Rotorua: 6 ziplines, swing-bridges & wildlife encounters
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Jungle tours
Six ziplines up to 50km/h through a rare, ancient forest. Cross suspended swing bridges high in the canopy and get close encounters with birds on this 2.5-hour guided, multi-award winning adventure
Our Top Experiences and Tours in Rotorua:
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Highlights
- Zip into an ancient native forest on six ziplines, with speeds of up to 50km/h
- Cross swing-bridges and stand on platforms up to 22metres above the forest floor
- Winner of global tourism awards for visitor experience, sustainability, & impact
- Help restore the forest just by joining the tour. Every guest makes a difference
- Our professional guides are superheroes who keep you safe, stoked, and inspired
Description
Original Canopy Tour is Rotorua’s Most Awarded Zipline Adventure!
Six ziplines, up to 50km/h and 22 metres above the forest floor. This 2.5-hour guided zipline adventure takes you deep into one of New Zealand’s last untouched native forests, a rare ecosystem bursting with life, and accessible only through Rotorua Canopy Tours.
You’ll fly through the canopy on a series of ziplines that gradually build confidence, height, and speed. Each line brings new views, new heights, and a new rush. The longest zipline is 220 metres long and the highest platforms are perched high above the forest floor. Between the zips, you’ll cross suspended swing bridges, walk forest trails, and stand among towering native trees that are over 1000 years old.
This is more than a zipline ride, it’s a guided journey through a prehistoric forest that’s come back to life thanks to an award-winning conservation project. The birdsong is real, the air is fresh, and your visit directly supports the ongoing restoration of this unique environment.
Expect close-up encounters with curious native wildlife. Our forest is alive with bbirds found nowhere else on earth! North Island robins, fantails (piwakawaka), tomtits, and kererū. Some birds may even feed from your hand. These birds are wild, but they’ve returned in large numbers thanks to our predator control efforts and the ongoing regeneration of the forest. No other zipline experience offers this level of natural immersion.
This is the original zipline tour in Rotorua that takes you deep into protected native forest. Our forest, located in the Dansey Road Scenic Reserve, is private and off-limits to the general public. Giving you exclusive access to an ancient landscape and a powerful conservation story.
Your adventure is led by two expert guides who manage all equipment and safety while bringing the experience to life with stories, fun, and connection. We keep group sizes small to ensure a relaxed pace and personal attention.
You’ll be fully harnessed with a top-of-the-line safety system, with no need for previous experience. Just bring covered footwear and a sense of adventure! We provide everything else, including wet weather gear if needed.
Why choose the Original Canopy Tour?
Six ziplines, reaching up to 50km/h
Platforms up to 22 metres high
Longest zipline over 220 metres
Swing bridges and forest trails
Rare native forest found nowhere else
Up-close wildlife encounters
Conservation in action - your ticket helps restore the forest
Suitable for ages 6+ and most fitness levels
Thousands of 5-star reviews and multiple global tourism awards
If you're looking for a unique Rotorua adventure that combines fun, nature, purpose and something unique - you've found it!
Book the Original Canopy Tour and be part of a world-class zipline experience that’s wild, real, and only found here.
Includes
Free photos to remember and share your experience
A portion of your booking helps restore the native forest
Guided 2.5 hour zipline adventure in a rare ancient NZ forest
Six ziplines up to 50km/h (longest 220m)
Two swing bridges up to 20m high
Tree-top platforms up to 25m above ground
See native birds and possibly hand-feed them
Access to a protected forest not open to the public
Two expert guides for safety and fun
Small group (max 10 per tour; larger groups split across departures)
All safety gear provided - no experience needed
Warm gear: fleece, beanies, gloves, windbreakers
Rain gear provided if needed
Drinking water (carried by your guides)
Pre-tour call to answer questions
Optional return transport from central Rotorua
On-site transport to the forest
Action camera hire available
Important Information
- Minimum age is 6 years.
- Maximum weight is 120kg (264 lbs.).
- All guests are weighed privately before the tour — no one else sees your weight.
- Closed-toe footwear is required (no sandals, slides, or jandals).
- You’ll wear a helmet and full-body harness (with leg loops and shoulder straps).
- You must be able to raise both knees to hip height, walk up 3 flights of stairs, and walk for up to 1 hour on uneven terrain in the forest.
- The tour runs in all weather, except in rare cases of strong winds. Rain gear is provided if needed.
- A portion of your ticket supports forest restoration and pest eradication.
- You’ll get a pre-tour phone call the day before to confirm details or answer questions.
- Please advise us in advance if you have any medical conditions or accessibility needs.
- You must read and understand our Health & Safety Disclosure before booking:
https://www.canopytours.co.nz/safety
Easy cancellation
Cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund