Redwoods Nightlights
Redwoods Nightlights – Rotorua's Most Magical Night Experience
The Redwoods Nightlights™ experience transforms Rotorua's famous Redwoods Forest into an enchanting world of light, art, and nature. Frequently ranked among the top nighttime attractions in New Zealand, this award-winning eco-tourism experience allows visitors to walk high among towering Californian Redwoods illuminated by stunning lantern installations designed by internationally acclaimed New Zealand designer David Trubridge. (Redwoods Treewalk®)
Unlike traditional light shows, Nightlights blends artistic lighting with the natural beauty of the forest, creating an immersive experience where visitors feel as though they have stepped into a fantasy world.
🌲 Walk Among Giants After Dark
The experience takes place in the magnificent Whakarewarewa Forest, home to giant redwood trees that are over 120 years old and can reach heights of approximately 75 metres. Visitors walk through the forest canopy on an elevated network of suspension bridges and platforms suspended among the trees. (Redwoods Treewalk®)
Experience Highlights
700-metre elevated forest walkway
28 suspension bridges
27 viewing platforms
Up to 20 metres above the forest floor
Approximately 30–40 minutes to complete
Suitable for all ages and fitness levels
Open year-round in all seasons (Redwoods Treewalk®)
✨ The Famous Lanterns of David Trubridge
One of the defining features of Nightlights is the collection of 34 giant lantern sculptures created by renowned designer David Trubridge.
These lanterns:
Float throughout the forest canopy
Are inspired by New Zealand's natural environment
Create a soft, magical glow
Blend seamlessly into the forest setting
Change the atmosphere without overwhelming nature
The design philosophy focuses on enhancing the forest rather than dominating it, creating a peaceful and immersive experience. (Redwoods Treewalk®)
🌌 Where Forest and Fantasy Come Alive
As darkness falls, the forest transforms dramatically.
Visitors experience:
Glowing lanterns suspended between trees
Illuminated pathways through the canopy
Shadows and light dancing across the forest
A peaceful nighttime atmosphere
Stunning photography opportunities
The experience is often described as resembling scenes from fantasy films, making it one of the most photogenic attractions in Rotorua. (Redwoods Treewalk®)
📸 A Photographer's Dream
Nightlights is particularly popular with photographers because of:
Dramatic lighting contrasts
Towering illuminated trees
Unique canopy perspectives
Atmospheric forest scenery
Long-exposure photography opportunities
Whether using a smartphone or professional camera, visitors can capture some of Rotorua's most memorable nighttime images. (New Zealand)
👨👩👧👦 Perfect for Everyone
One reason for the attraction's popularity is its accessibility.
Suitable for:
✅ Families with children
✅ Couples and honeymooners
✅ Senior travellers
✅ Nature lovers
✅ Photographers
✅ Visitors who prefer a gentle activity rather than an adrenaline experience
No harnesses, climbing equipment, or special training are required for the standard Nightlights walk. (Redwoods Treewalk®)
🌿 Eco-Tourism & Sustainability
The walkway was carefully engineered to protect the forest ecosystem.
Features include:
Minimal environmental impact
Suspended bridge design that avoids damaging trees
Conservation-focused operations
Educational information about forest ecology and history
The attraction has become a showcase for sustainable tourism in New Zealand. (RotoruaNZ)
⏱ Duration & Ticket Information
Nightlights Treewalk™
Duration: Approximately 30–40 minutes
Self-guided experience
Open daily after sunset
General Admission and Fast Pass options available
Children under 5 enter free
Night visits are especially busy during summer and holidays, so advance booking is recommended. (Redwoods Treewalk®)
📍 Location
Redwoods Treewalk & Nightlights
Address:Tītokorangi Drive (off Tarawera Road), Whakarewarewa Forest, Rotorua, New Zealand. (RotoruaNZ)
Official Website:
⭐ Why Travelers Love It
✔ One of New Zealand's most unique night attractions
✔ Beautiful blend of art, nature, and lighting
✔ Walk among giant 120-year-old redwood trees
✔ Spectacular lantern installations by David Trubridge
✔ Family-friendly and accessible
✔ Incredible photography opportunities
✔ Peaceful, magical atmosphere unlike any other Rotorua experience
Recent traveller discussions frequently recommend Nightlights as one of the highlights of a Rotorua itinerary, even for visitors who are not typically interested in adventure activities. (Reddit)
Best For
🌲 Nature lovers📸 Photographers💑 Couples and honeymooners👨👩👧👦 Families🌙 Visitors looking for a unique evening activity🎨 Art and design enthusiasts
Travel Tip: Visit just after sunset rather than late at night. You'll experience the forest transitioning from daylight into darkness, creating the most dramatic lighting effects and the best photography conditions. The Nightlights experience pairs perfectly with a Māori cultural dinner or hāngī feast for a memorable Rotorua evening. (Redwoods Treewalk®)