Flying Through a 1,000-Year-Old Forest: Rotorua Canopy Tours
We knew we wanted to do something a little thrilling while we were in New Zealand… but this? This completely exceeded expectations.
We found Rotorua Canopy Tours, which offers a 3-hour zipline adventure through an ancient native New Zealand forest. And when I say ancient, I mean ancient. We’re talking over 1,000 years old. The kind of place that makes you slow down for a second and think, “wow, this has been here a long time.”
But don’t worry - this isn’t just a peaceful stroll through the woods. You get to walk through it, climb up into it, and then fly over the top of it. And yes, it’s just as cool as it sounds.
The Experience
From the very start, the whole setup feels like part of the adventure. It’s not just zipline > done > next. You’re crossing swing bridges, climbing platforms, and even doing a short (but slightly mind-bending) volcanic cliff walk to get to one of the lines. That part definitely got my heart rate up in a different way 😅
The forest itself is unreal. Everything is so green, so lush, and so alive. Then suddenly you’re zipping above it all, looking down at layers of trees that feel like they go on forever. It’s such a rush, and honestly, such a cool perspective you wouldn’t get any other way.
The Guides (10/10 humans)
I can’t say enough good things about the guides. They had that perfect balance of being super fun and high-energy while also taking safety very seriously (which, let’s be honest, you want when you’re flying through the air on a cable).
They also made the whole experience more meaningful. As we walked between ziplines, they pointed out different plants, explained the ecosystem, and shared little details about the forest you’d totally miss on your own.
One of my favorite moments? We stopped for a quick break and got to feed a few wild birds. They were so gentle, but also very efficient 😂 They’d swoop in, grab a bite from your hand, and be gone in a second. It was such a simple, sweet moment tucked into an otherwise adrenaline-filled experience.
More Than Just a Zipline Tour
What I loved most is that this didn’t feel like just an activity… it felt immersive.
You’ve got:
The thrill of the ziplines
The beauty of this insanely lush forest
The quiet little moments with native birds
The educational side of learning about the ecosystem
And even a tiny bit of “okay this is slightly scary” with the cliff walk
It all blends together into something that feels really special (and very worth it).
And bonus: the guides take photos along the way… on bridges, at viewpoints, and right before the final rappel down. I loved having those moments captured without having to worry about pulling my phone out mid-adventure.
Things to Know Before You Go
A few tips that will make your experience even better:
Bring travel-size sunscreen – You’re actually above the shade for a good portion of the tour
Wear something with zipper pockets – Especially if you’re bringing your phone (gravity is not your friend here)
Comfy shoes are a must – There’s more walking and stairs than you might expect
Skip bringing a water bottle – They provide a water break halfway through
If you’re even slightly considering this, do it! It’s one of those experiences that’s equal parts adrenaline, nature, and “wow, I can’t believe I just did that.”
Would you try ziplining through a 1,000-year-old forest, or would you be cheering from the ground? 😄
