Kerosene Creek in top ten

Kerosene Creek is one of New Zealand's most favourite swimming holes.

A popular tourist spot near Rotorua has been named as one of the top 10 summer swimming holes in New Zealand.

Kerosene Creek, a free natural hot spring in a river between Rotorua and Taupo, has made AA Directions' editorial team's 10 favourite summer swimming holes list.

Destination Rotorua consumer marketing manager Tom Worsp said New Zealand was spoilt for choice when it came to swimming holes.

"To have Kerosene Creek listed among the top 10 in the country is great for our region.

"It's a magical recreation spot, that's even an effective and natural way to help ease aches and pains. The natural hot spring flows into a small stream through the bush, and the smooth rocks have been shaped to form their own little hot pools where visitors can enjoy hot water cascading down."

Mr Worsp said Rotorua was blessed with many natural wonders including 18 lakes and beautiful forests.

"So it's no wonder more and more people are choosing to holiday in what we market as 'New Zealand's coolest hot spot'."

The list features in the latest issue of AA Directions and adds to the overall theme of celebrating New Zealanders' love of water. The magazine is being delivered to around 580,000 letterboxes of AA members throughout New Zealand.

Top swimming holes

* Karekare Falls, Auckland
* Bulli Point, Lake Taupo
* Blue Spring, Putaruru
* Kerosene Creek, Rotorua
* Rainbow Falls, Kerikeri
* Mermaid Pool, Matapouri, Northland
* Mosquito Point, Whanganui
* Pelorus Bridge Scenic Reserve, Marlborough
* Cleopatra's Pool, Abel Tasman National Park
* Lake Rotoiti, Nelson Lakes, South Island