Redwoods Treewalk and David Trubridge

Redwoods Treewalk and David Trubridge Design have partnered to create an iconic nocturnal tourism experience: the Redwoods Nightlights.

Incorporating unique creations  from New Zealand world-acclaimed design and sustainability champion David Trubridge; the Nightlights is New Zealand’s first design-led tourism experience. The new night-time experience will offer visitors and locals the opportunity to explore Rotorua’s majestic Redwood forest under the shroud of darkness; illuminated by Trubridge’s bespoke creations  to create an immersive and captivating environment.

“With thirty custom-made creations and a network of lights the night-time forest will come to life in a magical and surreal experience,” says Rotorua local and Treewalk director Kellie Thomasen. “David Trubridge’s unique and inspiring lights add an amazing design element that is sure to become a much admired attraction within the forest.”

“The idea to marry design and tourism attraction remains relatively unexplored in New Zealand and enhancing an already magnificent environment like the Redwoods was no easy task. The Trubridge design team and the arborists at the Treewalk worked hard to place the thirty 2.5m tall lantern creations in areas embracing the natural beauty of the forest, to provide dramatic contrast for visitors. It will be an experience Rotorua can be proud of.”

In addition to the Trubridge lighting, over forty infinite colour spots and feature lights will illuminate the 115-year-old redwood trees, forest ferns and pungas. Nightlights will be open daily from 22 December 2016 shining bright until at least 10.30pm over the summer holidays and 8pm during the winter season. 

“The Treewalk day walk has proven extremely popular and it was a natural progression to look for an innovative and world-class night-time product to offer additional opportunities for visitors to experience the city’s wonderful forest,” says Redwoods Treewalk general manager Alex Schmid.

Located within Rotorua’s Redwood Forest which attracts more than 500,000 visitors annually, the Redwood Treewalk is the world’s longest suspended walkway. The walk, consisting of 23 elevated swing-bridges and living platforms, showcases one of Rotorua’s most visited natural attractions.

The work of internationally renowned designer David Trubridge is featured and sold in over 500 outlets worldwide. Mr Trubridge and his team were excited to take on the Nightlights challenge, initially finding inspiration in New Zealand native birds; the Ruru (NZ owl), Karearea (NZ Falcon) and the Miromiro (Tomtit).

The lights are up to 25 meters tall and were made at the David Trubridge workshop in Hastings and assembled by a team in the forest.  Creating outdoor lighting was challenging especially for the forest environment.  “The lights needed to feel weightless, yet be able to survive the conditions,” says Trubridge.

“Some are suspended over 25 metres above the ground, with others installed to circle the trees. In the giant scale of the redwood grove they had to be much larger than most lights the studio normally makes.”

Redwoods Treewalk is Rotorua’s newest eco-tourism attraction. Designed for use without harnesses or protective gear, it is suitable for all ages, providing the treewalkers can walk unaided.

Opening to public from 22 December 2016
Open every day from 0900 (closed Christmas day)
Over the summer holidays the Nightlights experience will be open until at least 10.30pm.
The Nightlights Experience can be purchased as a specific Nightlights experience, or as part of a special day and night combo pass.
Retail price is $25 adult, $15 child and $69 for a family of 2 adults and up to 3 children.
A special Rotorua local residents deal of $15 adult and $10 child and NZ Gold Card Holders $15 applies

treewalk.co.nz