Sauna Corner

Your private sauna experience in Rotorua

Our Saunas

Sauna Corner at Secret Spot Hot Tubs offers private, traditional saunas in Rotorua, six minutes from the city centre beside Whakarewarewa Forest. Each booking gives your group of up to four people exclusive use of a stone heated sauna built from fragrant Japanese hinoki wood, heated to around 70°C with volcanic rocks from Finland.

Your 40 minute session includes complimentary access to our 12°C cedar cold plunge tubs and outdoor shower, chilled drinking water, and our free Shinny Dip foot tubs. Private saunas start from $46 per adult. Towels, swimwear and robes are available to hire at reception.

How a private sauna session works

Your private sauna experience at Secret Spot is 40 minutes long, with an individual changing area located inside your sauna. Please arrive 15 minutes early to check in, and remember that swimwear or appropriate clothing must be worn at all times. Crafted from aromatic Japanese hinoki wood, our saunas start from approximately 70°C and can comfortably fit up to four members of your group. Inside, you’ll enjoy a traditional sauna experience with heated volcanic rocks and a bucket of water, allowing you to control the level of steam. 

Chilled drinking water is provided, and you’ll have access to nearby 12°C cold plunge tubs and a cold outdoor shower. For the best results and to experience the full benefits of contrast therapy, we recommend alternating between the sauna and cold plunge throughout your session.

Top sauna tips

We have a few tips to help you make the most of your private sauna experience and keep you safe

  • Bring company Friends that sauna together, stay together – bring a friend to share the experience with
  • Dress for success Swimwear or appropriate clothing must be worn at all times, no shoes, phones are not recommended in the sauna
  • Start small Take it slow, starting with 10 minutes of sauna time, followed by some time to cool off 
  • Take the plunge Make use of the cold plunge tubs and shower beside the sauna
  • Stay hydrated Sauna can be an intense experience, so drink plenty of water 
  • Get steamy Add a small ladle of water to the heated rocks to create steam
  • Use the button If you require any assistance, press the button located in the sauna and our staff will be there to help
sauna in rotorua
Sauna in Rotorua: Cold Plunge Pool

Hot and cold contrast therapy

Contrast therapy means alternating between the heat of the sauna and the cold of a plunge tub. Our “Brass Monkeys” cedar plunge tubs sit at a chilly 12°C, right at the entrance to Sauna Corner, and are included with every sauna session.
Many guests find moving between hot and cold leaves them feeling refreshed and loosened up, especially after a day mountain biking or walking in the forest.

How to book

You’ll find a relaxed atmosphere and friendly welcome when you discover our secret spot in the forest. Here’s what you need to know before booking your private sauna experience:

  • Your private sauna experience is 40 minutes long 
  • Please arrive 15 minutes before your booking to allow time to check in
  • Sauna hours are from 10am to 10pm every day (the last sauna booking is at 9pm), our 40-minute sauna experience is bookable on the hour and half past the hour
  • Swimwear or appropriate clothing must be worn in the sauna at all times
  • Please bring your own swimwear and towels or hire them from reception
  • Book up to four friends or family per sauna, for larger bookings that need multiple saunas, please call us on 07 348 4442
  • No children under 5 years old, children 15 and under must be accompanied by an adult
  • Not recommended for guests with conditions affected by heat
  • Bookings can be rescheduled up to 4 hours prior to your reservation, booking cancellation requires 12 hours’ notice

Sauna FAQs

What is included with a sauna session?

A sauna session includes 40 minutes in one of our traditional saunas, along with access to our refreshing cold plunge tubs.

You’ll also have access to changing rooms, showers, storage lockers, and complimentary Shinny Dip Foot Hot Tubs during your visit.

Are the cold plunge tubs included?

Yes. Access to the cold plunge tubs is included with all sauna sessions and hot tub bookings.

Alternating between heat and cold is a popular way to refresh your body and enhance your relaxation experience.

What are the benefits of alternating between the sauna and cold plunge tubs?

Many guests enjoy alternating between the warmth of the sauna and the refreshing cold plunge tubs.

This contrast is often used to help guests feel refreshed and invigorated after their session. Individual experiences vary, and many visitors simply enjoy the relaxing ritual of moving between hot and cold.

How much does a private sauna cost at Secret Spot?

Private sauna sessions start from $46 per adult and include 40 minutes in the sauna, cold plunge tubs, shower and drinking water. See our prices page for the latest rates.

What should I wear in the sauna and cold plunge tubs?

Swimwear or activewear must be worn at all times when using the sauna and cold plunge tubs.

If you forget your swimwear, it can be hired from reception or purchased from our merchandise area.

How hot are the saunas?

Our traditional saunas are heated to from approximately 70°C.

The gentle heat provides a relaxing experience and pairs perfectly with the refreshing cold plunge tubs.

Are the sauna and cold plunge tubs private?

Yes. Your sauna and cold plunge experience is completely private.

Each booking includes exclusive use of your own traditional sauna and cold plunge tub for the duration of your session, allowing you to relax at your own pace without sharing the space with other guests.

Whether you’re visiting as a couple, family or group of friends, you’ll have a private space to enjoy the experience together.

What's the difference between the sauna and the hot tubs?

Our saunas are dry heat at around 70°C for up to four people, with 40 minute sessions. Our hot tubs are fresh spring water at 39.9°C for up to six people, with 45 minute sessions and drinks delivered to your tub.