The Sauna Wānaka
Wānaka, New Zealand
About
A wood-fired sauna on the Lake Wānaka shore at the Outlet, a short drive from town, with the lake for cold immersion between rounds. Guided sessions add breathwork and music to three rounds of heat; self-guided sessions run quieter, with community-led steam. The whole sauna can be booked for groups of up to fifteen.
Good to know
- Wood-fired heat: softer, heavier löyly than electric, and the smell of the stove is part of the room.
- Direct lake access: most visitors plunge straight into the water between sauna rounds.
- Mountain setting: elevation changes and views are part of what you're paying for.
- Set up outdoors: weather is part of the experience, so dress for the walk between cabin and water.
- Set in nature, away from the city, so bring a car or plan the transfer in advance.
- Runs aufguss sessions: a guided löyly ritual where an attendant fans the steam around the room on a schedule.
- Bookable as a private session: rent the room for your group rather than sharing with strangers.
Hours
- Hours not listed
No standing opening hours; sessions run to a weekly class schedule booked online (e.g. a Monday 07:20 guided ritual)
Common questions
Do I need to book The Sauna Wānaka?
Yes. Sessions are booked in advance, usually as a timed slot. The whole sauna can also be hired privately.
How much does The Sauna Wānaka cost?
Sessions are typically $25–50 a person. Hiring the whole sauna costs $100–250.
Does The Sauna Wānaka have a cold plunge?
Cold dips happen in open water beside the sauna.
Take the atlas with you
Save saunas and log your sessions with Ember for iPhone.
