Swimming Holes a Plenty in Rotorua

ROTORUA, 8 January 2015:

We’re a nation of water lovers and swimming is a pastime which virtually every New Zealander can claim as a birth right. And nothing compares to the freedom of taking a refreshing plunge in the untamed waters of one of nature’s beautiful swimming holes with family and friends.

With the long hot summer days finally here, Rotorua has plenty on offer with the distinct advantage of being able to mix and match cool freshwater lakes and rivers with natural hot springs.

Destination Rotorua general manager Oscar Nathan says there are some breath-taking spots to dip into around New Zealand’s coolest hot spot Rotorua.

“There is nothing like the exhilaration of a freshwater swim on a hot summer’s day. I’d invite everyone to bond with the best that nature has to offer whether you are looking for cool or warm waters. Here are the spots I’d recommend” Nathan says:

• Trout Pool Swimming Hole, Okere Falls - Located in the Okere Falls Scenic Reserve the Trout Pool Swimming Hole is a favourite with locals. Children are often spotted leaping into the Kaituna Stream where they float down to the Trout Pool swimming hole. Drive out of Rotorua on SH 30 and take the SH33 turnoff towards Tauranga. Trout Pool road is 8km down the road on the left.

• Kerosene Creek - Set in lush native bush Kerosene Creek is a hot stream featuring a low cascading waterfall over an old lava flow. Small boulders form individual hot pools beneath the tumbling waters. Head south from Rotorua on SH5 (about 30km) and turn left onto Old Waiotapu Road. 2.2km down the road there is a grass parking verge and a small path leading to the watering hole.

• Lake Okareka - This small but charming lake is surrounded by beautiful forest and a paradise for swimmers. It is a short 10min drive from Rotorua’s CBD along Tarawera Road.

• The Bridge (aka The Secret Spot), Waiotapu Stream - Approximately 50km south of Rotorua via SH5, look for the signpost marking the first entrance for ‘Waiotapu Thermal Park’ on the left. Take the second entrance 500 metres down the road and down this tiny winding road you will come to a small bridge. Make your way down the bank into the stream.

• Hot Water Beach, Lake Tarawera - Located on the southern arm of Lake Tarawera, this secluded beach, (accessible by boat, water taxi or the Tarawera Trail) features a series of thermal springs gently rising through the lake-bed warming the surrounding waters. Here you can swim or soak in a natural thermal rock pools and enjoy a day picnicking with family and friends. There is also a small pool in the bush approximately 50 metres from the lake edge.

• Waitangi Soda Springs – these geothermal pools are paid entry but make the list due to their rustic natural surroundings. Situated in a secluded area near Lake Rotoiti, Rotoma and Rotoehu, the hot pools are just 35 minutes’ drive from the centre of Rotorua off SH30. Adult:$8, Child:$5, Family:$25, Senior(+60):$3

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