Beyond the Ride: Experience Rotorua’s Forests from a New Perspective
Whether you’re here to train, race, recover or support, this is the adventure you didn’t know you needed
If you’re coming to Rotorua for Whaka100 or scoping out the trails ahead of time, you already know this place is a mecca for mountain bikers. The Redwoods. Whakarewarewa Forest. Endless singletrack. The grind. The flow. The glory.
This year, Rotorua Canopy Tours is proud to be a main sponsor of Whaka100 event, standing alongside the event in celebrating everything that makes Rotorua a renowned forest experience lcoation. While riders take on the legendary trails of the Whakarewarewa Forest, we’re inviting you to discover another side of Rotorua’s wilderness. One you don’t ride through, but fly through.
Just 15 minutes from the race action is an untouched native forest where the adventure continues in a different way. Whether it’s a break between training blocks, a forest recharge the day before, or a well-earned reward once the dust has settled, this is your chance to experience Rotorua from a new perspective.
The Forest, Reimagined
You’ve seen the Redwoods. Now step into a forest that’s ancient and worlds apart.
Tucked away in the Dansey Road Scenic Reserve lies a rare remnant of native New Zealand forest. It’s alive with towering rimu, curious tomtits, cheeky robins and the quiet hum of regeneration.
At Rotorua Canopy Tours, you don’t just pass through this forest. You’re part of it.
- Zipline Rotorua high through the ancient canopy
- Cross swing bridges between massive native trees
- Hand feed wild birds and spot rare species
- Learn how your visit directly supports forest restoration in Rotorua
It’s not just a thrill. It’s connection. It’s conservation in action.
When to Add This to Your Whaka100 Plan?
Whether you’re chasing a podium finish or just soaking up the Whaka vibes, there’s always a perfect time to fit in a forest adventure.
- Training weekend: In town for trail recon? Add a forest experience to balance your schedule. Active recovery never looked so good
- Pre-race: Ease pre-event nerves and stretch out with a low impact canopy walk and zip
- Race weekend: Support crews, partners and families can enjoy their own world class adventure while you ride
- Post race: Reset and refuel with something calming, scenic and meaningful. Trade singletrack for treetop
Two Rotorua Forests. One Shared Purpose
Rotorua has remarkable, unique forest to experience.
Whaka100 takes place in the world class Whakarewarewa Forest, famous for its towering Redwoods and flowing mountain bike trails.
Rotorua Canopy Tours operates in a different forest ecosystem, a rare patch of untouched native ngahere where the trees are older, the birds are louder and the impact is lasting.
We’re not just offering zipline tours. We’re restoring this forest with every guest who flies through it. Over 300 hectares are now protected and thriving thanks to adventure-led conservation.
Whaka100 celebrates what forests give us.
We celebrate what we can give back.
Together, we’re proud to support Rotorua as New Zealand’s forest capital.
Planning Your Visit
- The base is Located 5 minutes from central Rotorua
- Family friendly and perfect for support crew
- Open daily, pre and post event availability
- Small group, guided experiences led by passionate locals
- Directly supports native forest restoration
Book your forest adventure
Learn more about our conservation impact
Discover other things to do in Rotorua