Kerosene Creek Rotorua, New Zealand: Visitor’s Guide (2024)

Nestled in New Zealand’s Rotorua region, Kerosene Creek is an enchanting destination known for its geothermal hot springs.

While on my North Island New Zealand road trip, I visited these therapeutic springs that have long been cherished for their calming properties.

Imagine warm waters gently flowing through a small stream, surrounded by lush forests. Kerosene Creek’s geothermal wonder, born from volcanic activity, beckons visitors seeking relaxation and rejuvenation.

So grab your swimsuit and get ready for an adventure – it’s time to dive into this ultimate guide, including tips for visiting and how to maximize your experience.

KEROSENE CREEK – OVERVIEW

First things first, let’s start with all the practical tips for visiting, from its location to its features and more.

WHERE IS KEROSENE CREEK?

Kerosene Creek is a geothermally heated stream located 30 minutes south of Rotorua, New Zealand.

Surrounded by dense forests, featuring cascades and waterfalls, it’s a hidden gem that’s worth the drive to get there.

HOW TO GET TO KEROSENE CREEK ROTORUA?

The best way to get to Kerosene Creek is by car or campervan as there are no public transport options available.

If you need to rent a car in New Zealand, Discover Cars have the best rates!

When coming from Rotorua, take State Highway 5 South and then turn onto Waiotapu Loop Road. Follow this road for about 15 minutes until you reach the car park at the end of the road.

From here, it’s just a short 2-minute walk down to the creek.

HOW DEEP IS KEROSENE CREEK?

The creek is about 1.5 meters deep which is perfect for immersing you’re whole body, however, it’s not recommended to put your head under the water.

HOW HOT IS THE TEMPERATURE IN THE CREEK?

The temperature of the creek is on average around 30 degrees Celcius.

When I visited, I could notice some variations of heat throughout the pools but was definitely not cold!

The source of the heat comes from natural springs under the earth which bubble up into the cool stream, creating pleasantly warm waters.

Kerosene Creek New Zealand is a great spot for those looking to relax and enjoy some natural hot springs near Rotorua.

RELATED GUIDE: NEW ZEALAND NORTH ISLAND ITINERARY

WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT?

The best time to visit Kerosene Creek New Zealand is during the summer months (December – February) when the weather is warmest, and the water is at its hottest.

It’s possible to visit the creek in winter which would be a pretty cool experience as well.

With all that said, it’s a year-round destination and the creek can be visited anytime you are passing through the region.

I recommend timing your visit in the early morning to avoid tourists or in the evening to avoid the heat of the day.

It’s worth noting that Kerosene Creek does smell a little, which comes from the natural hot spring, but that’s only a small detail that doesn’t ruin the experience.

OPENING TIMES & ENTRANCE FEES

The best part about visiting this natural creek is that it’s always open and free of charge!

ARRIVING AT KEROSENE CREEK ROTORUA

I had been hearing about Kerosene Creek for a while now, and I was finally able to make the trip from Rotorua to experience it for myself. Needless to say, I was not disappointed.

As soon as I arrived, I could notice the distinct smell of the cascading pools, a somewhat sulfuric scent coming from the geothermally heated stream.

There is a large parking lot with plenty of spaces to park your vehicle, and from here it’s a very short walk to the creek.

It’s recommended to not leave any valuables in your vehicle as there have been break-ins in the past, and you definitely don’t want to have your stuff stolen.

Also, it’s pretty hot down by the creek and you’ll get thirsty in no time, so remember to pack your water bottle.

WHAT TO EXPECT

The creek meanders through dense forest and cascades, creating a tranquil atmosphere that is truly mesmerizing, despite some other tourists around.

There are three pools in total, each with different temperatures depending on how close they are to the source of the spring.

The downstream pool features a waterfall that created a unique atmosphere and has a temperature of around 30 degrees Celcius – one of the warmest spots to swim in this creek!

For those looking for something unique when visiting Rotorua, this place is definitely worth checking out for a hot soak.

With its natural beauty and peaceful atmosphere, it’s sure to provide you with an unforgettable experience!

Afterward, I recommend continuing your road trip south and checking out all the best things to do in Taupo.

THINGS TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO

Here are some handy travel tips and things to know before you go.

IS KEROSENE CREEK WORTH IT?

Definitely! When spending some time in Rotorua, visiting this creek is a worthy attraction.

The pools beckon with their shallow depths, inviting you to immerse yourself in the comforting warmth and unwind as if the world ceases to exist.

IS IT SAFE TO SWIM IN KEROSENE CREEK?

It’s safe to swim in the creek, however, you should know that there have been instances of Amoebic Meningitis caused by amoebas residing in hot pools, although this is very rare.

The amoebas infiltrate the body through the nasal passage, particularly when water is forcefully inhaled, and then proceed to the brain, causing disruption.

By simply ensuring that your head remains above water, you can safely swim in the creek.

I hope that these safety measures don’t deter you from visiting Kerosene Creek Rotorua.

WHAT TO PACK FOR NEW ZEALAND

When visiting New Zealand, here is a list of items I highly recommend bringing with you:

FINAL THOUGHTS – KEROSENE CREEK NEW ZEALAND

Visiting Kerosene Creek New Zealand is an experience that will stay with you for a lifetime.

From the majestic forests and cascading waterfalls to the vibrant wildlife, there’s something here for everyone to enjoy.

With this comprehensive guide, I hope that your visit is even more enjoyable and memorable than ever before!

I hope you enjoyed reading this article, and if you have any questions, please drop me a comment below this post, and I will get back to you as soon as I can.

For a quicker response, be sure to join Jonny Melon’s Travel Tribe on Facebook and post your questions or recommendations to our awesome community.

TRAVEL RESOURCES FOR YOUR NEXT TRIP

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or it’s your first trip overseas, here are some useful travel resources to help you kick-start your next adventure!

THANKS FOR READING

Hey friend, thanks for reading this guide!

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