Free hot pools are a treat that should not be missed if you are visiting the Rotorua area. The region is a geothermal wonderland so it comes as no surprise that there are a number of free hot pools to be discovered and enjoyed. Thermal waters are believed to have many health benefits including improving general well-being, enhancing cardiovascular health, and soothing skin conditions. Māori have long used hot pools not only for health benefits but also for cooking, washing and bathing.
KEROSENE CREEK
Kerosene Creek is one of the more popular free hot pools and for good reason. With a few smaller pool options as well as a large pool and waterfall to enjoy there is normally plenty of room for everyone. However, it can get busy, especially on the weekends and holidays. The best time to go in my experience is in the mornings, the earlier the better if you want to avoid the crowds.
Getting there: From Rotorua head towards Taupō on SH5 for approximately 20 minutes until you reach Old Waiotapu Road on your left. There is a signpost that also includes a sign to Kerosene Creek. About five minutes down Old Waiotapu Road you will arrive at the car park. The road is unsealed and can be in poor condition so do take care. From the carpark, it is a short walk down the track to the hot stream. There is a long drop toilet at the carpark.
WATERFALL SPOUT BATH
Out of all the free hot pools, this one is my favourite. It is not so well known or easy to find which means it is often quiet. Just a short walk into the bush brings you to a good-sized pool with a flowing waterfall that gives the best massages. Someone has very kindly placed a seat right under the waterfall (hopefully it is still there) so you can sit and enjoy the water pouring onto your shoulders and back.
Getting there: From Rotorua head towards Taupō on SH5 for approximately 20 minutes until you reach Waiotapu. On the left is Waiotapu Loop Road, head down here for a couple of minutes until you get to Lady Knox Geyser Road. There may be a locked gate so you will need to park here. Walk for about five minutes down Lady Knox Geyser Road and look for a path into the bush on the right. There may be a few paths that lead to dead ends. The trick is to listen for the running water, when you hear it the path should be there.
HOT & COLD – THE BRIDGE
Hot and Cold gets its name because there is a hot stream and a cold stream that meet. It is quite a unique experience. The hot stream runs under a bridge, hence it is also known as The Bridge. There is plenty of room here and with the temperatures mixing you can find a spot to suit. There is easy access with stairs leading down to the streams in several places. These pools are popular and can get busy so choose your time carefully if you wish to avoid the crowds.
Getting there: From Rotorua head towards Taupō on SH5 for just over 20 minutes. Just after Waiotapu, you will reach the south end of Waiotapu Loop Road on your left. The bridge is about 500m along Waiotapu Loop Road. There is usually plenty of room for parking on both sides of the bridge.
BUTCHER’S POOL
Named after one of the first settlers in the Reporoa area, Mr Butcher, this pool was the family bath. Mr Butcher later gifted it to the local community and has been upgraded on a few occasions since. What you will find there today is a well-constructed pool, walkways, toilets and changing rooms. Facilities are maintained by the local council but you may find the pool littered with leaves and brown scum which is all natural. The water refills and there is an overflow outlet so it is continually renewing. The temperature is always perfect!
Getting there: From Rotorua head towards Taupō on SH5 for 25 minutes until you reach Settlers Road on the left. Pass straight through Reporoa and carry on a few more minutes until you reach Butcher’s Pool Road on your left. It can be easy to miss but it is signposted.
WAIRUA STREAM & HOT WATER BEACH
These two free hot pools are near each other on Lake Tarawera but very much off the beaten track. The easy way to get to either location is by boat, kayak or to catch a water taxi with Totally Tarawera. If you would prefer a hiking adventure, then you can get there on foot along the Tarawera Trail. Wairua Stream would be my preference of the two as it is a really nice pool with a consistent temperature. Hot Water Beach has a hot spring feeding into the cold lake so you don’t get a consistent heat. It can be very hot one second then very cold the next. Not so relaxing but still worth the experience. Both locations are busy during weekends and holidays. Hot Water Beach also has a campground that is popular throughout the summer months.
Getting there: As already mentioned you can get to both of these free hot pools by water or by trail. Wairua Stream isn’t signposted but is easy enough to find. On the Tarawera Trail, there is a wooden bridge just before you get to Te Wairua Stream amenity area. This is about 3 hours into the trail. Just after this bridge is a track off to the left. Follow this for about 5-10 minutes until you get to the hot pool. Just a few meters on from the hot pool is the lake’s edge. Hot Water Beach is right at the end of the Tarawera Trail. The total length of the trail is 15kms and approximately four hours of walking time. The water taxi will drop off or pick up from both locations.
WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW BEFORE YOU GO EXPLORING FREE HOT POOLS
When enjoying geothermal hot pools it is important to know that you should always keep your head above water in a geothermal pool to protect you from getting amoebic meningitis.
As most of these locations are secluded there is an increased risk of vehicles being broken into. It is always a good idea to make sure you have locked your car and hidden away any valuables. In saying this I have never had a problem with parking safely to reach any of the above locations.
Be aware that there are no rubbish bins at any of the free hot pools mentioned. Please be prepared to take all your belongings and rubbish with you. Unfortunately, there will be times you see rubbish that others have left behind. Please pick up what you can and dispose of it properly. If we all do our bit to leave the environment better than before then everyone benefits, including nature herself. Let’s all do our bit for Papatūānuku.
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ABOUT THE WRITER – Karllie is a solo budget traveller with a passion for inspiring others to explore her homeland of Aotearoa New Zealand and beyond. Having travelled to many places around the world she still believes there is nowhere more amazing and beautiful as her home land. In her 40s, Karllie has a background in education and enjoys the outdoors, especially hiking. Find out more about Karllie…
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