Ancient Forest Six Ziplines and Swing Bridges Adventure Rotorua
- Duration2.5 hours
- Daily (several departures a day; runs in all weather except strong winds)
- Group
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Overview
This shared small-group zipline adventure takes you into Ōkoheriki, a rare ancient native forest near Rotorua open only on guided tours. After check-in at the base on Fairy Springs Road, a short van ride brings you to the forest, where two expert guides fit your harness and lead you through six ziplines that build in height, length and speed, up to 50 km/h on the longest 220-metre line. Between the ziplines you cross two swing bridges, walk beneath trees more than 1,000 years old and watch for native birds that have returned thanks to a conservation project your visit helps fund. Free photos are included. The default 2.5-hour Original tour suits first-time zipliners from six years; the Ultimate option adds longer lines and a cliff walk.
Highlights
- Six ziplines through ancient native forest, the longest 220 metres
- Speeds of up to 50 km/h between tree-top platforms up to 22 metres high
- Two suspended swing bridges and forest trails under 1,000-year-old trees
- Native birds thriving in a restored, predator-controlled forest
- Two expert guides and a small group of at most ten
- All safety gear plus fleece, beanies, gloves and rain gear provided
- Free photos of your adventure to keep and share
- Part of your booking funds the forest restoration project
Full Description
The adventure base and the drive into the forest
Your Rotorua zipline tour begins at the adventure base at 147 Fairy Springs Road, on the north-western edge of the city about five minutes' drive from the centre, with free parking on site. Here you check in, are weighed privately (the limit is 120 kg), store your bags and meet your two guides, who fit the full-body harness and helmet and hand out fleeces, beanies, gloves and windbreakers if the day is cool.
A ten-minute drive in the company van then takes you to the edge of Ōkoheriki, a native forest that is not open to the public and can only be entered on this tour. A short walk with a safety briefing and the first scenic views leads to the first platform. The whole experience, from check-in to the return to base, takes about 2.5 hours for the Original tour and about 3.5 hours for the Ultimate.
The six ziplines and tree-top platforms
The Original canopy tour is built around six ziplines that gradually grow in height, length and speed, so even nervous first-timers settle in quickly. The early lines are short and gentle; by the middle of the course you are flying between platforms set up to 22 metres above the forest floor, and the longest zipline stretches 220 metres through the canopy at speeds of up to 50 km/h. The guides control the braking, so you only need to sit back, hold on and look around.
Between the lines the guides share stories about the forest, its trees and the conservation work, and they take photos of you on every zipline, which are included free. The Ultimate upgrade adds longer, faster and steeper lines, a 400-metre tandem race, a volcanic cliff walk, a controlled descent and a floating staircase for those who want a bigger adventure.
Swing bridges and the ancient trees
The ziplines are linked by forest trails and two suspended swing bridges up to 20 metres above the ground. Crossing them in single file, with the harness clipped to the safety line, is a highlight of the tour and a chance to look straight down into tree ferns and moss-covered trunks. The bridges sway gently with each step, which children find thrilling and adults find surprisingly peaceful.
Ōkoheriki is one of the few remaining stands of original lowland forest in the Rotorua region. Some of the rimu, tawa and other native trees here are more than 1,000 years old, and the guides stop beneath the giants to explain how the forest has survived while the land around it was cleared. The trails are short and well formed; a low level of fitness is enough, but closed-toe shoes are required.
Native birds and the forest restoration project
What makes this zipline tour different from an ordinary adventure park is the forest itself. When the tour began, the forest was almost silent because introduced predators such as rats, possums and stoats had wiped out most of the birdlife. A privately led conservation project with intensive predator control has brought the forest back to life, and today it is one of the most successful restoration stories in New Zealand, with a share of every booking funding the work.
As you walk and fly through the canopy, look and listen for North Island robins hopping on the path, fantails (pīwakawaka) dancing after insects, tomtits and the heavy wingbeats of kererū, the native wood pigeon. These are completely wild birds, so sightings are never guaranteed, but the guides know where they feed and the curious robins often come close enough for a photo.
Itinerary
- Check-in at the base, 147 Fairy Springs RoadArrive about 15 minutes early, check in, store your bags and get fitted with harness, helmet and warm gear.
- Van ride to Ōkoheriki forestA 10-minute drive with your guides to the private forest entrance.
- Forest walk and safety briefingAbout 15 minutes on foot with scenic views and a full briefing before the first zipline.
