THE SAUNA BOOK:
Aotearoa New Zealand
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About
About
The Sauna Book: Aotearoa New Zealand — a beautifully photographed publication exploring how the ancient Finnish ritual of sauna is being reimagined at the edge of the world.
From remote hideaways in the hills of Central Otago to backyard builds in Tāmaki Makaurau, this book showcases several remarkable saunas across Aotearoa — and the stories of the people who built them. Whether it’s a public trailer sauna, a minimalist off-grid retreat, or a family-built sauna for quiet reflection, these spaces reveal how sauna culture in New Zealand is evolving in fascinating, localised ways.
Welcome to the journey of making The Sauna Book: Aotearoa New Zealand.
Why sauna book about Aotearoa?
Why sauna book about Aotearoa?
Our Pōneke Wellington-based book team has watched the sauna scene in Aotearoa grow from a curiosity to a nationwide movement. Saunas here blend cultures: karakia before entering the steam, mindfulness playlists, towel rituals adopted from Germany, lavender essential oils, and heat-timers — far from traditional Finnish löyly. This book asks: What does sauna mean here in Aotearoa New Zealand?
The book aims to be a celebration of design, wellness, cultural adaptation, and what it means to create space for warmth and connection in the southern hemisphere, and reflecting on the traditional Finnish sauna experience and its simplicity.
What to expect
What to expect
20+ private, public, and mobile saunas across Aotearoa.
Intimate interviews with sauna builders and owners.
High-end photography and thoughtful storytelling.
A balance of traditional Finnish insight and Aoetearoa New Zealand innovation and number 8 wire mentality.
Want to be featured?
Want to be featured?
Do you own, operate, or know of a special sauna in New Zealand?
We’re currently gathering submissions from sauna owners across the motu to be featured in the project.
Stay in the loop
Stay in the loop
The book is currently in development.
We'd like to hear from Aotearoa-based publishers, and professional photographers for collaboration: thesaunabook@gmail.com.
To follow our project and to hear first when the book will be launched, subscribe to our mailing list.
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