Can https://www.newzealandmotorhome.com/motorhome-trip-video-inspiration/ swim at Wai o Tapu?
Don’t let the name ‘pool’ not fool you. You won’t be able to swim in it. Located a short 5-minute drive away from the Wai-O-Tapu’s entrance, the bubbling, coughing, spitting mud pools are fun to watch.Others are still ‘wild’ and free-of charge. If just a walk and sightseeing activity is what you are after, then there is a walk through the park to see the mud pools, thermal water and erupting water spouts, which being Rotorua’s most active area, make a spectacular sight. There is plenty to do Kuirau Park, but the foot spa with thermal water is a must do! Here in an undercover or outdoor area you can enjoy the relaxing benefits of dipping your feet into mineral rich geothermal water.
Why is Rotorua a good place?
There is still a strong Maori presence in Rotorua which makes it a great place to learn about the culture and traditions and find out more about New Zealand’s great past. Some of the top spots to visit include: Rotorua’s beautiful Government Gardens is a Waahi Tapu area and is sacred to Maori.The North Island’s geothermal hotspot is renowned for its adventure activities and tourist attractions. But Rotorua also has plenty of fabulous things to do for free. Read the story .
Kaituna Kayaks – Sea Kayaking & Hot Pool Trip
- Kerosene Creek is located around 35kms south of Rotorua near Wai-O-Tapu and is surrounded by native bush which adds to the magic.
- Waikite Valley Thermal Pools is a unique place to come and experience the ‘Living Waters’ of the Te Manaroa Spring – the largest single source of 100% pure geothermal water in New Zealand.
- In the same area and on the same road as Wai-O-Tapu, you can view free mud pools as well as take a dip in the thermal hot spring at Kerosene Creek!

When swimming in natural hot pools, where the water comes out of the ground, keep your head above water because there is a small risk of contracting an illness called amoebic meningitis. While very rare, this illness is serious.
In the same area and on the same road as Wai-O-Tapu, you can view free mud pools as well as take a dip in the thermal hot spring at Kerosene Creek! These are both well signposted and you follow the same turn off that you’d take to Wai-O-Tapu Thermal Park, down Waiotapu Loop Road. Here you can see boiling mud and afterwards continue driving to Kerosene Creek, which is found just to the side of the road. There are usually plenty of cars parked in this area so it is easy to spot!
Let all of your worries melt away as you take a dip in one of our many hot pools. There is a large pond filled with ducks and other bird life that you can feed. Keep an eye out for the native Swamp Hen known as a Pukeko.
Make sure you don’t go beyond the fenced areas as some of the geothermal waters are steaming hot and not safe for people to dip their toes. https://www.newzealandmotorhome.com/maui-ultima-maui-ultima-elite/ will often find locals down here bathing their feet so make sure you say hello – they may be able to point you in the direction of some more hidden gems in and around Rotorua. If you are looking for something a bit closer to home, head to Kuirau Park, close to the CBD area in Rotorua where you will find the perfect place for a relaxing foot spa.
Like many parts of the landscape around Rotorua, fumaroles and mini-geysers pock the ground everywhere, after all, this is a town where even the stormwater drains in the street pour forth steam. There’s a lively mud pool called the Devil’s Cauldron, which cheerfully belches. There’s a mini-volcano that spurts globules of mud into the air. The park’s main geyser is the reliable Lady Knox, which jets superheated water 30m into the air.
Don’t dip your feet behind any of the fenced areas. That with hurt. see this here is situated in Rotorua town and is one of the 11 Free or Cheap Things to do in Rotorua.