The Sauna Project is very happy to announce the return of Sauna Fest! From the 16th to the 18th of May 2025, we will gather 15 of our mobile saunas from across the country at the beautiful Lake Tikitapu. This festival is a celebration of saunas and the renewal they bring into our lives.

In this welcoming space, everyone is invited to come as they are and connect during a weekend dedicated to health and well-being. Sauna Fest is an attempt to grow sauna culture in New Zealand. We aim to create a space where we can collectively explore the health-giving benefits of sauna. One way that we do this is by incorporating ancient traditions into our sauna routines, using steam and oils to create a magical experience and enhance well-being. Alongside the saunas we also have a range of activities that you can choose to participate in during the weekend, such as;

Sauna
Ice plunge
Educational/interactive workshops
Yoga
Meditation
Games
Food
Shops
Music - Including Desmond Cheese!!!!
Dance

FAQ's:

What does my ticket include?
Sauna Fest is hosted at the Blue Lake Top 10 Holiday Park, https://bluelaketop10.co.nz/. Your ticket gives you access to camping and motorhome sites, including the option to plug into caravan hookups if your vehicle requires it. On-site amenities include showers and toilets, along with regularly maintained shared kitchen spaces for those who prefer to cook their own meals. Additionally, your ticket gives you access to all workshops and saunas throughout the entire weekend.

Will there be food?
In addition to kitchen facilities there are BBQ areas available for your use during the festival. For your convenience, a variety of food will be available for purchase from a selection of food trucks, offering a diverse range of options to satisfy all food preferences.

Will there be a dance floor?
We are SUPER proud to announce that Desmond Cheese is headlining Sauna Fest! If you haven’t heard of them, do yourself a favour and look them up—their tunes are timeless. Alongside Desmond Cheese, we will also have a selection of DJs, including DJT from last year, who always gets the best dance floor going. So, YES, bring your dancing shoes! :)

What about alcohol?
No alcohol will be served at Sauna Fest. If you bring your own, we just 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.

Is 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, allowing you to relax in the sauna or attend a workshop while your children are well cared for. Children’s 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 apply to volunteer?
Yes! We welcome a small group of dedicated volunteers. Applications will be open through our website at https://www.thesaunaproject.co starting January 3rd.

How do I apply to showcase my skills and be a facilitator?
Applications for facilitators will open on December 10th, 2024. We invite you to share your unique skills with our community, as Sauna Fest aims to provide a platform for you to inspire others and enhance their own practices.

Say Cheese!!
Tickets holders consent to be filmed, photographed and recorded during the festival. These recordings may be used to promote Sauna Fest.

🔥 🤸🏼‍♀️ ☀️ 🌱 💧

Sauna Fest 2025

Mark the date, May's embrace,
Three days of fires warmth in a sacred place.
By Lake Tikitapu's shimmering shore,
Saunas gather, hearts restore.

A celebration, pure and true,
Ice plunges, music, workshops too.
Dance, connect, and feel the flow,
A weekend of well-being, where spirits grow.

With space to camp, motorhomes in tow,
Bring your friends, let the laughter flow.
Together we gather, in nature's embrace,
At Sauna Fest, our wellness space.