Hike New Zealand's finest forest - Whirinaki forest
Overview
Available languages
7 hours
Mobile ticket
Let our guides show you hiking at its best and experience one of New Zealand's best one day walks. Whirinaki forest is an icon of NZ ecology. It is simply the best example of lowland podocarp forest left on earth. These forests are renowned for huge ancient trees, rich biodiversity, rare birdlife and stunning scenery.
We'll pick you up fro your accomodation at 9.00am and return around 4.00pm. A delicious deli lunch is included.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Service animals allowed
Specialized infant seats are available
Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
Children must be accompanied by an adult
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
What To Expect
Foris Eco-tours
We explore New Zealand's finest forest, point out interesting wildlife, marvel at 1000 year old trees and enjoy stunning scenery.
What‘s Included
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Professional guide
National Park fees
GST (Goods and Services Tax)
Lunch
Souvenir photos (available to purchase)
Options
Full day Whirinaki walk
Hiking at its best. Whirinaki is an icon of NZ ecology. It is simply the best example of lowland podocarp forest left on earth. These forests are renowned for huge ancient trees and rare birdlife.
Pickup included
Reviews
21 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Whirinaki Forest – Amazing Tour
bcowdrick,,Sep 25, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an incredible time exploring the Whirinaki Forest with Tom as our guide. Not only was he extremely knowledgeable about the native birdlife and plant species, but he also kept both of us entertained with great stories along the way. His passion for the forest and conservation made the hike even more special. We learned so much while still having a fun, relaxed day. I would definitely recommend this tour to anyone visiting the area!
Magical
Edward H,,Mar 9, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Whirinaki Forest was magical. Tom was a great guide. He was very knowledgeable about both the birds we saw and also the plant species in the forest. I would definitely recommend the tour!
Great walk in the forest
HGPN,,Jan 28, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We really enjoyed our walk in the woods! The forest is fantastic and our guide was very knowledgeable about local plants and animals. Length and difficulty of the walk can be adjusted depending on ability - which is really great to know. Thanks for the lovely day.
Adventure in Rotorua
86marjoriel,,Dec 23, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I just returned from spending an unforgettable day with Tom, the owner of Foris eco-tours. We hiked in two distinctly different parts of the rainforest while Tom shared fascinating information about the 1000 year old trees, unique soil and more. Midday, we took a break to enjoy a lovely picnic lunch which Tom had brought. We concluded with beautiful drive through the countryside back to Rotorua. We highly recommend Tom and his company as your Rotorua guide choice. Tom is professional, reliable, knowledgeable and engaging!!
Great hike with a great guide
erz120,,Oct 2, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We just got back from our honeymoon in New Zealand and this hike was one of our favorite excursions. Not only was the forest beautiful and our guide, Tom, knowledgeable, but he was great to talk to and kept us entertained from his stories. Felt like a hike with our good friend showing us around. If you are in the fence book this tour it was awesome!
Primeval and spectacular!
593geoffb,,Jul 12, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00AWESOME TOUR. The Whirinaki forest is just spectacular - primeval, lush, green. The hike was wonderful and our guide made the trip special by thinking of all the details. Couple helpful hints - good waterproof hiking boots, water! Plan on being there for about 4 hours, plus the round trip tour from Rotorua - roughly 90 minutes.
Magical Rain Forest Tour!
Leigh-Ann W,,Mar 10, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Karl took us through this magnificent forest, and we came out better than we entered. Knowledgeable, funny, and sincere, we couldn't have asked for a more perfect day and guide. It was pouring down rain, and we were safe within the forest's canopy. Best day since we've been in NZ. Highly recommend this off the beaten path experience. You see few people and a small intimate tour!
An absolutely must-do experience
nicolewitte,,Dec 19, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had an excellent time exploring the Whirinaki forest with Tom. I told him that "the geo-thermal stuff in Rotorua is cool, but this is even cooler" and that I promised to tell everyone else that, too. I truly mean it that this was one of the most spectacular places to explore. We tried to take a lot of photos (and Tom was very kind to take a some of us next to some very cool trees) but they simply don't do it justice. You have to see it with your own eyes. Tom is a great guide, extremely knowledgable, clearly passionate about his work and conservation in general. Highly, highly recommend this experience.
Outstanding guide
JoanieM620,,Nov 18, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our guide was outstanding. His knowledge of the area and its history was amazing. The weather was iffy, so he adjusted the walk to give us the fullest experience possible before the rain started. Because we didn't want to do another walk after the rain started, he drove us to a couple other locations that we hadn't visited for short walks to interesting places, including a thermal mud pool. He went above and beyond what I would have expected.
Lovely Day in the Whirinaki Forest
michellesL1926KK,,Sep 30, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00My husband and I had a wonderful day tramping through the Whirinaki Forest with our guide Tom. Tom was extremely knowledgeable about the plants and animals that surrounded us, and we truly felt like we were taking a step back into the time of the dinosaurs. We are not bird-watchers, but we even enjoyed getting a glimpse of a whio and several other native birds. We had a wonderful picnic lunch (prepared by Tom) at the mid-point of our journey near a waterfall and we enjoyed some of the native (and edible) plants along the way. This hike is a unique way to experience the beauty of New Zealand.
From NZ$499.00
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Operated by Foris Eco Tours