Kerosine Creek. Waiotapu . North Is. New Zealand.
S 38° 20.140 E 176° 23.185
60H E 446375 N 5756762
Kerosine Creek, a thermal hot spring and stream running through the geothermal area north of Waiotapu.
Waymark Code: WMPBW8
Location: North Island, New Zealand
Date Posted: 08/05/2015
Views: 1
Kerosene Creek is perhaps the most famous "free hot pool" in the North Island. Hot water from a natural spring under the earth bubbles up into the cool waters of the creek, creating pleasantly warm waters. It bubbles and flows into a stream with natural pools amidst native bush, and there are lots of little hidey holes and carefully positioned smooth rocks for you to find and claim as your own little spot. Kerosene Creek, is only a small natural stream and flows downhill through natural bush. People enjoy swimming in the creek because the water's temperature is around 37 C. However, like all hot springs – you must check the temperature before you climb in! It can vary depending on whether it has been raining or not. The stream originates from a geothermal area. It does not have the usual sulphuric smell of thermal areas, but the water has a faint odour of kerosine. There is a known oil seep at Kerosene Creek near Waiotapu, which explains the odour, but the generally held geological explanation is that this seep relates to a buried swamp or other vegetation.
Directions: Heading south from Rotorua on the road to Taupo (about 30km), pass the turn off to Murupara on your left, pass a lake on your right, then take the next left turn, just past a small bridge (only about 1/2 km from the Murupara turnoff). Stop 2.2km down the road and pull over to the grass verge on the right. There is a signpost. Follow the path down a couple of hundred metres beside the stream.
Parking: S 38° 20.055 E 176° 23.170. Signposted. Note: Do not leave valuables in your vehicle!
Temperature (C): 37
Type: Primitive
Cost?: No Cost
Open to the Public?: yes
Clothing Optional?: yes
Other Amenities:
None. NO Toilets. Natural landscape with no facilities except a track beside the stream.
Temperature (F): Not listed
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Visit Instructions:
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2. Describe your visit.