Kerosene Creek

Kerosene Creek

Kerosene Creek is a naturally heated geothermal stream south of Rotorua on New Zealand’s North Island. Warm water flows through bush and over a small waterfall, creating one of the Rotorua region’s best-known unmanaged natural soaking places.

Unlike a commercial thermal pool, Kerosene Creek is not a staffed bathing complex. Rotorua’s official tourism organisation describes it as an unmanaged natural site with no lifeguards, while Rotorua Lakes Council says the land is privately owned within Kaingaroa Forest and public access is allowed. That combination makes the creek appealing, but it also means visitors need to take more responsibility for road conditions, water safety, belongings and the surrounding environment.