealand’s Rotorua Treewalk so enchanting.

The majestic redwood forest—tall, proud, and timeless—is at the heart of this experience. Some trees are more than 120 years old. The human element comes in with the walkways that wind around and among the trees, suspended up to 65 feet above the forest floor. Hand-crafted lanterns illuminate the scene with a soft, otherworldly glow that evokes the charm of a fairy village. 28 suspension bridges connect the walkway, turning a simple stroll into a dreamlike journey.

There are plenty of views to be seen along the way of the almost half-mile-long journey. But there are also 27 platforms scattered throughout that invite you to stop, reflect, and look up (or down)—to help you remember that yes, you are walking among the trees.

The Redwoods Treewalk is also open during the day, but it’s especially enchanting at night, when the walkways, trees, and skies transform under the soft lights of the lanterns and the glow of the moon. The Nightlights experience begins 20 minutes after sunset each night.

A general admission ticket for either the daytime or the Nightlights experience is $42 for adults, but you can also buy a day-and-night combo pass for $69. The general admission tickets are valid for 365 days from the date of purchase. However, during peak periods (summer, public and school holidays, weekends) paying extra for a “Fast Pass” is recommended, because it allows you to book a specific date and time for entry. Having a set entry time helps people on a tight schedule get into the experience at their preferred time. 

The Redwoods Treewalk and Nightlights experiences are suitable for anyone who can walk unaided and has a reasonable level of fitness (the route is just under half a mile). Children under 5 are free, and the Treewalk is open year-round.

The magical treetop journey takes place in Rotorua, a town set on a large, volcanic lake on New Zealand’s North Island. It is a corner of New Zealand that still feels a bit wild, thanks in large part to its geothermal activity, which includes geysers and mud pools. It is also renowned for the heritage of the Māori people, the Indigenous Polynesian people of mainland New Zealand. The Rotorua area is home to a living village and an arts and crafts institute that continues the artistic practices of the Maori, with offerings like traditional wood carving and weaving.