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Kerosene Creek Waterfall

New Zealand · Bay of Plenty

Kerosene Creek Waterfall

Kerosene Creek Waterfall is a waterfall in New Zealand.

Brendan Purdy · CC BY 2.0
Essentials guide

Facts from Wikidata, compiled September 2026; season and access are our estimate, not a visit report. How we build these pages.

Kerosene Creek Waterfall drops over a series of steps on the Hakereteke Stream. It is a cascade-type fall, and the nearest base for a visit is Rotorua Lakes District, New Zealand. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate.

As a cascade waterfall, water tumbles down a series of rock steps rather than falling free.

What you can do here

A walk-in-and-look waterfall

No commercial adventures run at Kerosene Creek Waterfall itself — the experience is the approach and the view. Guided day trips from Rotorua Lakes District are the easiest way to combine it with the area around it.

Find guided tours

Also good forHikingPhotography

When to go

Spring, September to December, pairs snowmelt or winter rain with lengthening days; autumn (April to May) is the quieter second season.

Getting there

  • Base town Rotorua Lakes District, New Zealand
  • Country New Zealand
  • Region Bay of Plenty, New Zealand, Oceania
  • Access Moderate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail

How it compares

Height, drawn to scale
Tarawera FallsVictoria FallsEiffel TowerAngel Falls
Width of the crest, drawn to scale

We don't have a reliable crest width for Kerosene Creek Waterfall yet, so it is left off the width chart. Tallest · widest lists.

Watch and read

Books worth packing

DK Eyewitness New ZealandDK Eyewitness

Guidebook

DK Eyewitness New Zealand

DK Eyewitness · 2024

Illustrated maps and regional chapters, helpful for planning a road trip between Taupo, Waitomo and Fiordland.

Moon New ZealandJamie Christian Desplaces

Guidebook

Moon New Zealand

Jamie Christian Desplaces · 2024

Built around road trips and the Great Walks, a good fit if you're combining the Milford Track with North Island falls.

Guidebook

Lonely Planet New Zealand

Lonely Planet · 2023

The 21st edition covers Fiordland, Milford Sound, Taupo and the Waikato, so it handles every NZ fall on this site.

The Rough Guide to New ZealandRough Guides

Guidebook

The Rough Guide to New Zealand

Rough Guides · 2023

A current second opinion on routes and stays, with good coverage of the Waikato and the road into Milford Sound.

On the map

-38.33547, 176.38628

Quick answers

Where is Kerosene Creek Waterfall?

Kerosene Creek Waterfall is in New Zealand (Bay of Plenty). The nearest base is Rotorua Lakes District, New Zealand. Its coordinates are -38.3355, 176.3863.

When is the best time to visit Kerosene Creek Waterfall?

Peak flow is September to December. Spring, September to December, pairs snowmelt or winter rain with lengthening days; autumn (April to May) is the quieter second season.

What can you do at Kerosene Creek Waterfall?

Beyond the viewpoints: hiking and photography. Access to the main viewpoint is rated moderate — a real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail.

How do you get to Kerosene Creek Waterfall?

The usual base is Rotorua Lakes District, New Zealand. A real walk — expect stairs, uneven ground or an hour on the trail from there.

Tours & tickets Stays