Numbers surge thanks to new attraction

Redwoods Treewalk general manager Alex Schmid. Photo/Stephen Parker

Numbers through the Redwoods i-Site has more than doubled in the first quarter of this year due to the opening of the new Redwoods Treewalk attraction.

The i-Site has seen a 70 per cent increase in visitor numbers compared to the same period last year with 35,000 visitors for January and 30,000 for February.

The same period last year saw just 12,000 visitors.

Rotorua i-Site manager Graham Brownrigg said they anticipated a moderate increase this year of around 18,000 visitors per month with the opening of the Redwoods Treewalk last December however they had been astonished with the large number of visitors and bookings through the i-Site.

"We anticipated that during the warmer months the Redwoods Forest would see an increase in visitors. It's an iconic attraction - offering beautiful walking tracks and scenic surroundings and since the Treewalk opened we are seeing more visitors. People want to see the beautiful forest from a different viewpoint."

Mr Brownrigg said the latest attraction was also having benefits for other Rotorua attractions.

"Visitors coming into the Redwoods i-Site to purchase tickets for the Treewalk, are also enquiring about other local attractions which benefits our local economy."

Redwoods Treewalk general manager, Alex Schmid said he was pleased that more and more visitors were being drawn to the Treewalk and its birds eye view of the Redwood Forest.

"It's an enjoyable 30 minute walk amongst the giant Redwood Trees. Visitors leave here feeling at peace, and that's exactly why we set up this attraction, to provide a unique experience of the forest and the Redwood Trees for visitors."

Mr Schmid said the Treewalk attracted both international and domestic visitors and with local entry rates now available, he was hoping that more Rotorua residents take the opportunity to see their iconic forest from a different perspective.

Tickets for the walk can be purchased at the Redwoods i-Site on Long Mile Road or at the Fenton Street i-Site.