Whirinaki Forest Footsteps

Whirinaki Forest Footsteps is a BRAND NEW guided cultural walking experience that takes visitors 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 es**rt the bus to the Main Carpark area o

f the forest, and waharoa (Gateway). 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, 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. 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 nature. 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 carpark, before your complimentary bus journey back to Rotorua. Don't forget to wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a jacket, back pack, sunscreen, insect repellant, 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! Please note, Moderate Fitness level required.