- Six ziplines, swing bridges and trailsThe main adventure of about 105 minutes: six ziplines of growing length and speed, two swing bridges, tree-top platforms and bird spotting, with photos taken by the guides.
- Forest walk outA final 10-minute walk beneath the ancient trees with time for last photos.
- Return to baseThe van brings you back to Fairy Springs Road; optional return transport to central Rotorua on request.
What's included
- Guided 2.5-hour zipline adventure in a rare ancient native forest
- Six ziplines up to 50 km/h (longest 220 m)
- Two swing bridges up to 20 m high and tree-top platforms up to 22 m above the ground
- Two expert guides for safety and fun
- All safety gear, plus fleece, beanie, gloves, windbreaker and rain gear if needed
- Free photos of your experience
- Small group of at most 10 per tour
- Transfer by van from the base to the forest and back
- A share of your booking goes to restoring the forest
Not included
- Food and snacks
- Tips (optional)
Is this right for you?
Great for
- History and culture lovers
- Active travellers looking for adrenaline
- A half-day plan — about 2.5 hours
- Travellers who want a proven choice — rated 5.0/5 by past travellers
Think twice if
- You want a private tour — this one is shared with other travellers
- Walking is difficult for you — expect active parts
- You travel with young children
Not suitable for
- Children under 6 years
- Pregnant women
- People with mobility impairments
- People over 120 kg (264 lbs)
Meeting point
Check in at the adventure base at 147 Fairy Springs Road, Rotorua, about five minutes' drive north-west of the city centre, with free parking on site. Go to the front desk, where the team expects you, and your guides will greet you before the ten-minute van ride to the forest. If you need a pickup from central Rotorua, let us know in advance and we will arrange it where possible.
Important information
- Minimum age is 6 years; maximum weight is 120 kg (264 lbs) and everyone is weighed privately before the tour
- Closed-toe shoes are required; no sandals, slides or jandals
- You will wear a helmet and a full-body harness with leg loops and shoulder straps
- A low level of fitness is enough; the trails are short
- The tour runs in all weather except rare strong winds; rain gear is provided
- If the tour is cancelled because of strong winds you receive a full refund
- Bring any personal medication and tell us in advance about medical conditions or accessibility needs
- Smoking, drugs and littering are not allowed in the forest
- Food is not included; eat before the tour
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask us most, before they book.
Is this a shared or a private experience?
It is a shared small-group tour with at most ten people and two guides; larger groups are split across departures so every tour stays small.
How long does the Rotorua zipline tour take?
The Original tour lasts about 2.5 hours from check-in to return, including the van rides. The Ultimate option lasts about 3.5 hours.
Is hotel pickup included?
The tour starts at the base at 147 Fairy Springs Road. Return transport from central Rotorua is available on request; tell us when you book.
What is included?
The guided zipline adventure, six ziplines, two swing bridges, all safety equipment, warm gear and rain gear if needed, two expert guides, transport between the base and the forest and free photos.
Is the price per person or per group?
The price is per person and the same for adults and children. The booking panel on this page shows the current price of each option.
What is the difference between the Original and the Ultimate tour?
The Original is the classic 2.5-hour tour with six ziplines and two swing bridges. The Ultimate is 3.5 hours with longer, faster and steeper ziplines, a tandem race line, a volcanic cliff walk, a controlled descent and a floating staircase.
Is it suitable for children and for people with reduced mobility?
Children from 6 years are welcome and love it. The tour is not suitable for people with mobility impairments, pregnant women or anyone over 120 kg, because of the harness and the forest trails.
Do I need experience or to be fit?
No experience is needed; the guides handle all the equipment and braking. A low level of fitness is enough for the short forest walks.
What should I wear and bring?
Closed-toe shoes and comfortable clothes you can move in. Fleeces, beanies, gloves, windbreakers and rain gear are provided. Bring any personal medication.
What is the best time of day?
Morning departures are the coolest and birds are most active then; afternoon tours have warmer, softer light in the canopy. The tour runs all year.
What happens in bad weather?
The tour runs in rain, with rain gear provided. Only rare strong winds stop it; in that case the tour is cancelled and you receive a full refund or another time.
How do I book and confirm?
Choose the Original or Ultimate option, your date and start time in the booking panel and send your request; our team confirms your Rotorua zipline on WhatsApp within minutes.
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