In 1905 some enterprising Kiwi brought Redwood seedlings from California and planted them here in Rotorua. 

They never took off …but about 50 acres managed to grow and now are preserved as a nature park. However, being NZ where everything seems to be an outdoor adventure they have built a sky walk among several of the trees about 100 feet up so you can run around if you want. I chose the sedate on the ground walk.  

Everywhere you go there seems to be a nature trail or mountain biking path or a place for kayaking or swimming.  I’ve truly never been someplace so focused on outdoor activities for all ages and abilities.  I took the 3.6 k walk..suitable for all ages and abilities and enjoyed it immensely. Very strange being a California native walking in a forest of redwoods, birch and tree palms. It felt familiar but still other worldly. I met a few people on the path but mostly it was a great walk undisturbed.   I should have done the sky canopy but hey I did go on the jet boat …more on that later