Rainbow Mountain / Kakaramea is an extinct volcanic cone to the south of Rotorua. There is a walking track to the summit, and you can ride your bike on it. Warning: you will probably do some walking with your bike, it is steep! It is a great walk to some fantastic views of thermal features and the surrounding countryside, and there is a great downhill bike trail back down.

Follow State Highway 5 south from Rotorua towards Taupo for about 30km. After passing the turnoff to Murupara on your left and Lake Ngahewa on your right, you will see the carpark for Rainbow Mountain. 

Kerosene Creek is a natural thermal feature about 15 minutes south of Rotorua on State Highway 5, at the base of Rainbow Mountain. Follow this gravel road for 2.2 km (about 3 minutes) until you see a grass verge on the right, where you can park your vehicle. Walk down the short track to the creek.

A stream runs through a series of small pools of various temperatures, and plunges over a small waterfall into a large gravel bottomed pool. Visitors can wander along the stream and find the spot they like for a soak.turn left on to Old Waiotapu Rd.

Safety tips

It's best if you visit during daylight hours, and don't leave any valuables in your car while bathing. As with most thermal pools, it's not safe to put your head underwater.