Whirinaki Forest Footsteps Half Day Guided Cultural Walking Tour

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 Rotorua I-Site, Fenton Street at 8.30am (please arrive 8.15am to check in), 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 the bus to the Main Carpark area of the native rainforest, and waharoa (Gateway). 

The tour begins with Mihi Whakatau (welcome) and Karakia (prayer) to keep you safe on your journey. 2.5km 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 our 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! 

Experience 'Forest Bathing' - the concept of connecting with nature and enjoying the health benefits of simply just 'being' at one with nature. During this quiet time, you will hear traditional Maori chants and wind instruments, as you truly connect to the forest through natures vibrations. Our proud and knowledgeable guides will share with you all that you want to know...and more! 

Enjoy a packed picnic lunch infused with local cuisine, and a chance to talk to your local guides about anything you wish to. The tour concludes with hot Kawakawa Tea (traditional Maori Medicine tea), before your complimentary bus journey back to Rotorua. 

Don't forget to wear comfortable walking shoes, bring a jacket, backpack, sunscreen, insect repellant, water bottle and your camera! The bus will drop you off safely back to Rotorua between 3pm - 3.30pm. Nau mai, haere mai....come with us on a walking journey you will never forget! TOUCH. TASTE. FEEL. HEAL. 

Please note, Low Fitness level required. 

"One of New Zealand's most remarkable and significant forests! A must-see biodiversity hot-spot!" (David Bellamy)