Kerosene Creek is a natural hot spring near the city of Rotorua in New Zealand. This naturally heated stream is the perfect place for a relaxing swim.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to know about visiting Rotorua’s natural hot springs. I was lucky enough to visit several times while working in the country as a tour guide, and it really never got old.
New Zealand is famous for its geothermal activity, and there are hot springs on both the North and South Island. Some popular hot springs in New Zealand include the famous Queenstown Onsen Hot Pools and the Hell’s Gate Mud Pools. Most of these come with a catch, though – they’re not always a natural experience, and there’s often a hefty price tag attached.
This is why Kerosene Creek is such a unique and incredible experience. It’s entirely free and is completely natural. There aren’t many places in the world where you can experience something like this, let alone for free.
With its warm mineral waters and beautiful cascades, swimming in Kerosene Creek is one of the best things to do in Rotorua. Despite becoming increasingly popular, it’s still a bit of a hidden gem and a fantastic place to experience the volcanic wonders of Rotorua.
Here’s everything you need to know about swimming in Kerosene Creek, Rotorua’s natural hot spring.
What is Kerosene Creek?
Kerosene Creek is a natural hot spring near Rotorua. It’s one of many hot springs in the area, but this one is entirely natural.
The area surrounding Rotorua is known for its volcanic activity. Several volcanoes, including Tongariro, Taupo, and Tarawera, are nearby. With so much volcanic activity in the area, there are many geological events going on underground.
Kerosene Creek is heated as thermal water rises from the ground below. This means the water is not just warm but also rich in minerals.
The water temperature at Kerosene Creek varies, but it’s generally between 35°C and 38°C (95°F and 98°F). If there has been heavy rain, the water levels will be higher, which can cool the water temperature.
As these Rotorua hot springs are entirely natural, swimmers tend to find the temperature can vary in different spots. If you’re in a cool place, you might be able to find warmer water by moving just a metre or two.
The beautiful hot water creek is surrounded by lush forest, making it a unique and relaxing spot.
Another popular spot nearby to experience natural hot springs is Spa Thermal Park in Taupo.
How to Get to Kerosene Creek
Kerosene Creek is on the North Island of New Zealand near the Bay of Plenty. It’s about 16 miles (26km) from Rotorua in the Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve.
The best way to get to Kerosene Creek is by driving south from Rotorua on State Highway 5. Turn left onto Old Waiotapu Road, and you’ll find the creek at the end of the gravel road.
You’ll need a car to get to Kerosene Creek. It’s next door to the Wai-o-Tapu Thermal Wonderland, home to the famous Lady Knox Geyser. This was one of my favourite places on the North Island and is well worth a visit.
Kerosene Creek is also near the Rainbow Mountain Scenic Reserve, which has some epic mountain bike tracks.
If you don’t have a car, your best bet is to get a taxi. Unfortunately, there are no buses to Kerosene Creek.
Note: The road to Kerosene Creek is not paved or well-maintained. It’s gravel and full of potholes. If you have a rental car, drive slowly and be careful on the gravel.
Swimming in Kerosene Creek
The area around Kerosene Creek is full of lush forest, making it a great place for a natural swimming experience. I highly recommend swimming in Kerosene Creek. It’s free and a unique experience.
The best spot for swimming in Kerosene Creek is a short walk from the car park. Follow the track from the parking lot. Once you’ve reached the river, turn left and continue alongside the river. The track takes you up a steep verge and past some fallen trees. Keep walking until you see a small waterfall, or cascade, on your right. Carefully make your way down the verge. It should take about 5 minutes to get there from the car park.
It’s an easy walk but can be muddy and slippery, so wear the right shoes. There’s a fallen tree that is helpful for leaving your clothes on and keeping them off the ground. The perfect spot to swim is right underneath the waterfall. You’ll be able to enjoy a free massage and relax in the mineral water.
You can also swim above the waterfall. It makes for an epic photo but be careful the current doesn’t take you down the cascades.
Are there changing rooms at Kerosene Creek?
Unfortunately, there is no changing room at Kerosene Creek. Most visitors will change down by the river.
The car park has a drop toilet, but it’s really not the most pleasant for changing.
You’re best to go for it and get changed by the river (everyone will be doing it).
Is it safe to swim in Kerosene Creek?
Despite once being a hidden gem, Kerosene Creek is growing in popularity, and it’s rare to find it completely empty. Many people swim trouble-free in the naturally warm stream, and it’s a popular place for the locals.
There are official warnings that Kerosene Creek could be home to brain-eating amoeba, which can cause amoebic meningitis. This is a type of bacteria that thrives in hot springs around the world. For this reason, it’s advised not to put your head under the water, which is a general rule when visiting any natural hot pools.
Don’t be put off by this. I swam in Kerosene Creek several times with no issues, and according to the internet, there has never been a reported case.
The other thing to be aware of is broken glass. It’s a popular hangout for teenagers, and there’s sometimes broken beer bottles or glass on the ground. Ensure you’re wearing sensible shoes and not walking to the river barefoot.
In the past, there have been reports of break-ins at Kerosene Creek. Criminals wait for drivers to leave their cars and will break in. To avoid this, it’s advised not to leave valuables in vehicles. Consider taking a dry bag to keep your valuables in.
Tips for visiting Kerosene Creek
Here are a few tips for swimming in Kerosene Creek.
It can be a bit smelly
If you’ve ever been to a place with volcanic activity (such as Iceland), you’ll know about that smell. Rotorua, in general, smells a bit like rotten eggs, which is due to the Sulphur released by the volcanic activity.
The warm waters of Kerosene Creek can also sometimes be a little smelly. Wear an old swimming costume and save your shower for afterwards.
Despite the smell, swimming in Rotorua’s natural hot spring is well worth it.
Take off silver jewellery
The Sulphur in the waters of Kerosene Creek can turn silver jewellery black. It’s standard advice to remove silver jewellery when swimming in New Zealand’s natural hot springs, including Kerosene Creek.
I took my silver necklace off for swimming and made the mistake of putting it back on once I was dry; within a few hours, it had turned black. Make sure you shower and don’t wear any jewellery for 24 hours.
Keep your face and hair out of the water
Brain-eating amoeba can thrive in thermal water, so it’s highly advised not to put your face under the water at Kerosene Creek.
The mineral-rich water can also play havoc with your hair, similar to Iceland’s Blue Lagoon (if you know, you know). Keep your face and hair out of the water.
Wear suitable shoes
It’s an easy walk to Kerosene Creek, but it can be muddy and slippery. Sometimes, broken glass is also on the ground. Make sure you have the right shoes to get there safely.
Watch your belongings
Unfortunately, crime is common at Kerosene Creek. Ensure you keep an eye on any valuables and don’t leave them unattended.
I always carry a dry bag in which I can keep items like my phone and car keys. The bag is fine to take into the water.
Note: I visited Kerosene Creek more than five times when I led tour groups in New Zealand. My guests and I never once had any issues.
Go prepared
There are no facilities at Kerosene Creek except a drop toilet (and trust me, it’s not a nice one). Have everything you need to swim with you and remember to take a towel.
It can be busy
For a long time, Kerosene Creek was a local secret. Over the years, word about this natural hot spring has spread, and its popularity has increased. The main pool by the waterfall has plenty of space for visitors to swim and relax. However, to avoid the crowds, the best time to visit is during the winter months or earlier in the morning.
Kerosene Creek is still a quieter option than many other thermal pools in the Rotorua area. It’s the perfect spot to experience New Zealand’s geothermal activity.
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