Kerosene Creek, New Zealand

What it is

Kerosene Creek is a natural geothermal stream in the Rotorua area, where hot water flows through bush and drops into a small soaking pool under a short waterfall. There’s no ticket booth, no staff, and no built infrastructure beyond the informal track and a well-worn pool edge. You’re here for the simple pleasure of warm moving water, not for comfort features.

What makes it distinct

The waterfall is the hook. Moving water feels fresher than a still pool, and you can usually find a temperature that suits you by shifting a metre or two. The downside is that the experience changes with weather, flow, and crowds. Sometimes it’s calm and clean-feeling. Sometimes it’s crowded and the edges are churned up. Treat it like a river swim spot with geothermal heat, not like a spa.

Practical expectations

You need to arrive prepared. No changing rooms, no lockers, no reliable toilets, and no guarantee that conditions will be pleasant. If the water looks murky, the area feels overcrowded, or the track is sloppy after rain, it’s completely fine to skip it and do something else. Wild hot springs reward good judgement more than stubbornness.

Kerosene Creek is south of Rotorua, near Rainbow Mountain (Maunga Kākaramea). Access is typically via State Highway 5, then a turn onto Old Waiotapu Road for the final approach. The last section is gravel, and road condition can vary with weather and grading, so drive slowly and avoid low-clearance vehicles if the surface is rough.

From the usual parking area, it’s a short walk down a narrow track to the creek. The path can be muddy, uneven, and slippery, especially after rain or during winter. Wear footwear with grip and assume it will get wet. Bring a towel, dry clothes, and a dry bag for valuables. I also recommend a warm layer for after your soak, the walk back can feel cold once you’re out of the water.

Because it’s unmanaged, seasonality matters in small ways: winter means colder air and muddier ground, summer can mean heavier use. If you want a better chance of space, aim for early morning or a quieter weekday. Have a backup plan in Rotorua, so you can leave without feeling like you wasted the drive.

This is best for confident, able-bodied travellers who are comfortable with uneven ground and basic outdoor logistics. It’s not wheelchair accessible in any practical sense, and it’s not a good match for anyone who needs stable railings, level paths, or predictable pool entry. The creek edge is natural and can be slick, with uneven footing where people step in and out.

I don’t label it family-friendly because kids can never visit, but because the site is unmanaged and the risks are harder to control. Temperature varies within the creek, hot and cooler zones can sit close together, and crowds can compress the usable space. If you do visit with children, keep them within arm’s reach, keep sessions short, and choose a calmer area away from the main drop where footing is steadier.

Expectations matter. On a quiet day it can feel like a small reward for a little effort. On a busy day it can feel cramped and messy. If your group is sensitive to crowds or hygiene concerns, you’ll likely enjoy a managed hot pool more, even if it costs money.

The main risks here are natural and predictable: slippery rocks, uneven banks, and heat stress. Move slowly, keep a hand free for balance, and test the water with a hand or foot before you commit to sitting down. Don’t assume deeper means safer, geothermal heat can collect in pockets and the “hottest spot” shifts with flow.

A common practical rule is to keep your head above water. Wild geothermal sites don’t have controlled water quality, and you don’t want warm water in your eyes, nose, or mouth. If you have open cuts or irritated skin, consider skipping the soak. It’s not a medical claim, just a sensible way to reduce risk in shared natural water.

Etiquette keeps Kerosene Creek usable. Share space, keep noise down, and don’t move rocks or dig out new pools. That kind of tinkering damages the creek and makes footing worse. Pack out everything you bring, including small rubbish that’s easy to drop. If it’s crowded, keep your soak reasonable and rotate out so others can have a turn without pressure or conflict.

Is there an entry fee?

No. It’s generally visited as a free, unmanaged natural site, with no ticketing on location.

How hard is it to access?

It’s a short walk from roadside parking, but the final road section is gravel and the track can be muddy and slippery. Wear footwear with grip and take your time.

Are there toilets or changing rooms?

Don’t count on services. Plan to change discreetly and bring a bag for wet clothes and rubbish.

Is it safe to put your head underwater?

I wouldn’t. Treat it like a natural warm stream: keep your head above water, avoid swallowing water, and rinse off afterward if you can.

What should I bring?

Swimsuit, towel, warm clothes for after, dry bag for keys and phone, and footwear you can get wet. If it has rained, expect mud and bring a spare layer.