Experience nature just minutes from Rotorua city. Wander through Californian Coastal Redwoods or fulfil a need for speed on mountain bike tracks.

Located in Whakarewarewa Forest, just a few minutes' drive from Rotorua city centre, the Redwoods is a spectacular natural area that caters for every sort of outdoor pursuit.

Visitors who like gentle walks can enjoy some of the short tracks or the nature trail, which includes more information about many of the trees and shrubs in the forest.

For more active visitors there are longer walks, mountain bike trails, and horse trekking routes while anyone wanting a challenge can try one of the orienteering trails.

Orienteering in Redwood is easy and does not require a compass. All participants need is a trail map, some clues to follow and a keen eye.

Many of the shorter walks are suitable for families and children will enjoy searching for insects, identifying different trees and practising their jumping skills from the big log on the front lawn.

The area is free to enter so bring a picnic and spend a day in the forest wandering the trails, exploring the flora and fauna and the area's famous Californian Coastal Redwoods and enjoying the panoramic views of Rotorua city and the lake.

The visitor centre is a great place to start a visit to learn more about the forest and the surrounding area and collect a trail map, and to end a visit by picking up a souvenir including natural skin care products, native wooden gifts, jewellery, and toys.

The entry to the Redwoods is Free.