Quarry Lookout Track (Green)

Track description Start out by walking clockwise on the popular Redwood Memorial Grove track (Red track), which meanders through the breath-taking Californian Redwoods (Sequoia sempervirens). These towering trees stand at approximately 219 feet (67 metres) tall and create a wonderful shelter, along with the underplanted European Larch, for a diverse range of native plants and birds. Then, after leaving the spring, and heading eastwards, take the right-hand turn onto Tokorangi Pa Track to follow the Green trail. This leads immediately uphill, through mature Douglas fir, European Larch, Walnut and various species of Eucalypts towards a lookout point above the old rhyolite quarry. This provides a wonderful view over the Redwood Grove, out to Lake Rotorua and the main city centre. Once you have descended the steps into the Quarry basin you can follow Quarry Rd back down to the Redwoods car park to shorten the walk to about one hour or keep following the green and blue arrows to continue for the full walk along the Waitawa Track . This passes through a magnificent stand of Douglas fir. You'll also discover the famous New Zealand Silver fern and the giant Mamaku ferns and join the nature trail where many of the trees and plants are identified along the way. Keep following the blue signs and you'll eventually return to the visitor centre after passing beneath the treetop walk. Getting there This trail starts from the Redwoods Visitor Centre on Longmile Road, in Rotorua East. Use this location in Google Maps to find your way there. Helpful resources Find tips, guides and how-to videos to help you prepare for your walk at mountainsafety.org.nz