Kerosene Creek

Rotorua & the Bay of Plenty


Pouring below Rainbow Mountain, this naturally heated stream offers a warm swimming hole beneath a cascade.


Lonely Planet's must-see attractions

Nearby Rotorua & the Bay of Plenty attractions

1. Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Wonderland

1.75 MILES

The most colourful of the region's geothermal attractions, Wai-O-Tapu (Sacred Waters) has a variety of features packed into a relatively compact, heavily…

2. Waimangu Volcanic Valley

3.43 MILES

The most visible wound from Mt Tarawera's 1886 eruption, the Waimangu geothermal area spreads down a valley to Lake Rotomahana (Warm Lake). The experience…

3. Butcher's Pool

8.49 MILES

Named after one of the first settlers in Reporoa, this artificial pool is filled by a natural spring. Water levels can vary as a result, but with public…

4. Te Wairoa, the Buried Village

8.61 MILES

The village of Te Wairoa was once the main staging post for Victorian-era tourists coming to visit the famous Pink and White Terraces. When Mt Tarawera…

5. Lake Tarawera

9.61 MILES

Providing a mirror for the raw slopes of Mt Tarawera (1110m), this pretty lake is a popular destination for swimming, fishing, boating and walks. It may…

6. Redwoods Whakarewarewa Forest

12.92 MILES

This magical park of forest giants is 5km southeast of town. From 1899, 170 tree species were planted here to see which could be grown successfully for…

7. Whakarewarewa

13.94 MILES

Wander the streets of this living village, where the local Tūhourangi/Ngāti Wāhiao people have resided for centuries, with its homes, stores, cafes and…

8. Te Puia

13.97 MILES

Te Puia dials up the heat on Māoritanga (things Māori) with explosive performances from both its cultural troupe and Pōhutu (Big Splash), its famous…