You're not short of thermal pools or baths in New Zealand, but to find one that's not heaving with people is harder. Kerosene Creek is off the beaten track, and is still completely natural - no museum, no gift shop, just a creek that's incredibly hot! Park at the edge of a little forest and a five minute walk will bring you to a section of a small river that looks no different than any other. Dip your toe in however and you'll see what it has to offer is very different indeed! A large section of water which sits just below a small fall, so creating a natural pool that bubbles up at a toasty 35 degrees. One downside is that you might come out smelling a little of sulphur, but on the up - you can stay there as long as you like and it's absolutly free!

35k south of Rotorua in New Zealand's North Island. Inbetween Rotorua and Taupo just off route 5.
www.nzhotpools.co.nz/hot-pools/kerosene-creek-waiotapu
Google map: bit.ly/fjwuQ4

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Hot water beach is the only place I've ever been where you can dig your own jacuzzi! A stunningly beautiful beach in it's own right, at low tide you'll see people head down to a section in the middle of the beach armed with spades and a bottle of wine. A few minutes digging and you'll have a personal little bath which draws from the hot spring below. It gets so hot it can burn your little bottom, but position your pool in just the right spot and you'll get the occasional input from the sea to maintain the perfect bathing temperature. An amazing spot to sit and watch the sun go down with a little tipple in hand.

Hot Water Beach is in the Corromandel Penninsular in New Zealand's North Island. It's just off Route 25, approx 12k south east of Whitianga.
Google map: bit.ly/hMQtHc

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