Best Swimming Spots in Rotorua & Bay of Plenty (Complete Guide)
Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty pack an unmatched mix of wild swimming into one compact region: geothermal hot streams, volcanic lakes, waterfalls and hidden river pools. This guide covers the 7 best swimming spots across the region, all featured in Swim New Zealand – North Island.
Find this and dozens more in Swim New Zealand – North Island: directions, access notes and safety tips. Printed guides include 12 months of the Explorer app free. Get the guide →
Why Swim in Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty?
Geothermal activity makes this region unique in New Zealand, with naturally warm streams and hot shallows sitting alongside cool freshwater lakes and waterfalls. Whether you want a warm soak or a refreshing lake swim, it's all within an easy drive of Rotorua or Tauranga.
Geothermal Hot Streams
1. Kerosene Creek: Free Natural Hot Stream
Location: about 30 minutes south of Rotorua
Water temperature: warm, roughly 30–40°C, and it varies with rainfall
Best for: year-round soaking
Kerosene Creek is Rotorua's most famous free hot soak. Naturally warm geothermal water pours over a small waterfall into a pool in the forest, and you can move around to find your temperature.
What makes it special: free, open year-round, a natural waterfall and adjustable temperatures. Access is off Old Waiotapu Road with no facilities, and the track can be muddy after rain. Keep your head above water (geothermal water can carry the amoeba that causes amoebic meningitis), and no soaps or drinks in the creek.
Volcanic Lakes
2. Lake Tarawera Hot Water Beach: Geothermal Lakeshore
Getting there: no road access; by water taxi or kayak from The Landing, or the 15 km Tarawera Trail
Water temperature: varies, with geothermal springs warming the shallows
Best for: a memorable day trip
One of New Zealand's most unusual swims: a black-sand lakeshore where geothermal springs warm the shallows, so you can drift between hot and cool water with big lake views all around.
What makes it special: hot and cold water side by side, stunning lake views and the journey in by boat or trail. Water taxis are essential to book in summer. This is the ancestral land of Tūhourangi Ngāti Wāhiao and some of the lakeshore is private, so stick to public areas, no soaps or drinks in the water, and leave no trace.
3. Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake): Crystal-Clear Volcanic Lake
Location: about 10 minutes from Rotorua
Water temperature: cool (15–20°C in summer)
Best for: summer swimming, kayaking, families
Lake Tikitapu earns its nickname from its stunning blue water. This volcanic lake offers crystal-clear swimming, surrounded by forest, with good facilities including toilets, changing rooms, BBQs and picnic areas.
What makes it special: incredible colour, excellent water clarity, family-friendly facilities and easy access from Rotorua. Its neighbour, Lake Rotokākahi (Green Lake), is for viewing from the lookout only.
4. Lake Ōkāreka: Peaceful Volcanic Lake
Location: about 10 minutes from Rotorua
Water temperature: cool (15–20°C in summer)
Best for: quiet swimming, kayaking, fishing
Less crowded than its neighbours, Lake Ōkāreka offers peaceful swimming in a volcanic setting surrounded by regenerating native bush, with a swim jetty and grassy reserves.
What makes it special: quieter than the other Rotorua lakes, great for kayaking, beautiful forest surroundings and good fishing. Boyes Beach is the larger, quieter reserve.
Waterfalls and River Pools
5. McLaren Falls Park: Lake and River Park
Location: about 20 minutes from Tauranga
Water temperature: cool freshwater
Best for: families, picnics, day trips
McLaren Falls Park is a council park on a hydro lake, with calm swimming coves, river rock pools and plenty of picnic space, plus a glow-worm walk after dark.
What makes it special: multiple swimming spots, parking throughout, a beautiful park setting and something for all ages. Check the park gate hours before planning an evening glow-worm visit.
6. Kaiate Falls: Rainforest Waterfall
Location: about 20 minutes from Tauranga
Water temperature: cool freshwater
Best for: bush walks and photography
Kaiate Falls (Te Rerekawau) drops in layered ribbons through a fern-filled volcanic gorge. The loop track descends through regenerating forest to reveal several waterfall tiers and a misty plunge pool. It's one of the Bay of Plenty's most atmospheric swims.
What makes it special: a dramatic multi-tier waterfall, lush native forest and a signposted car park and loop track. Check the council's current track and water-quality advice before swimming, and don't climb the falls.
7. Pori Pori Waterhole: Hidden River Pool
Location: about 20 minutes from Tauranga
Water temperature: cool freshwater
Best for: secluded swimming and sunbathing
A deep emerald basin in the Wairoa River with smooth rock shelves for sunbathing. Pori Pori is a quieter alternative to the busier spots, with no signs or facilities.
What makes it special: a secluded, peaceful pool that's usually less crowded. Arrive early, park only in roadside pull-offs, and don't block paddock access or driveways.
Planning Your Rotorua and Bay of Plenty Swimming Trip
Best time to visit
- Geothermal spots: year-round (Kerosene Creek, Lake Tarawera Hot Water Beach).
- Lakes: December to March for the warmest water.
- Waterfalls: November to April for the best conditions.
Getting around
Most spots are an easy drive from Rotorua (the lakes and Kerosene Creek) or Tauranga (McLaren Falls, Kaiate Falls and Pori Pori). Lake Tarawera Hot Water Beach is the exception: you'll need a water taxi, kayak or a long walk.
What to bring
- Towel and swimwear
- Water shoes (rocks can be slippery)
- Sunscreen and hat (let sunscreen soak in before swimming)
- Water and snacks
- A bag to take your rubbish home
Safety tips
- Test the temperature before getting into geothermal water, and keep your head above the surface (HealthEd advice).
- Rocks around waterfalls and hot streams can be extremely slippery.
- There are no lifeguards at these natural spots.
- Don't dive or jump into water of unknown depth.
- Supervise children closely at all times.
- Respect the natural environment and leave no trace.
Rotorua and Bay of Plenty Swimming FAQs
Is Kerosene Creek free?
Yes. Kerosene Creek is free, with roadside access off Old Waiotapu Road and no facilities.
Can you drive to Lake Tarawera Hot Water Beach?
No. There's no road access: take a water taxi or kayak from The Landing, or walk the 15 km Tarawera Trail. Book water taxis ahead in summer.
Can you put your head under in Rotorua's hot streams?
No. Keep your head above water in natural geothermal water to avoid the risk of amoebic meningitis.
What's the best lake for families near Rotorua?
Lake Tikitapu (Blue Lake) has a shallow family beach with toilets, changing rooms and BBQs. Lake Ōkāreka is a quieter alternative with a jetty and grassy reserves.
Get the Guide
For maps, seasonal swimming notes and local tips on all these spots and more across the North Island, see Swim New Zealand – North Island. Also worth a look nearby: Raparapahoe Falls near Te Puke, or see our 20 best North Island swimming spots.
Rotorua and the Bay of Plenty offer some of New Zealand's most varied swimming. From geothermal soaks to cool volcanic lakes and dramatic waterfalls, this compact region has something for every kind of swimmer.
