SAUNA FEST

15-17 May 2026 | Blue Lake-Rotorua

The Sauna Project is back at Lake Tikitapu for another year of Sauna Fest!

Sauna Fest is back at Lake Tikitapu for another year, and we can’t wait to welcome you. We’re keeping the vibe cozy, just like last year's sold-out event. Our focus is on making the festival better each year, not bigger, so we're keeping attendance capped to ensure it remains a truly unique experience. It's a weekend for the whole family, with something for everyone to enjoy.

So, what’s it all about? Sauna Fest is where our nationwide community of wood-fired mobile saunas comes together for one incredible weekend. You’ll find over 20 unique saunas scattered around the festival grounds, both by the lake and throughout the park. Each one offers a different vibe, from silent and women-only to family-friendly, and more.

This year, we’re putting a big focus on the Aufguss ritual, a German sauna practice where essential oils are poured over hot rocks and the air is circulated with a towel, creating a powerful multi-sensory journey. For the first time ever, we’ll also be crowning New Zealand's first-ever Aufguss Champion. If you’ve got the skills, you can compete for the inaugural trophy!

But the festival is so much more than just sauna. It's a full weekend of connection, well-being and good times!

Sauna Fest is a place to connect, unwind, and just be yourself. It’s an unforgettable experience created to celebrate and grow sauna culture in New Zealand

saunafest@thesaunaproject.co.nz

Sauna Fest 26 Applications

A place to connect, learn and grow sauna culture in Aotearoa

Sauna Fest is our attempt of growing sauna culture in New Zealand. We aim to create a space where people can collectively explore the health-giving benefits of sauna. One way we do this is by incorporating ancient traditions into our sauna practices, using steam and oils to create a multi-sensory experience that enhances well-being. Alongside the saunas, we offer a range of activities designed to spark new ideas, encourage meaningful connection, and celebrate the joy of being in each other’s presence. These include:

Sauna - Workshops - Talks - Music - Yoga - Dance - Lake Swims

Bush Walks - Lakeside Runs - Food - Connection - Meditation

We aim to create a space that allows people to feel connected not only to their inner life but also to those around them. We see festivals as a rare opportunity to learn new things and experience unity over the course of a weekend.

If you enjoy saunas and would like to be part of the growing sauna culture in New Zealand, we’d love for you to join us.

Take a closer look at what happened at Sauna Fest 2025

  • Click here to immerse yourself in all the goodness of the Sauna Fest 2025 workshop & music schedule! Learn more about our presenters, musicians and what’s on offer!

  • Click here for a closer look at the vendors and the delicious food/drink they're offering.

  • Click here for a closer look at the market stalls and all the amazing creations and product on offer.

  • Click here to check out the musical talent which will be gracing your ears.

  • Book in for a healing experience at Sauna Fest. Click here to find out more

Video Library

Sauna Fest 2025 Highlight Reel

One word to describe Sauna Fest

Sauna Fest 2025 Highlight Reel (long version)

What is Sauna Fest?

FAQ’S

WHAT DOES MY TICKET INCLUDE?

Sauna Fest is hosted at the Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park, https://bluelaketop10.co.nz/. Your GA ticket gives you access to everything the festival has to offer including on-site camping. On-site amenities include showers and toilets, along with regularly maintained shared kitchen spaces for those who prefer to cook their own meals. Your ticket gives you access to all workshops and saunas throughout the entire weekend. 

WHAT ABOUT MY CAR OR CARAVAN?

There will be free off-site parking, however if you wish to bring your car in with you, you'll need to purchase a car pass (limited to 1 per site) or if you want plug in your caravan/motor home, you'll need to purchase a powered site pass. You can purchase a car pass or powered site via the ticket link.

WILL THERE BE FOOD TO PURCHASE?

In addition to kitchen facilities there are BBQ areas available for your use during the festival. There will also be a variety of delicious food available for purchase from a selection of food trucks, offering a diverse range of options to cater for all food and drink preferences.

WHAT ABOUT ALCOHOL?

No alcohol will be served at Sauna Fest. If you bring your own, we ask that you be responsible with it. Most people will not be drinking, so please don’t cause a scene—that’s not what the festival is about.

CAN I BRING MY DOG?

No sorry, not this year. We had some people last year breaking the dog rules so unfortunately we cant accommodate your furry friend.

IS THE SAUNA FEST FAMILY FRIENDLY?

Absolutely! Family-friendliness is a top priority for us. The festival features multiple playgrounds, including a pump track and a large bouncy pillow. We will also have a dedicated kids’ zone staffed by experienced kindergarten teachers. Children’s passes and family passes can be purchased at family-friendly prices to ensure everyone can join in the fun. We recommend camping in a quieter area away from the main tent; just ask us upon your arrival for directions.

CAN I STAY OFF-SITE AND COME BACK IN EACH DAY?

Absolutely, there are plenty of great accommodation options close-by on AirBnB and the likes. You will be given a wrist band and can come and go as you like.

DO I HAVE TO STICK TO THE RULES OF THE THEMED SAUNAS?

Yes please, each sauna will have a theme, silent, women's only, family friendly, naked, or free-flowing. Please check the sign before entering the sauna and stick to what it says.

HOW DO I APPLY AS A VOLUNTEER?

Applications will open end of September.

HOW DO I APPLY AS A WORKSHOP PRESENTER and/or MUSICIAN?

Applications will open end of September. There will be applications for mini sauna sessions, zone workshops and musicians.