New viewing platform at Rotorua’s popular treewalk

A 20-metre-high viewing platform has been added to Rotorua’s popular Redwoods Treewalk. The activity, located in Rotorua’s Redwoods Forest in the heart of the city, already features the world’s longest tree suspended walkway and a collection of David Trubridge lanterns to provide an other-worldly nighttime experience. The new platform allows those looking for more of a thrill the ability to stand on one of two glass viewing panels, similar to Auckland’s Sky Tower, and see the forest floor about six stories below them. Keeping in line with the strong focus on being ecologically friendly, the new platform is suspended around one of the largest trees in the Redwoods Treewalk zone using slings, so as not to harm the tree. Open as part of the day experience, access to the new platform is included in the ticket cost. For trade clients, there is the opportunity for the platform, which can hold about 30 people, to be used at night for dinners or other small events, says co-founder and director Bruce Thomasen. Above: Into the trees – the new viewing platform.

Explore Auckland’s wilderness with friends

Women’s Outdoor Pursuits aim is to explore Auckland’s wilderness and urban areas tramping with like-minded women and experienced leaders. They enjoy friends, fun and laughter in the great outdoors. WOP’s Introductory Courses are open to women who are 18 and above; experienced trampers and beginners welcome, no special skills or fitness required. The two day course is run over two consecutive Saturdays at the beginning of each term and covers skills to equip you for tramping in the outdoors including equipment and clothing, survival, map reading and basic first aid. Check out the website www.wops.co.nz for further details.