Āio is an outdoor sauna experience set in nature — not a luxury spa.

This is a home-based space, intentionally simple and grounded. A place to slow down, disconnect from the noise, and reconnect with yourself and nature.

Please come prepared with:

Swimwear
Two towels – one for sitting on in the sauna and one for drying off
Water bottle
Easy slip-on footwear

Our facilities have minimal storage and no private changing rooms, so we encourage you to leave extra belongings at home or in your car and arrive ready to step into the sauna.

Āio is a small boutique, owner-operated sauna experience based at our home in Ōmori, so your host will personally welcome you on arrival.

You’ll be shown where to place your belongings and guided through the flow of the session. Please shower before entering the sauna.

During your experience, you’ll be encouraged to move through three gentle cycles of heat and cold.

Most sessions are 60 minutes, allowing time for around three rounds of 12–15 minutes in the sauna, each followed by a few minutes of cooling down outside, under the outdoor shower, or in the cold plunge.

Some experiences are extended to allow for a slower, deeper restoration.

Temperatures vary with the seasons, but the plunge typically sits between 8–12°C.

Our traditional sauna is heated between 75–90°C, creating an ideal environment for deep heat, relaxation, and therapeutic sweating.

Please remove all jewellery before entering the sauna to prevent overheating or burns.
Always sit on a towel
Shower before entering the ice bath
Use quiet voices to maintain a peaceful environment

Absolutely. Our experiences are suitable for beginners, and our team can guide you through your first heat + cold cycle. If you have medical concerns such as heart conditions, pregnancy, or blood pressure issues, we recommend consulting your healthcare provider first.

In many cases, yes. Please contact us directly at hello@aiosauna.co.nz and we’ll do our best to accommodate your preferred time.

For safety reasons and due to the nature of contrast therapy, our experiences are designed for ages 16+.

Our facilities are designed for year-round use. The sauna is warm in any weather, and the cold plunge is refreshing rain or shine. In extreme conditions (high winds, lightning, severe storms), we may reschedule for safety.

We strongly recommend booking ahead—especially for weekends, holidays, and private experiences—as sessions often sell out.

Cancellations made within the specified time window (usually 24–48 hours) can be rescheduled or refunded. Cancellations made outside of this window, or no-shows, will incur the full booking fee.

For full details, please see our Cancellation Policy under Terms & Conditions.

Yes. We can tailor wellbeing sessions for small groups, retreats, workshops, or team offsites. Contact us for custom group rates and availability.

People with cardiovascular concerns, pregnancy, unmanaged high/low blood pressure, or other medical conditions should seek medical advice before participating. If unsure, ask your doctor—it’s always better to be safe.

Off State Highway 41, turn right onto Omori Road. We are the second driveway on the left, marked by a brick entrance fence and our Āio Sauna sign.

Follow the sign down the long shared driveway—Āio is the last house on the right. Please park carefully where space is available in the driveway or on the lawn, ensuring access is kept clear. You’ll find our beautiful sauna tucked beneath the retaining wall, nestled away from the house.

Āio is located on private property and operates by booking only.

FAQs