Please come prepared with:

Swimwear
Two towels – one for sitting on in the sauna and one for drying off
Water bottle
Optional: 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.

Your host will welcome you to Āio, show you where to place your towel and belongings, and guide you through the flow of the session. Please shower before entering the sauna.

During your experience, you’ll move through three nourishing cycles of heat and cold within the hour.

Most sessions are 1 hour, including three rounds of 12–15 minutes in the sauna followed by 5 minutes of cold-water immersion.
Some private experiences are extended for deeper restoration.

Temperatures vary with the seasons, but the plunge typically sits between 6–12°C. In cooler months, it may drop lower—creating a true alpine-style immersion.

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

Shower before entering the sauna
Always sit on a towel
Use quiet voices to maintain a peaceful environment
Quiet conversations are welcome—we encourage a sense of community while honouring the calm of the space

Private experiences offer exclusive access to the sauna and cold plunge—ideal for individuals, couples, or groups wanting privacy and space.
Shared experiences take place in a relaxed, respectful group setting—perfect for those who enjoy community or are new to contrast therapy.

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.

Yes. All sessions are guided and include gentle aufguss/steam rituals with essential oils, unless you have requested complete privacy for your private booking.

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 heat + cold therapy, our experiences are designed for ages 16+ unless otherwise stated in special family sessions.

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. Late cancellations or no-shows may incur the full booking fee. Full details are available in your booking confirmation.

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 on the lawn where there is space available. You’ll find our beautiful sauna tucked beneath the retaining wall, nestled away from the house.

FAQs