Rotorua Redwoods: High Ropes Adventure & Forest Bridges

Summary

Walk, climb and laugh through Rotorua’s Redwoods high above the forest floor

You’ll feel your heart race as you cross swaying bridges high above Rotorua’s Redwoods with a local guide leading the way. Hear stories about Whakarewarewa Forest, spot native birds, and test your nerves on zip lines and an optional descent — all safely geared up for two hours among giants. That moment when you look down is something you’ll remember.

What’s the experience like?

We were already clipped in before I realized how high up we’d gone — you don’t really notice at first, with all the chatter and the smell of pine needles everywhere. Our guide, Jamie, handed me a helmet that still smelled faintly of rain from the morning group (or maybe it was just the forest). She grinned and said, “Don’t look down if you don’t want to,” but of course I did anyway. The first bridge wobbled more than I expected. My hands went cold on the rope, but there was this weird excitement too — like being a kid again, daring yourself.

The Redwoods Altitude course loops through Whakarewarewa Forest, about 25 meters up — honestly, it’s higher than it looks from below. At one point Jamie paused us mid-bridge to point out a tui bird singing somewhere off to our left. You could hear the zipline whirring ahead and someone laughing nervously behind me (not gonna lie, that might’ve been me). She told us a bit about how these trees came from California over a hundred years ago and how local Māori stories are woven into this place — I tried repeating one of the names and totally mangled it; Jamie just laughed and helped me say it right.

I didn’t expect my legs to shake so much after the last bridge — adrenaline or just relief? The optional descent at the end looked scarier than it was. One guy in our group yelled “See you on Earth!” before stepping off. The walk back to the hangar felt quieter somehow; everyone was grinning but also kind of lost in their own thoughts. It’s funny how two hours up there can make you see trees differently when your feet finally touch dirt again.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Redwoods Altitude High Ropes Adventure

• Gear up at Altitude hangar
• Walk to training area
• Receive equipment briefing
• Traverse jungle bridges and zip lines
• Use continuous safety system
• Enjoy local stories and forest facts
• Optional controlled descent
• Walk back to hangar

Top questions

How long does the Rotorua Redwoods Altitude adventure take?

The full experience lasts around 2 hours from gearing up to finish.

Is there a weight limit for participants?

Yes, participants must be between 30 kg and 120 kg for safety reasons.

Are children allowed on the high ropes course?

Youths aged 13-15 can go without adult supervision (with guardian consent). Children 10-12 need active supervision by someone 16+.

What should I wear for the Redwoods Altitude tour?

Wear closed-toe shoes and dress appropriately for weather conditions—rain jacket if wet or warm layers if cold.

Is public transportation available nearby?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to Whakarewarewa Forest.

Do I need prior experience for this Rotorua high ropes tour?

No prior experience is needed; guides provide training and support throughout.

Are there health restrictions for this activity?

This tour isn’t recommended for pregnant travelers or those with spinal or heart issues; good physical fitness is required.

What’s included

Your guided adventure includes all necessary safety equipment—helmet, harnesses—and a full two-hour loop through Rotorua’s Redwoods Altitude course with local guides sharing stories along the way. Just show up ready to move and they’ll handle everything else before you head back down to earth together.