Discover the Redwood Memorial Grove in Rotorua
Located in Rotorua, the Redwood Memorial Grove at Whakarewarewa Forest offers a unique glimpse into the rapid growth of redwoods outside their native California. Planted around 1900 near Longmile Road and Tarawera Road, this twelve-hectare grove was part of an experiment to replace native forests with exotic tree species. Remarkably, the redwoods here have thrived, growing faster than their Californian counterparts due to superior soil quality and higher rainfall. The tallest tree in the grove reaches over 75 metres, rivalling the height of New Zealand's ancient kahikatea.
Historical Significance and Development
Initially managed by the Forestry Service with a commercial focus, six hectares of the original grove survive. In 1947, it was named the Redwood Memorial Grove to honour foresters who died in World War II.
The grove was officially opened to the public in 1970 and designated a Forest Park, ensuring its permanent protection. A visitor centre was established in 1978. In 2009, the Redwoods and the greater Whakarewarewa Forest were returned to Ngāti Whakaue as part of a Treaty of Waitangi settlement.
That same year, German engineer Alex Schmid proposed the Redwoods Treewalk, which was completed in 2015 and blessed by the kaumātua of Ngāti Whakaue.
Exploring the Grove
Walking through the Redwood Memorial Grove is a captivating experience, popular among Instagram enthusiasts. The towering redwoods, despite their relative youth, are impressive. In addition to redwoods, the grove features substantial sequoias and other large pines, though these are less colourful. The grove's undergrowth includes dense fern trees, adding vibrant green hues to the landscape. Visitors can also explore a short boardwalk through a fascinating, albeit sulphurous, swamp. A notable feature is the Mary Sutherland Memorial Redwood, which commemorates the first woman to graduate from a university forestry programme in 1916.
How to Get There
To visit the Redwood Memorial Grove from central Rotorua, take State Highway 30A out of the city. At Tarawera Road, turn southeast and after 500 metres, head southwest onto Titokorangi Drive. There is plenty of parking along he road with several obvious options for entering the track network in the forest..
There are numerous other attractions in and around Rotorua, including the geothermal wonders experiences that the region is renowned for, such as Kerosene Creek, Waiotapu and Orakei Korako. In addition, take a walk around the edge of the lake and the Government Gardens, or visit some of the other lakes. These include Rotoiti and Okataina, with forest, river and waterfall walks. For the more adventurous, there is the fabulous Tarawera Falls or Tarawera Trail.
