Kerosene Creek Rotorua

Twenty minutes south of Rotorua (On the road to Taupo) you’ll come across a small sign that signals Kerosene Creek, following the Old Walatapu road a mere few meters you’ll be treated to a stunning view over thermal lake Rotowhero and the surrounding landscape. If you want what’s ahead to remain a surprise, don’t put your feet in the water – not that it could ever take away the magic of what you’re about to experience!

Continue down the road until you reach a small carpark area. Safely park up (we highly recommend you take any valuables with you) and take the bush path to the right. This is a short walk that my grandparents were able to easily do with a little help. You’ll follow a small (WARM!) stream down to an open area where the beautiful Kerosene Creek will open up to a canopy covered spot perfect for picnics.

This spot is stunning and there really is no need to go further if you don’t want. Everything you can want for any age is here. The easy to reach rocky area offers easy, shallow sitting spots for the very young and elderly. The main pool itself may be a little tough for some to enter (although insiders tip here, you can walk further downstream and enter the pool easier that way!) but it’s definitely worth it. The pool has a soft sand bottom and is perfect depth for sitting, wading and paddling. As you move closer to the waterfall the pool deepens and heats up, making this the perfect spot for the adventurous and heat seeking amongst us! Pst, they recommend not putting your head under water… but I dare you to turn down a hot waterfall massage!

The pool is surrounded by stunning bushland that really helps to just bring this whole experience together. With the pools reaching impressively warm temperatures we suggest you take breaks often, bring plenty of water and use your time to venture a little.

For those who are looking for something a little more private, keep following the path and you will come to a small rock pool – which I have dubbed natures spa as it is literally PERFECT! Be courteous of other bathers, take only photographs and leave only footprints and you will love this wondrous FREE activity just on the outskirts of Rotorua.