Redwoods – Whakarewarewa Forest

California redwoods were planted on the outskirts of Rotorua at the beginning of the 20th century as part of a programme to assess the viability of exotic trees for commercial forestry in New Zealand. Due to the rich volcanic soil, favourable climate and high rainfall in the area, they grew faster in New Zealand than in their native homeland of the United States, and reached heights of over 70 metres in just 100 years. The 6 hectare (15 acres) stand of Redwoods that was planted as part of the Whakarewarewa Forest is now protected and forms the Redwood Memorial Grove. It is a full of many walking and mountain biking trails.