New Zealand's Most Enchanting Forest Wonderland | Redwoods Forest Photo Guide

Sunlight filters through the towering 60-meter-high redwood trees, filling the air with the fresh scent of leaves and a light mist. This place feels like a scene straight out of a Studio Ghibli animation.
No special effects or filters needed—stepping into Rotorua's Redwoods Forest is like walking into a natural postcard.

📍 Location Information

Name: Whakarewarewa Forest – The Redwoods
City: Rotorua
Cost: Daytime trails are free; tickets are required for the Treewalk Nightlights.

Recommended Times: Before 9:00 AM (dreamy backlighting) / After 4:30 PM (soft side lighting)

📸 Must-Visit Photo Spots

1️⃣ Forest Avenue
A path flanked by giant redwoods with a strong sense of depth.
✅ Stand in the middle + cross your legs slightly + look up at the trees → Capture the "forest fairy" vibe.

2️⃣ Treewalk Canopy Bridge
Suspension bridges connect the treetops, with nighttime lighting effects.
✅ Walk on the bridge and glance back + side-lit silhouette → Create a "wandering in wonderland" atmosphere.

3️⃣ Magical Sunlight Through the Trees
When sunlight pierces through the forest, creating divine light beams on the ground.
✅ Stand with arms open in the center of the light beam, as if receiving a forest blessing.
✅ Sit on the ground, hugging your knees and gazing upward—perfect for a literary aesthetic.

4️⃣ Giant Tree Hugging Photos
Find the largest redwood tree, stretch your arms to hug it or lean against the trunk and look up.
✅ Works for solo or couple shots, creating a "humans are so small" visual impact.

Tips
Tickets for the nighttime canopy walk (around NZD $30) are recommended to book in advance.
The forest is chilly, so bring a jacket.
There are no restrooms or strong signals in the forest—prepare a map of your route in advance.