Hanging out with Rotorua Canopy Tours

We spend most of our time hiking/tramping and mountain biking, but occasionally we like to get a little out of our comfort zone. If we can do that while also contributing to a good cause then so much the better. Rotorua Canopy Tours is one of those experiences that ticks all the boxes.

What started out in 2008 as a vision to create a mind-blowing forest experience is now rated by Tripadvisor as one of the top nature activities in the world. We always chuckle quietly to ourselves when we see local activity operators rating themselves as ‘the best in the world’, but in this instance it’s a fact, and having experienced an Ultimate Canopy Tour for ourselves, we can see why.

The adrenalin experience

RCT offers two experiences, The Original Canopy Tour and The Ultimate Canopy Tour, and while both include ziplines and swing bridges, the Ultimate takes things to a whole other level with the addition of a cliff walk, a high-speed tandem zipline and a controlled descent from a platform high in the forest canopy.

We were fortunate enough to give the Ultimate Tour a go and it was an awesome 3+ hour adventure with our incredible guides, Paul and Jono. They were both extremely knowledgeable when it came to the forest itself and the story behind Rotorua Canopy Tours, and while at times we were over 30m above the forest floor, there was no point that we didn’t feel safe and secure.

Here’s a short video clip that will give you some idea of the fun we had.

The conservation experience

As you would have seen from the video, much of the tour is spent up in the forest canopy which you access via a spiral staircase. But first there’s a short, easy walk through the forest which is where we got to learn a bit more about the forest itself and the amazing work that the team have done and continue to do in their commitment to transforming this rare piece of native forest.

We don’t want to say too much more about this as it’s an integral part of the tour and something you really need to experience firsthand. Just know that you’ll be amazed by what you learn and you’ll feel good knowing that some of the cost of your tour goes towards conserving this amazing place.

To find out more and to book an experience you won’t forget, visit Rotorua Canopy Tours.

As always, our adventure left us feeling pretty hungry. Jono suggested that we head past Guidough’s Bakery on the way home. We did and we weren’t disappointed – thanks Jono.

Looking for more ideas on things to do and places to see when visiting the Rotorua region? Have a look at our guide, Top things to do in Rotorua.